We had an ice storm this winter and I've moved some large downed branches into the places the chickens forage, sort of chicken bunkers they can scramble to if they see a hawk.
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It was probably a year ago I read an article on this website about growing a type of weed or bush that when planted somewhat close together provides a cover for chickens.
I spent the last 30 minutes searching google with all different types of keywords and can not find that article.
My wife and I are getting ready to expand the chicken yard. When it is done we are looking at around 200 X 100 feet. I thought about planting some cover plants around the yard so the chickens can have places to run to if the see a hawk.
Is there a type of shrub I can plant to provide protection? Covering the whole yard with netting is not an option.
Over the past 6 months my wife and I have lost 3 full grown hens and 3 six - eight week old chicks to hawks.
Lost so far:
2 year old Jersey giant, found half eaten
2 year old speckled sussex, disappeared
2 year old Rhode Island Red, disappeared
7 week old barred rock, disappeared, I found just a couple of feathers
7 week old australorp, half eaten
7 week old buff orpington, disappeared
Surely there is some kind of bush, such as a hedge type of plant we can uyse to give the chickens some kind of protection?
Blackberries are great. You can even pick and eat them. My only problem with them would be trying to catch a chicken that didnt want to get back where I want them.
Just wondering if its not a fox or coyote that is also contributing to the problem. Normally a hawk will eat where it kills or move a short distance, also they cannot carry more than their own weight so you probably have a predator problem also.
Hello neighbor,Greetings to a Fellow East Texan!
A healthy non diseased fox will not cross a medium to large size dog. Unfortunately chihuahuas and toy breeds, as cats, can be meals for desperate wildlife. A dog is also a great alert for something occurring or approaching your flock. As my dogs are not always outside I have also incorporated the following: a radio left on 24/7 and a flashing red predator "eye" - the one I have is the Nite Guard Solar NG-001 Predator Control Light and I ordered it through Amazon,