protecting chickens from coyotes

[chimera]

I was talking about someone about my plan to keep chickens, and my worries about all the predators that live in the area. She told me that miniature donkeys would keep coyotes away. She said coyotes were 'afraid' of miniature donkeys. I am highly suspicious, but thought I would defer to you expert. Have you ever heard this? Anyone tried it? She also said that the donkeys became highly protective of 'their' flock. What do you think?

cherie
future chicken keeper

 

[LordStark]

People put Alpacas in with flocks of sheep during lambing season to deter predators. I never tried it but my neighbors did. To begin with they claimed they had success, but they've recently sold them off and told me not to bother with them. Never heard anything about donkeys, but I'm sure you could find a much more economically friendly way to protect your flock. I'm sure you could make/purchase a pest proof coop. On top of that maybe invest in a .223 and camp out.

 

[aart]

Donkey's can work, but often they don't. Lots of variables.

 

[chickenboy190]

I have never herd of that before. We have tons of predators around here and I only lost one hen to a coon once and it was all my fault. You can also buy a foot trap or whatever they are called and then you can shoot them . I have the live box traps. I have a bunch of foot traps but I also have cats and they would end up in them.