Protecting Young Chickens from Predators

[Osbornestrong]

My wife and I have recently gotten into small scale chicken farming in a semi-rural community. I helped raise many types of livestock and fowl while growing up, my wife not so much, but we consider ourselves to be about equal on experience (which is to say, very little) since I grew up in Oregon with different predators and conditions many years ago.

Our farm is starting fairly small, with 6 laying pullets (mixed Rhode Island and Leggers) ready to go out and 14 mixed Black Sexed laying pullets 2 weeks behind them (2 weeks inside warmed), and finally 10 fryer meat chickens also ready to go out. 30 chickens in all.

Here in Miltonvale, we have nightly visits by coyotes, and it is a rare night you don't hear them howling and chortling in the near distance. I have been told a 2 strand light electric fence outside of the chicken netting pen (24'x20') would be safe with the kids, dogs and chickens. My problem is, a light charge fence is not rated for coyotes, and a heavy charge fence is rated for far longer fences and can be dangerous to children and pets.

None of the farm and feed stores in our area carry one that is advertised to do both of the things I need, and they cannot offer advice. Can anyone help us?

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy, neighbor, and

! Great to have you aboard! I'm right down the road in Wakefield! Always great to welcome another Sunflower Stater. You got it right about coyotes....plus raccoons and hawks - those are the Big 3 for me. I used to think that coyotes were only a night time problem but in the last few years I have had brazen attacks during all hours of the day. They are a menace. My set up doesn't allow electric fencing and I like to free range so it's pretty much reduced to when I'm around. Here are some old BYC threads that discuss electric fencing. Maybe you can glean some useful information from them. Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=electric+fencing

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. You have a great link from redsoxs already but you could also check in with peeps in your locale to see how they predator-proof their chickens -
You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the Backyard chickens flock. It will also be good to post on the predator threads for their advice. Sadly everything loves to eat chicken!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Osbornestrong

Welcome!

As you have already received links to some great starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

This is a link to the Predator Forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[N F C]

It's nice to have you here, hope everyone stays safe!

 

[Osbornestrong]

Thank you all for the warm welcome, well wishes and great links! I am sure we landed in the right place!