generally speaking, if a rat/prey, hear, smell sense a predator about, they will generally stay away. I'm not into killing and suffering does my head in but, prevention. and dogs and cats can do this. Nature's way.
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There is potentially one problem with terriers. A really strong prey drive can mean that will also go after the chickens. I have a 6 lb yorkshire terrier who has killed his fair share of critters including a 4 ft snake, 3 juvenile possums, a number of voles...and a few chicks and a couple of hens who had flown over their fence. To him, if it runs, it's prey. Just saying.All true. I had a major infestation when I moved in a couple months ago. Not realizing it I put chickens in. Now the muroidea are fat as butter and sleek as satin. I have my store in a metal can but that doesn’t keep them from pilfering from the serving tray. I have a wonderful tomcat that likes to bite them in the head. Although he also gets distracted with other little life forms that are no concern of mine. My next step is to put out a bucket with a one way ticket to a little pond. I tried glue traps. Once I caught two rats and a leghorn pullet on one trap. The pullet survived and is doing well. Perhaps I will get a terrier too. If I can get caught up to a few here and there it won’t be so bad. Right now i’d guess I have more than a few dozen breeding does within 30 ft of my coop.
so basically if I have a dog on staff, he has to completely separated from the chickens.
I've had dogs who loved my chickens, but they had no prey drive. Dogs kill more poultry than just about any other predator and the stronger the prey drive, the more likely they will kill your chickens given the chance. They can be trained to leave the chickens alone, but it takes a lot of work and dedication. I'm not sure how that affects their prey drive overall. It would be interesting to hear from someone who has a dog that's a good ratter but is able to leave chickens alone.so basically if I have a dog on staff, he has to completely separated from the chickens.
Opened the nest box today to collect eggs. Had a 6 ft long fat black snake. I only have three hens, and they have become very same. My husband wants me to find them a home. They are 6 months old and laying everyday. I hate to give them up, but my husband can't deal with snakes. Plus I board and groom small dogs, and can't risk them getting bite or eaten. Any ideas would be great.Knock on wood we haven't lost any to predators.