magpies

[ellieroo]

I have a magpie problem

is there anyway to deter them from going in and stealing eggs other than lockdown of coop!

 

[gallusdomesticus]

I don't know where you live, but Magpies may be the least of your problems. Most people on this forum have lost or almost lost a bird to predators and hawks are a big threat to your flock. Your laying nests should be in a hawk proof (therefore magpie proof) area. Some people string fishing line over their runs and attach CD's or other reflective material to the lines. I have welded steel wire over my run after plastic netting proved to not stop a determined hawk attack. Anything you can do to keep birds out of your coop will not only keep your eggs safe but protect your flock from predators and possible disease carrying wild birds.

 

[ellieroo]

I have my share of hawks coons skunks and coyotes and deal with all accordingly!! The magpies go in the coop thru the same door the free range chickens use!! Right now I have buckeyes in the garage in a pen they roam the backyard during the day so when the garage door is open (the people door) the magpies have found their eggs also. Guess I'm just venting fustration as I've control the big predators but the magpies are

 

[gallusdomesticus]

Giocchino Rossini, the great Italian Composer, wrote a famous Overture "La Gazza Ladra" (The Theiving Magpie) and opera by the same name. It debuted at La Scala in Milan in 1817.....seems magpies have been doing this for a long time!

 

[ellieroo]

Yup its been a yearly battle.Nothing worse than coombing the barn for banty eggs find nothing then 10mins later watch a magpie fly right over you with .... a banty egg in its mouth!!!

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

Ohhh that stinks. I have a neighbor that penned their hens up but did not enclose them in a run and their hen's were carried off by a hawk. I am taking no chances and providing a full enclosure for my girls with horse wire.

 

[martinjj]

If it was me, I would throw some bird seed down and start cleaning them out with a bb-gun
Martin

 

[mediazeal]

Sorry
Magpies will be magpies. Secure your nesting area. You might have luck with a pop door for your hens to roam from
open nests will invite all sorts
good luck

 

[ellieroo]

our new and improved coop (3yrs in the making, don't ask) is almost done.Has anyone used clear strips of vinyl on coop doors ?? The BB gun is standing by but the magpies are the best hawk deterents on the planet.Catch 22

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

Quote:
I was in Ireland 2 summers ago and i loved seeing the magpies everywhere. I didn't know they were so destructive..use lots of chicken netting.