predators

[sudie chick]

Hi Ya'll
New to the website. Have about 35 chickens of different varieties. Started last Mother's Day when my son built me a small coop and henhouse for 5 chickens. Have been having a blast since then and have made many additions to the original abode.

I am having a problem lately with predators consuming my hens. It is happening in the day while they free range on my property. I am suspecting hawks but am not certain. I hate to fence the chicks in but I also hate having them picked off. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have heard that suspending CD's or aluminum pans from trees or bushes might deter 2 legged predators. I am not finding any feathers or carcasses around so I suspect they are being picked up and carried off.
Thanks
Sudie chick

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. You're going to have to pen them in or continue losing chickens. I recommend you build or expand your pen/run to prevent predation and overcrowding among your chickens... make it secure like Ft Knox so that nothing can get to your chickens. Otherwise you'll need to stay outside and supervise them while they free range.

 

[Gargoyle]

Sorry to hear about the predators. Hawks do sound likely, but it could be other animals - what do you have in your area? Important to pin it down to be sure what to do. Coyotes perhaps?

 

[Desert Rooster]

Hello

and

from Hesperia,Ca

 

[Attack Chicken]

from Indiana!!!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama.

 

[white01]

from Maine

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Sorry about your losses. I don't believe it is a hawk if you are not finding any feathers. It sounds more like a fox, coyote or coon. They carry it away. I would pen them up and only let them free range when you are home. Good luck.

 

[sudie chick]

Thanks for all the info... we have seen fox, hawks, raccoons...neighbors have spotted coyotes. We have several dogs that cohabit with the fowl and run off anything on 4 feet. I guess I'm going to have to break down and start on a pen to keep them in and let them have supervised free range when I am around.

On another note:

What do you guys do with your roosters.. have way too many. Are they just rooster pie when they get old enough??
Wanted only hens to begin with and now have ended up with roosters from chicks hatched.
They are beautiful but ornery and loud.

Thanks much

 

[Gargoyle]

Also, look in the Predators and Pests section here on BYC, you may find some good suggestions there.