I have a motion activated solar security light that I move around that I move around with my chicken tractor. Last night it activated for the first time not once but twice, causing me to get up to investigate each time. No sign of anything amiss, the birds weren't agitated when I checked, only somewhat perturbed by my shining a light in their eyes. Would a light scare a varmint away? Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Fox & Owls are all possible night time predators here. Although rare, because my yard is fenced I have seen Fox & Opossum in my yard in years past. Thoughts? Thanks!
I have motion sensor lights on my garage which is near the coop, and I regularly see raccoons and other critters triggering it. They don't seem to be spooked by it. But I would still recommend them so you can see what is out there. I have plans to put 2 or 3 on the coop. I put up an electric net fence to keep predators at bay, and this has worked well. Since you are already fenced in, you could add a hot wire 3 inches off the ground, and another one a bit higher.
At night, the birds would not be agitated. They are almost in a drunken stupor in the dark. You could go pick them off the roost and stuff them into a sack without a squawk. I have shone a light on many animals at night. Never once, do I recall one fleeing. A motion activated sprinkler probably works better. The activated light might work best by alerting you. I would focus on making the tractor an impenetrable fortress. A portable electric fence sounds like a nice touch, but the fortress sound more reliable. Chris
I thought the birds would be on alert if there was a predator nosing around. I just assumed that they would at least be aware they were about to be eaten. The secure tractor is EMT & 1/2" x 1" welded wire on the top, sides & under the coop, 2" x 4" on the rest of the bottom. I really don't see anything short of a bear getting into it. The tractor that butts up to it is just pvc & plastic fence, no bottom. Then I have a plastic fence that I put up to give them an area to run, it's size varies depending on the area of the yard or garden it's in. I'll check into some of this electro fence or netting. Thanks for the info.
