Predators...

[ChickenCharmer]

My 40 chickens are free-range, which is a bit risky, considering they roam the redwood forests, and are up-for-grabs for any predator. Occasionally a falcon drops by, but very seldomly. I find this very strange; if I were him, I would stop by every day for one of the forty little hens running around. I was thinking that perhaps it has something to do with the two enormous ravens that patrol the area. Are ravens territorial? would they chase away a falcon that enters their property?
Also, it would be nice to have a guard dog to protect my biddies from coyotes and raccoons. Does anyone know of a breed that is an excellent guard, doesn't eat chickens, is nice with people, and could stay outside at all times?

 

[gritsar]

The crows that we have harrass the golden eagles that we also have to no end. The chickens hear the crows and take cover. Now the crows have to be making a certain noise before the chickens pay attention. It all sounds like normal crow ruckus to me, but apparently my roo can tell the difference.
Of course none of this is a guarantee. Free ranging means losses, but mine free range and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Alot of folks like great pyrenese (sp?) for flock guardian dogs. My wolfhound loves to sit out and protect the chickens, problem is she loves me more and won't stay out with the chickens unless I'm out there.

 

[ChickenCharmer]

Thanks, gritsar, I'll do some research on great pyreneses. I'm glad for those huge ravens of mine- that they apparently guard my biddies from predators of the sky! the only problem with the ravens is that they eat the kitchen scraps that I give to my girls, but that's a small cost for hawk protection!