Losing lots of chickens to some unknown predator

[centrarchid]

You have identified concerns I would have even with dog and fences. Invest a little more effort in getting dog to leave chickens alone and that may still be a maturity issue. To prevent predators such as coyote from using fence against dog I make dogs learn how to get around fences when they want to. Coyotes will not want to mess around inside fence if they suspect dog can get at them their as well.

 

[costello]

You have identified concerns I would have even with dog and fences. Invest a little more effort in getting dog to leave chickens alone and that may still be a maturity issue. To prevent predators such as coyote from using fence against dog I make dogs learn how to get around fences when they want to. Coyotes will not want to mess around inside fence if they suspect dog can get at them their as well.

I'm not sure how to teach the dog to get through an electric fence without leaving an opening that predators could also get through. I've considered leaving him inside the fence at night, but then I'd worry he couldn't protect the goats.

 

[centrarchid]

Tonight I will explain how to make so perimeter fencing is semi-permeable. Then he can be left with goats but go to chicken area when need arises. His hips need to be in good shape which is why I opted for smaller dogs.

 

[costello]

Tonight I will explain how to make so perimeter fencing is semi-permeable. Then he can be left with goats but go to chicken area when need arises. His hips need to be in good shape which is why I opted for smaller dogs.

Thanks. He's a young dog (will be 2 on Christmas Day) with no sign of hip problems. Also very intelligent.

 

[centrarchid]

My setup has so dog freely operates outside poultry perimeter. The poultry perimeter has a gate that is kept fully open when I am present to prevent dog from going after chickens. As dog broken of molesting chickens which is partly a maturation process usually finished around time dog two years old, I then setup so gate is setup so dog must jump it to get into chicken area. Initially jump for dog very low but over time I raise. Once jump exceeds 30 inches of so dogs do not do it unless very strongly motivated but can clear 48" fence just like a coyote. The dog has time to learn and will not be afraid of being cornered or caught blindsided once getting past fence like a coyote would thus coyote much less likely to use same approach for getting in. Not all dogs have the jumping ability needed, especially heavy dogs / small dogs that do not develop skill when young. Harder part is getting your dog to know when it is time to go all out and jump fence to deal with bad guys that do get in like I have presented by Great-horned Owls. I also use a lower output charger during training phase so dogs does not think learning effort too unpleasant to continue.

 

[costello]

More info, and it's very upsetting. I've found poop that looks like dog poop in the back of the barn with lots of feathers and a few bits of eaten chickens. Something is comfortable enough to enter, kill, eat, and defecate. Coyote? Fox?

 

[costello]

Oh, I forgot my question. If I sit in that barn tonight - with my dog, of course - will that just discourage the predator from coming in?

Also, I bought a trail cam yesterday. Will it work inside, or is that too dark?

 

[costello]

The scat.

 

[costello]

The one almost whole body I've found. Found on Friday. Same bird, same wound, taken from two different angles.

 

[costello]

I also found a spot where something pulled one of my chickens through the fence. About a foot up off the ground.