Response of Broody Hen and Chicks to Red Fox Attack

[centrarchid]

Yes it is the risk. I lost a hen recently to a coyote. When I first got chickens, we were in a suburb and predators which much less of a risk. When we moved we moved the coop, but couldn't move the enclosure and it's taken time and and money that we don't have to build an enclosed run. So unfortunately I free range in a high predator area.

You can reduce losses by restricting free-range time. Fox likely close by right now as dogs sleeping in shade. Chickens will be released later in day when dogs become more active. Fox may try, but we are gearing up to take fox out.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

You can reduce losses by restricting free-range time. Fox likely close by right now as dogs sleeping in shade. Chickens will be released later in day when dogs become more active. Fox may try, but we are gearing up to take fox out.

Unfortunately not an option. Not enough space in the coop to keep them locked up, and it's just too hot.

 

[centrarchid]

Unfortunately not an option. Not enough space in the coop to keep them locked up, and it's just too hot.

Then get to trapping and dispatching.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

We've currently got a bear trap sitting in our lawn, so working on it lol. As for coyotes, not so simple. Hunting them is legal, trapping them is not within my realm of experience. Hard to hunt them if you work 12 hour days 5-6 days a week and still have time for sleep, chickens, and feeding yourself.

 

[centrarchid]

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We've currently got a bear trap sitting in our lawn, so working on it lol. As for coyotes, not so simple. Hunting them is legal, trapping them is not within my realm of experience. Hard to hunt them if you work 12 hour days 5-6 days a week and still have time for sleep, chickens, and feeding yourself.

I have a job that takes up a lot of time as well. When things get tough, whip out some electrified poultry netting for free-range time. Then use same charger to keep bears out of chickens and feed stores. Some fish farmers I know use relatively small dogs to keep Black Bears away from raceways.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I have a job that takes up a lot of time as well. When things get tough, whip out some electrified poultry netting for free-range time. Then use same charger to keep bears out of chickens and feed stores. Some fish farmers I know use relatively small dogs to keep Black Bears away from raceways.

I feel like I keep coming up with excuses here, BUT I'd love to have a full-time guard dog but my boyfriend is a giant softie and would never agree to even a partial outdoor dog. Instead we have a 75 pound doberman who takes up our entire bed and is scared of her shadow.

 

[centrarchid]

I feel like I keep coming up with excuses here, BUT I'd love to have a full-time guard dog but my boyfriend is a giant softie and would never agree to even a partial outdoor dog. Instead we have a 75 pound doberman who takes up our entire bed and is scared of her shadow.

Electrified poultry netting then. I come from a long line that keeps chickens free-range and we never just let them out to save money or make them happy. If you do nothing to protect them, you will loose them. Foolishness.