Official BYC Poll: The Worst Predator

[kingsleycoop]

That's so sad, I'm sorry for your loss. Hanging CD's close to areas where your birds will run for cover, helps to deter hawks. and I imagine it will work for owls, too. It doesn't have to be a lot of CD's, or hung around so they look trashy. You can even make a mobile using just a couple, and add some shiny ribbon that blows around. Or you can use commercially made wind spinners too.

Thank you! I actually hung a few the day after it happened.

 

[gotthefever]

White Ninja - pretty old post, sorry... I think it would have to be a feral cat that could do it. My cat is a little siss pants. I could see her snuggling up to them for a warm nap spot. Miss Betty and Miss Wilma would kick the cats behind in 2 pecks

 

[gotthefever]

So...outdoor family,

If you have every super predator in the country...do you lock up your birds at night? What about a run? Free range is gonna be loss, it is what it is.

Killing and trapping is not a permanent solution, they reproduce and move into the vacant territory. Wild animals belong also, they are an important part of the ecosystem and can find their own wild food.

I am all about the electric fence as a simple solution. Its really easy, not that expensive, really! Many less worries. Do a search for bears and electric fence. Its awesome and safe!!!

Best wishes.

 

[minnehaha]

White Ninja - pretty old post, sorry... I think it would have to be a feral cat that could do it. My cat is a little siss pants. I could see her snuggling up to them for a warm nap spot. Miss Betty and Miss Wilma would kick the cats behind in 2 pecks

I agree with you. I am absolutely sure that My carnivorous chickens would eat my cat if they could catch him! It wouldn't be a pecking order peck like Miss Betty and Wilma would deliver, i think mine would tear him apart from limb to limb and eat him. All 41 chickens were chasing him recently, and I had to hurry over and pick him up (actually, he jumped up into my arms), but they stayed on my heels squawking. I imagine they were saying "just put him down and nobody gets hurt"

He is terrified of them, they free range in my 2 acre yard, when kitty wants out, he has to be let out a door where the coast is clear of chickens, otherwise, he mews pathetically and won't go out.

 

[RAnst4038]

Weekly hawk attacks and loss of two Comets forced me to spend another $100 to cover the whole back yard with net.

 

[gotthefever]

So sorry about your loss.

My SO is weaving a top to his giant run with rope. After a super close call with a hawk, did not get chicken who was in shock for 30 min and is fine now. He thought she was dead. 2 days later - 6 hawks in the trees...just awatching. We thought they had enough cover. We think too much.

I have a covered run and a baby monitor, for when they are out. Maybe I could cover the whole yard with a net also...

I am kind of liking the golf or batting cage type netting for a smaller area.

Hope that's the last of the predator problems for you.
-A

 

[RAnst4038]

So sorry about your loss.

My SO is weaving a top to his giant run with rope. After a super close call with a hawk, did not get chicken who was in shock for 30 min and is fine now. He thought she was dead. 2 days later - 6 hawks in the trees...just awatching. We thought they had enough cover. We think too much.

I have a covered run and a baby monitor, for when they are out. Maybe I could cover the whole yard with a net also...

I am kind of liking the golf or batting cage type netting for a smaller area.

Hope that's the last of the predator problems for you.
-A

50 X 50 on Ebay $55 very strong and well made. Search 2" Bird Netting. Will have to wait a couple years to see how it holds up. It took 2 people 2 days to get it up. Had to cover shingled roofs and trees with tarps to get it across. Not finished yet, have to put some bamboo polls up yet and patch in the open areas.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360668927005?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[gotthefever]

I love that "chicken people" can be so creative and industrious. It's like chicken crack, once you start there is no stopping.
Well some give up, with predation or illness, but that is just not us. Kudos!
-A

 

[jmalo2907]

Looking for help! While free ranging some predator got ahold of a couple of my chickens. Out of 11 i found 2 and feathers to two more. I couldn't find anymore or even get them to make a peep. So my question is will they come back in the morning(if still alive) or will i still have to hunt for them?

 

[chicknmania]

They will probably come back, they are hiding. Look for them if it starts getting dark and they haven't come back.