⠀ Rooster Alternative?

[grassoviso]

I have a dozen layers and live in the city. We are not allowed to have roosters due to noise ordinance. However, we do have hawks that have tried to attack our hens. Is there a good alternative when it comes to the protection a rooster provides the flock?


Thanks,

Nick Cook
Northeast Ohio

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

2 x 2" heavy knotted netting overhead but think snow load when you hang it...it will bring your fencing down if you drape it over the fence and the snow sticks to it. I hang it onto the posts only.

 

[Eliza1313]

2" chicken wire overhead works (similar to the netting mentioned).

Depending on how the ordinance is worded there are a couple of other options. If it is a general noise ordinance an option would be to get a no-crow collar (I found it on mypetchicken.com) and have a rooster. He could still alert your hens without bothering the neighbors. If it is an ordinance prohibiting specifically roosters due to noise you could possibly get a guinea. Guinea fowl make good "watchdogs" and will give off an alarm. However they can be just as noisy as a rooster.

 

[DrMikelleRoeder]

I have a dozen layers and live in the city. We are not allowed to have roosters due to noise ordinance. However, we do have hawks that have tried to attack our hens. Is there a good alternative when it comes to the protection a rooster provides the flock?


Thanks,

Nick Cook
Northeast Ohio

A lot of times people think that coops and runs are designed to keep chickens IN when really they’re also designed to help keep predators OUT! The best thing to do when setting up a coop or other structure is to make sure it is well fortified against the kinds of predators that can be found in your area.

In general, make sure walls, floors and doors don’t have gaps or cracks that could allow for predators to slip through. Use a narrow gauge galvanized wire to keep animals from reaching in, and bury the wire 6 inches deep and then extend the wire six inches away from the coop, parallel to the surface, to deter predators from digging into the coop run. Be sure your outside run has some kind of cover, even if it is just a lightweight cloth net. No hawk wants to get snagged in that, and the cover will allow your birds to be safely outdoors.