Research & Planning: NE FL predators list?

[dfr1973]

We'll be moving to the NE Florida pinewoods after hubby gets out of the army. I am not from that area, and hubby was raised in Jacksonville metro, so neither of us are overly familiar with what predators we will be dealing with when we move out into the rural area. I've been reading threads to try to make up a list of what we'll be dealing with so I can plan my Fortress Chicken to defend. Here is what I have so far:
raccoons
coyotes
bobcats (!!)
loose/stray dogs
loose/stray cats

snakes (which kinds? I've heard eastern rattlers?)

I'm obviously missing predatory birds here. Are skunks and possums in the area?

We're looking in Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties, and I would love to have property very near a state forest (yeah, that will complicate things). My goal is not feed a single predator - they will be MY breakfast eggs and MY dinner! I am so ready to get out of this city, but have to cool my heels for another year so I have plenty of time to research and plan.

 

[Kevin565]

I do believe their are skunks and possums in that area. Here are the snakes native to Florida that are venomous:

Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Coral Snake
Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake
Southern Copperhead
Cottonmouth
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

 

[blazensasha]

they do have skunks and possums there,as far as snakes go, Kevins right.But those dang corn snakes are the worst always swallowing up your eggs.

 

[florida lee]

YEP, all the above. Don't neglect the top of the run. Some of these animals will climb up and over. Some are good diggers also. My coop has a wooden floor so they are very safe in there, however my coop leaves a lot to be desired. so they are locked up every night in the coop. Mine do not free range, their current run is 14 x 45 and I'm getting ready to expand that.
Don't forget to plan for the Florida weather. A good wide overhang on your roof will help keep coop dry with all our rains and help with cooling in the summer.
Good luck and happy/fun planning.

 

[dfr1973]

lee, the weather was my first thought! Hot and humid, rather mild winters, but with the "fun" of severe storms (as if we don't have those here) and the potential for hurricanes (hence looking on the west side of the St John's River). Sounds a lot like the few years I lived in the East Texas Pineywoods. Right now there's a drought hitting the area so ponds, creeks, and even some lakes have dried up ... so I am hunting up flood plain maps for these three counties to compare the extremes.

Corn snakes ... not what comes to mind as a predator! We have corns and kings around here, and those skinny buggers can fit into places even a mouse has trouble squeezing through. Both are more known for eating other reptiles as well as small rodents ... I hadn't been aware of eggs. Filed for future reference - thank you.

So far: the run needs overhead cover from at least climbing varmints (coons, possums) with flashy stuff to ward off birds. I'll need a dig-proof skirt (coons, coyotes) that is secured to the ground. Chicken wire to keep the birds in with hardware cloth to keep predators out. Coop needs to be tight to keep out larger rodents, predators, but well-ventilated with overhang. Storage room the same. I have an image forming in my mind already, just trying to check against what I'll be likely to be dealing with, both probable and possible.

On the plus side, I don't think I'll need to plan around blizzards! LOL

 

[harveyhorses]

You might want to think about electric fence, it will keep varmints from even thinking about digging, or climbing. VERY effective.
My run is covered too, I have tarps so they can hang out and not get 'weathered' on) and this summer discovered shade cloth ,for when the sun comes in from the sides. Great stuff. Happy planning

 

[dawg53]

Possums, coons, hawks, and the yellow rat snake will be your main predators. I live 20 minutes north from Jax.