some chickens Fighting Back Owls

[ChrissyNC]

I am going to have to go with Justusnak regarding Aussies. They are GREAT dogs, very intelligent, but they are most definitely work dogs. They have a high drive to herd, to work, and don't really do well just sitting in a yard all day. (though I am sure there are exceptions out there

) I currently have a border collie mix, a lab/husky, and a golden retriever, and the Golden is the only one I would consider letting around my chickens.

 

[Lofty Dreams]

accidentalfarm and others theres cats you know

 

[sourland]

Unless Aussies can fly, how are they going to help protect against owls? Owls catch and kill roosting chickens during the night. I had an entire flock of semi-feral bantams decimated by a family of horned owls. Am I missing something here?

 

[Miltonchix]

Quote:
Its a good thng you don't live next to me!! Hey ya'll lets get drunk and shoot the place up!! And kill protected species and shout about it!!

Maybe it should be SSSS Soberly Shoot, Shovel and Shut-up!

Guns and alcohol NEVER mix. Didn't they teach you that in hunter safety??

 

[huntercf]

Aussies are excellent dogs to have, matter of fact they are my favorite, least favorite...my wife's chihuahua. However, when I was younger we had one that did kill some of our chickens, we cured it by tying a dead chicken to its collar on a 3 - 4' piece of rope. If you get a puppy you can train it not to harm your chickens. My wife also has a sheltie and I trained it not to harm the chickens, matter of fact the sheltie loves to play with the chickens and they get annoyed by him and give him a peck or two and he just shrugs it off.

In regards to the owl, you might consider building an enclosed coop, the chickens will go in it at night (or just before sundown) and that should keep the owl away from them. I am pretty sure that owls are protected just like hawks are eagles so shooting one might get you in some trouble if you are caught...unless you are out in the country and you follow the SSS method. Keep in mind that owls are great to have around for the control of rodents.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Quote:
I'm a FIRM believer in the niteguard. I was at wits end until I got one.

 

[zazouse]

I use roman candles at night when the owls get to close, i have no problem with owls ever getting my flock

 

[packer]

I lost my tough rooster the other night, i suspect an owl because of the carcus evidence.
feathers plucked.... neck only eaten, no other damage.
moved fight out of the coop (that I forgot to close that night before I turned in) away from his hens..feathers everywhere..ground was soft from rain and found no tracks?
I suspect he was standing on his kill while he fed.
some say the owl wouldn't go into the coop.... maybe he lured the rooster out?
all comment appreciated

 

[ivan3]

packer wrote: some say the owl wouldn't go into the coop.... maybe he lured the rooster out?

Sorry about your roo. Some members report owls entering their coops: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=127455&p=1

You could try hanging some deer/bird netting in doorway if you're leaving it open for maximum ventilation of coop.

Welcome aboard, and good luck!​

 

[sourland]

Owls will enter coops or pigeon lofts after prey. Sorry for your loss. It will be necessary to close your coop every night. The predator whatever it may be willl be back.