Raccoons/Skunks/Feral Cats

[Themyst]

I live in an area where many wild animals roam - raccoons, skunks, fox, feral cats, neighbor's free-roaming cats. Trapping is out of the question.

I'm just investigating whether or not I would be able to have a few egg-laying hens. I would keep them in a sturdy coop at night, but during the day when I have them securely free-ranging (trying to figure out how to do that), I'm sure feral or stray cats at the very least will be interested in them. Even if I could manage to have my chickens in a screened in area when they are outside, will they stress out if a predator watches them? Is this a bad idea for me (and the chickens?)

 

[rufus]

A good fence and an electric fence.

Rufus

 

[myblackf150]

Glad you are interested in hens. I keep my hens all in at night but for about 4 hours every night I let them roam in the yard with no issues. I would fear Dogs durring the day. I have stray cats here and they just watch the hens and keep their distance. I do keep mine fenced into the yard to keep the dogs out. I think that Raccoons and Skunks wont bother them till after dark. Chickens are the best pet I have ever had and I am sure you will enjoy them.

 

[Dora'smom]

Occasionally there are raccoons and skunks that come out during the daytime. Build your coop and run as secure as you possibly can afford, and enjoy your birds.

 

[Themyst]

Hmm ... an electric fence won't do since I live in town.

I was thinking that I'd make some kind of movable caged in area for them to walk and peck around during the day. I really love animals, and since I'll be in charge of these chickens welfare, I don't want them to become too stressed if they know they're being watched. I knew someone who had ... eating chickens - the big, fat, white ones (yes, I'm a newbie here) and they were pretty dumb as far as animals are concerned - the blonds of the animal kingdom I suppose, heh heh. So I don't think that kind would get too stressed, they seemed to only operate on one brain cell. But other types of chickens, I think they're probably more reactive to sensing predators. This is what I don't know - do most chickens walk around rather blissfully, unaware of what danger might be lurking about? I think my chickens would be safe, I just want to make sure they're not living in terror because a cat was watching or trying to get through their fence when I wasn't around.