NW Floridian needs help with predators.

[SmackyMouth]

We've lost over a hundred chickens, a dozen turkeys, and four geese in the last year. We seem to be controlling the possums, coons, fox, and bobcats. However, things are still going missing. Our current battle is owls and hawks. It's even more difficult since we're not on the property full-time. Any and all suggestions will be welcomed. Should we just give up until our home sells and we can move there full-time?

 

[KellyHM]

You need to build some predator proof runs. Heavy duty wire on the sides, tops, and bottoms. Hotwire around the bottom too.

 

[Namble]

Quote:
^ I agree.

 

[citrusdreams]

How are you keeping them? Can you post a picture of your set up? What steps are you taking to protect them? It's hard to advise you without more information.

 

[Mom2Cool]

How far are you living from the property? Would it be possible to move there while you're still working where you live now? Or maybe you could rent out the house you're in now & then just make your move to the farm?

As for what to do about the predators are your chickens locked up at night or just out in an open pen? I would think for an Owl to be getting them they are out all night. Maybe your coop could have one of those auto doors that closes & then they'd be secure at night? and if you're not there then you may want to pen up the chickens & add a top to that.

I heard someone here on BYC once say if you tie old CD's to branches of trees the reflection of them will scare a hawk. I've not tried that yet & I do have hawks on occassion so I may just give it a try too. Someone else today I read said they were going to get one of those automatic santa claus that dances & sings to set next to the coop to scar away something that's creeping up to the coop. It's just a thought & of course the hot wire is a good one too.

 

[SunshineSilkies]

First of all...

I have electric fence all the way around my coop and I spread moth balls on the backside. When I let them out, they only range in the front of the coop...Have a free range hen with 5 little ones and we spotted a hawk yesterday. We took her and the chicks and put them in an enclosed run with wire buried underneath as well.