Protecting my girls

[chickens r life]

I want to invest In something that will guard my chicken flock from hawks/predators. Any recommendations?!?!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Ropeters definitely help against predators, I have also heard that livestock guardian dogs work well for protection.

 

[Farmgirl0422]

I think roosters are very helpful to protect hens from hawks and any kind of predator. We had hawks come to get are hens all the time but are rooster rounded the hens in the house and then he stayed out there to fight the hawk if he had to.

 

[chickens r life]

I think roosters are very helpful to protect hens from hawks and any kind of predator. We had hawks come to get are hens all the time but are rooster rounded the hens in the house and then he stayed out there to fight the hawk if he had to.

I don't want to deal with chicks yet

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I don't want to deal with chicks yet

You don't have to worry about that unless you have a hen that goes broody and sits on the eggs for 21 days, the eggs are just like unfertile eggs on the inside and taste exactly the same.

 

[donrae]

For most predators, you need secure fencing. A good enclosed run is the best protection. Electric netting works well for some folks, as do dogs. Roosters are great for warning the hens of a threat, but don't expect him to automatically sacrifice himself to save a hen. Aerial predators mean your flock needs some place to be able to hide, this can be as simple as pallets or plywood elevated on cement blocks.

Knowing more about your set up and what predators are more of a threat will help us advise you better.

 

[bobbi-j]

For most predators, you need secure fencing. A good enclosed run is the best protection. Electric netting works well for some folks, as do dogs. Roosters are great for warning the hens of a threat, but don't expect him to automatically sacrifice himself to save a hen. Aerial predators mean your flock needs some place to be able to hide, this can be as simple as pallets or plywood elevated on cement blocks.

Knowing more about your set up and what predators are more of a threat will help us advise you better.

^ This.

 

[keesmom]

For most predators, you need secure fencing. A good enclosed run is the best protection. Electric netting works well for some folks, as do dogs. Roosters are great for warning the hens of a threat, but don't expect him to automatically sacrifice himself to save a hen. Aerial predators mean your flock needs some place to be able to hide, this can be as simple as pallets or plywood elevated on cement blocks.

Knowing more about your set up and what predators are more of a threat will help us advise you better.

x2 on this.

 

[centrarchid]

I advocate a layers approach. Quality green forages interspersed with vegetative cover patches provide protection from predators as well as the elements. Do not push the former too hard otherwise birds will want to wander a larger area that is more difficult to protect. If you are contemplating the the totally free-range approach then roaming dogs are likely to be your biggest challenge although such dogs are usually easy to exclude with proper fencing. You can do a lot with simple hot wire where you can even repel some wildlife. The fencing will still be leaky with respect to wildlife which is where dogs in particular can be your friend if they are able to interact with predators going after your birds. Always use more than one dog and they need not be the biggest if roaming dogs already excluded by fencing. Dogs can vary greatly in their abilities or simply investment in the effort. Training can have a role in optimizing the issue of effort. Chickens often make so dogs and fences are not optimized because the chickens can range beyond the perimeter you protect. Think about how birds can be encouraged to stay within the core you can protect well. Roosting facilities can be a major issue as well. Get birds roosting up in a location that can be closed off at night and in the event part of your other protection system is compromised. Roosting up enables rapid determination of inventory and detection of losses. Peridically walk your property looking for signs of bad guys or attacks on your flock. If practical feed birds well away from where they roost. I even like to restrict feeding reduce the availability of feed for rodents. Abundant rodents can damage structures and serve as an attractant for other bad guys visiting first to get rodents but able to diversify and go after your hens.

Think in terms of layers with respect to perimeters and empty vigilance when monitoring your flock size and behavior. Do not be bone-headed; if changes need to be made, then make them. Dealing with predator management is not just about killing, it is usually more about repelling and taking advantage of their behaviors and those of your chickens. Traps, rifle and flashlite can also have their place. A major variable is you, Get out there at night and check things out from time to time to verify birds are where they are supposed to be and your perimeters are holding. LIve-traps can be used to monitor how close in you bad guys are coming in. Rifle and flash can be used when a predator holes up where you otherwise can not get a handle on them.