Official BYC Poll: The Worst Predator

[MrsRodgers]

I have to say that, in my recent experience, a bear is the worst. Not only will it kill and eat your chickens, it will also destroy your run, coop, roost, what have you, in order to get to your chickens. I began the summer with 12 chicks (1 RIR, 5 Americana, and 6 Buff Orpington) that did very well (for me being a first time chicken-raiser). I lost one to a dog who pulled a chick straight through the 2" hex fencing, and another that I lost because his jaw was broken and his crooked beak didn't allow him to eat properly. When my chicks were 7-8 weeks old and outside in the run I picked up a Black-tailed White Japanese bantam roo to take care of them. Then for weeks on weeks I had no problems at all, even though I kept expecting a mountain lion or a hawk to get one or two. Well, when my chicks reached about 4 months of age we found an ad about someone giving away 6 Buff Orpington hens, so we brought those home and again had no troubles, although it took a while for the two flocks to integrate. Then, just when my new hens were getting over the stress of moving and giving me eggs ... along comes a bear who eats most of my chickens, and one of my two turkeys, tears down the fence in THREE places to get to them, leaves a half dozen torn up bodies to deal with and leaves me with five chickens almost to scared to catch.

So. I had one turkey, four pullets, and my bantam roo left.

And then about a week later, the bear comes back, kills three of my pullets and the remaining turkey.

I am now left with one Americana pullet and my bantam roo (the LUCKY brat), which after all this trouble of the bear going through the fences, I have decided to allow to roam free. They roost on the porch rafters.

So, if you live anywhere where a bear might come visiting, make sure your runs and coops are well-built.

I will agree. Just went through it two days ago, although not to that extent. It still hurts. He took my best girl. It's hard to go out there now and not see her. He will return tonight..and I will be ready. I have to say to myself..what was I thinking? Why didn't I know this would happen? I know the bear is just hungry..but still. My next coop will be a fortress of unimaginableness (made that up, I think). In fact, I think I'll start dreaming about it tonight, while I am waiting for the Terminator to attempt to come over my fence.

 

[MrsRodgers]

I will agree. Just went through it two days ago, although not to that extent. It still hurts. He took my best girl. It's hard to go out there now and not see her. He will return tonight..and I will be ready. I have to say to myself..what was I thinking? Why didn't I know this would happen? I know the bear is just hungry..but still. My next coop will be a fortress of unimaginableness (made that up, I think). In fact, I think I'll start dreaming about it tonight, while I am waiting for the Terminator to attempt to come over my fence.

He came....and got another. I never heard him.

 

[polskituft]

I choose racoons their the worst. apposable thumbs

 

[WyandotteIndeed]

I have had more disturbing attacks by skunks than anything else. Other predators will kill a chicken or two, but a skunk will get into a hen-house and kill every single one, bite the neck or head and lap up all the blood and just leave the bodies. As a child, I remember going out to get eggs early in the morning and finding all 25 hens dead and drained. My parents have had similar attacks. I've heard weasels will do the same.
Needless to say, my chickens now reside in a virtual fortress.

 

[kaylee gee]

i tried to select two, but was only allowed one. I have lost my girls (and boys) to both a fox and a dog.

 

[20736]

Well, since 1984 we have lost the most to 'coons.
There was a neighbors puppy, a weasel and a 'possum, but by far the most were 'coons.
But, I have learned much from the experiences.
This is close to 'coon proof

 

[finnfur]

I have to say that, in my recent experience, a bear is the worst. Not only will it kill and eat your chickens, it will also destroy your run, coop, roost, what have you, in order to get to your chickens. I began the summer with 12 chicks (1 RIR, 5 Americana, and 6 Buff Orpington) that did very well (for me being a first time chicken-raiser). I lost one to a dog who pulled a chick straight through the 2" hex fencing, and another that I lost because his jaw was broken and his crooked beak didn't allow him to eat properly. When my chicks were 7-8 weeks old and outside in the run I picked up a Black-tailed White Japanese bantam roo to take care of them. Then for weeks on weeks I had no problems at all, even though I kept expecting a mountain lion or a hawk to get one or two. Well, when my chicks reached about 4 months of age we found an ad about someone giving away 6 Buff Orpington hens, so we brought those home and again had no troubles, although it took a while for the two flocks to integrate. Then, just when my new hens were getting over the stress of moving and giving me eggs ... along comes a bear who eats most of my chickens, and one of my two turkeys, tears down the fence in THREE places to get to them, leaves a half dozen torn up bodies to deal with and leaves me with five chickens almost to scared to catch.

So. I had one turkey, four pullets, and my bantam roo left.

And then about a week later, the bear comes back, kills three of my pullets and the remaining turkey.

I am now left with one Americana pullet and my bantam roo (the LUCKY brat), which after all this trouble of the bear going through the fences, I have decided to allow to roam free. They roost on the porch rafters.

So, if you live anywhere where a bear might come visiting, make sure your runs and coops are well-built.

AIM FOR THE WHITE SPOTS

I have plenty of Bear Pics at my chicken yard but no penetration of the electric net fence.
In two years only two loses . Both by Hawk and in last two weeks and exactly one week apart.
I have now put out Scarehawks. Tuesdays seem to be his free buffet day . I will be waiting.
Since he took a egg chicken production has dropped from 9 a day to 3 . The girls are traumatized.

 

[HoneyNutmeg]

I would have to say Foxes.. We don't get many of those animals listed, and thank god! Haven't had any casualties yet, but our neighbours have! Foxes are horrid things..

 

[outdoorsii]

I would have to say Foxes.. We don't get many of those animals listed, and thank god! Haven't had any casualties yet, but our neighbours have! Foxes are horrid things..

Totally agree there...sneaky lil so & so's!!!

 

[SixLilChicks]

I think I know a place where somebody can get Jersey giants. http://www.cacklehatchery.com/jerseybgiant.html. I hope its useful. Its aweful losing chickens, especially favorites. hopefully the cayotes don't come back!