Re: nocturnal predators, etc

[Carolyn]

I have had chickens for a number of years and thought I would give you the benefit of my experience. NOCTURNAL ANIMALS ARE NOT NECESSARILY EXCLUSIVELY NOCTURNAL!

I have lived on a wooded lot adjoining a large wooded area for many years. I have seen foxes, owls, raccoons, etc. at all hours of the day. I have lost free ranging chickens in broad day light to predators that are supposed to be nocturnal. These fellows either can't read the books or since they are pretty cunning maybe they did read the book and rewrote their strategy.

Another lesson I have learned was during dry spells you need to keep your ground post for an electric fence wet or the fence might stop working. My ground for the Premier Net fence I have is just a short spike and I found this out the hard way.

Hope this saves some chickens.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I always put my chickens in BEFORE it starts getting dark. I learned that after a possum was out a couple hours before dark. Also, even if you think you don't have predators, think again. Setting a trap for said possum I caught 3 wild cats (Which could be a problem), a skunk, and a raccoon. Not expecting that.

 

[Carolyn]

Often when I think I have the predator figured out (and maybe I did), I find I had more than one type of predator like you.

I have seen these "nocturnal animals" all times of day. They are more prone to be around in early am or late pm but I have seen many a fox at high noon.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have coyotes walking through the yard at all times of the day.

Saw a great horned owl fly through about 4 in the afternoon.

 

[jeepguy982001]

this is a good thread. seems like the predators, having a few extra mouths to feed, makes them come out earlier.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

good point

 

[jeepguy982001]

i think the only nocturnal predator i haven't seen out during the day is an owl. coyotes and foxes all the time. not many but a few coons.

 

[Cyrus83]

I have killed six foxes in the last year that were sneaking on my hens, all were early morning and late afternoon.