It was a Coyote, NOT a Hawk!

[rocmoc]

A couple of weeks ago we lost a hen the first time we let the girls out of the covered run. Since we have so many Hawks & Eagles, we thought it was one of them. But today with the girls out catching grasshoppers, their first job not laying eggs, I heard them sound the alarm. I ran to the window to see a Coyote standing on the wall. Our property has a solid min. 5 1/2 foot wall around the entire property. I didn't think we had to worry about dogs or coyotes because of the height of the wall. There it was standing on top of the wall figuring out which one of the girls was going to be breakfast. I ran for the shotgun while DW watched the girls, returning as he jumped back down outside of the wall. I ran to the wall hoping for a shot, darn if it wasn't standing next to the electrical transformer & telephone box. We looked at each other as it walked away with the transformer & box in the shot. Ran around to another location and it was gone. Now we have to wait for the girls to go in before we can go to town. But at least in the last couple of days they pretty much took care of the grasshoppers. Looks like they will have to have an armed guard in the future when they are free ranging out of the run. Only concern is the covered run will keep out the Hawks & Eagles but never a Coyote if it is determined.

rocmoc n AZ

 

[Chicky Mama]

We keep these as protection.

Unfortunatly they couldn't save my cat from those frickin Coyotes,he must have been out back in the forest.

To the right of the pic out of the fence is US forest our extended backyard so to speak. We get Coyotes all the time out there but the dogs sound the alarm.We also keep a gun next to the back door for such an occasion.If dog isn't an option get a live trap from somewhere that's Coyote size or a caller and then shoot it!!

Those suckers come in waaay to close for their own good and my peace of mind!We haven't lost a bird to any critters thankfully but they're locked up at all times.Even if they could free range which would be nice,I'd be worried all the time. Such is life in the mountains,good luck.

 

[mikesbigroo]

heard a man say he seen a coyote clear a 8 ft. fence,, i didn't see it, but i have seen one in my field clear a 6 footer

 

[wombat]

He'll be back. Coop up til you can set him up, add a hot wire if you don't have one.

Stake out one sacrificial bird in a wire dog crate before dawn come Saturday, and get a clean shot at Wylie T. Coyoteeee.

 

[Chicky Mama]

Here's some of my Dad's thoughts aside from the trap.
Try putting out a radio at nite ,they associate the sounds to humans.
Something with human scent on it such as a Tshirt around the coop area. Or get a bottle of Mountain lion urine and spray the perimeter with it,Cougars are their natural preditors. You can try those if your against killing.Personally I'd shoot the buggers,you should be able to buy a caller for not to much.After the fires we had here there's quite afew displaced yotes and to close for me.Like I said the gun is always at the backdoor!

 

[StupidBird]

My sis lives in Phoenix, their coyotes jump the walls all the time. Some things that have been tried around her neighborhood are putting broken glass (sometimes glued on) to the top of the wall, a hot wire or other things that make landing on the top of those cinderblock walls uncomfortable or impossible. coyotes are nimble, persistent, and increasingly fearless in her neighborhood.
Good luck.

 

[rocmoc]

Thanks everyone. I do have the gun sitting by the door. The girls go into a very secure coop at night and have only been out of the run when I have been out there. Neighbor knows I will be taking a shot so no surprise if there is gunfire. They will be going in the backyard today for grasshopper control so the radio will be on plus I will be around. I was thinking about glass on the top of the wall, an additional level of protection for a smaller older couple in the sticks, but the hotwire maybe better. It would be my luck if I put glass up there I would be the one who would get in it! Dog will probably be in the cards long term.

Thanks again,
rocmoc

 

[newchickmom09]

I have seen a coyote jump and climb straight up out of a wash on to a top of the hill that was at least 8-10 feet tall. I had to look up over me to see were he went. They are prime jumping, running, and climbing machines. Not as good as climbing as cats but they can scale a wall or wash bed easy. We have a big empty field in the middle of our town and at night the coyotes come in to eat the pack rats and other small animals that live in there. Probably some stray cats also.

I know when we got out hunting those coyotes run as soon as our dogs get there sent. So a dog that you get young and raise to be around your chickens would probably be a very good way to protect your flock. I wouldn't put out mountian lion urien, the last thing you want is a lion coming around because they sence a new smell. It says you are in Tucson and I know there are lions around there we hunt them. I would put some barked wire on top of your fence. They won't really want to get into that. Glass, like you said you probably will be the one getting into that not the coyotes.

If you shout it make sure you are not in city limits

that can come with a heafty fine. If you get a hunting license you would be legal to shot them just incase anything ever pops up from you getting one.