PTCD predator traumatic chicken disorder

[BRAGACK]

Do you have anxiety b/c you’re worried about predators getting your chickens?

 

[Callender Girl]

I think every rational chicken keeper should have some anxiety about predators. EVERYTHING wants to eat chickens. Hardware cloth, multiple coop/run fasteners and sturdy construction relieve much of my stress.

I let my poultry loose during the day, only when I am home, and only on the south side of my fenced-in yard. I keep a window open throughout all but the coldest weather so I can hear any alarm calls.

I have nesting eagles that sometimes like to hang out in a large evergreen in my front yard -- all birds take shelter when one appears. I have had a juvenile great horned owl knock itself silly on a guy wire while trying to get to my ducks.

A mink took out three chickens and a duck in my early poultry-keeping career. I've had opossums wander into my coops in broad daylight, and coyotes provide plenty of concerts in the surrounding fields. Roadkill raccoons often show up on the road that runs past my property.

Not having some anxiety would be insane! Actually, when I think about all the potential predators, maybe trying to keep all my birds alive is the crazy part?!