Processing and not attracting predators

[hensintheyard]

Hey, there! I am brand new to this forum and brand new to chicken farming! I'm in the process of setting up on a friend's property in the subs in Northern Virginia. I'd like at least the option to do meat birds and my friend has a concern about attracting predators from the processing. She has cats, worried about their safety. I've been getting most of my info from Harvey Urssey's website and would prob follow his guidance with processing but if anyone has helpful info as to how not to attract predators while doing it, I'd be interested. Thanks so much. My plan was to use buckets and haul it off. There's no sewage at the barn. I'd prefer to compost the scraps.

 

[thriftyfarmer]

As long as you collect all the offal/blood and wash everything down, you shouldn't attract any predators. If a predator was interested in her cats, it would have long since started the hunt. Its probably not a real threat, but since its something that she is worried about you will want to make her happy.

How many chickens will you butcher in one day? What specifically about the processing does your neighbor think will attract predators? What kind of Predators are we talking about?

 

[hensintheyard]

Thanks for the insight!

I think 4 is a good number to start with in a day, if I do it.

She believes there are coyotes and fox to be concerned about. Coyotes have been seen around. I guess she thinks the blood is what will attract them. Do you know anything about that? Maybe I can appease with some kind of coyote deterrent.

 

[thriftyfarmer]

I think you're pretty safe. We used to butcher 400 birds couple times a week and we never saw any predators. Look into niteguard. They sell product that deters predators. Here's the link: http://niteguard.com