Official BYC Poll: The Worst Predator

[JJSS89]

That's why its imperative to use hardware cloth on your coops and runs. Even weasels and snakes can't squeeze through the 1/2 or 1/4" inch mesh. And of course, make certain that there are no other small openings anywhere in the coop structure.

I don't know if I'd say it's overall "imperative" because depending on where you live, it may not be. I agree it's nice to have but some people have very large coops and hardware cloth becomes cost prohibitive if you're looking at a large setup for most folks.


People have been raising chickens without hardware cloth for a long time

 

[Michael OShay]

I don't know if I'd say it's overall "imperative" because depending on where you live, it may not be. I agree it's nice to have but some people have very large coops and hardware cloth becomes cost prohibitive if you're looking at a large setup for most folks.


People have been raising chickens without hardware cloth for a long time

I realize that of course. I was speaking in your context of a "weasel problem". Without using hardware cloth you can't keep weasels out of your coop or runs.

 

[JJSS89]

I realize that of course. I was speaking in your context of a "weasel problem". Without using hardware cloth you can't keep weasels out of your coop or runs.

Roger dodger.

 

[11004grace]

I would agree that Bobcats are the worst! I've lost all but one of my chickens to a fat Bobcat in my area. Every time I think my coop is safe, it takes another bird. I'm down to my Goldylocks.... After securing my coop today, if it takes Goldy, I'm done raising chickens.

 

[gander007]

I would agree that Bobcats are the worst! I've lost all but one of my chickens to a fat Bobcat in my area. Every time I think my coop is safe, it takes another bird. I'm down to my Goldylocks.... After securing my coop today, if it takes Goldy, I'm done raising chickens.

Well first

One of the many Bob-Cats that decided to stay around after
having dinner ....







This one is having my Marans 3 year old rooster for breakfast
and refused to let go of such a fine meal .......



Just last year alone I got just over 20 Bob-Cats on my property
and I own a small lot ......







gander007

 

[KWSRetMSgt]

Hello Gander007, sorry to hear about losing your flock to the Bobcats, definately not advantageous to having chickens. But you have to admit they are beautiful animals. Well if Goldilocks is the only hen you have left, start praying "The three bears" dont show up next. LOL

 

[JJSS89]

I would agree that Bobcats are the worst! I've lost all but one of my chickens to a fat Bobcat in my area. Every time I think my coop is safe, it takes another bird. I'm down to my Goldylocks.... After securing my coop today, if it takes Goldy, I'm done raising chickens.

Hello and welcome. If you have the resources to built a very sturdy pen with a wire roof and something to force at least 2' of digging to obtain access, you will not have any bobcats getting into your pen with any regularity. I've had lots of bobcats come check out my pen but never get in because I have 1" poultry netting over top of my run and nothing is getting in by digging unless they can dig through 3' of rocks and poultry netting.

 

[gander007]

Hello Gander007, sorry to hear about losing your flock to the Bobcats, definately not advantageous to having chickens. But you have to admit they are beautiful animals. Well if Goldilocks is the only hen you have left, start praying "The three bears" dont show up next. LOL

Oh you are correct about that they are boatful creatures but it is the half breads that are the worst of all for doing damage to a flock and the most abrasive and daring in their action but I did cage catch a Bob-Cat some years ago and wile trying to clip it's claws I had one of my younger son's hold the cat and yes I had him put on some welding leathers and gloves for his protection but he held the cat a little to tight and now we do not try that anymore ....


Ya if three bears show up I do not think my heavy fence will keep them out ......



This picture was only put up to show you the main fence that
is 360 degrees around the outer perimeter of the property ..








gander007

 

[roseyred]

Vulture should be on there.....********

 

[JJSS89]

Vulture should be on there.....********

I've never seen a vulture kill anything.