Suggestions for keeping predators away

[Siera]

I've read lots about devices that use sounds (something like a Yard Guard) and other means to electronically scare away predators. Seems there are a lot out there. In a few weeks, I'm planning on moving my new three backyard chicks to their new coop/run. It will be predator proofed, but I still want to add an extra layer of protection for them, since we have hawks, coyotes, raccoons and foxes around even though we are in the city. Thanks!

 

[7L Farm]

I'm not sure about the gadgets but hot wire around the coop will help keep predators out.

 

[LR Gamefarm]

you can order them offf of my pet chicken.com what they'll do is flash red lights when a predator gets near i dont know how good they are i've always justed used a bullet or a trap to catch predators but since you live in a city only thing you might have problems with is cats and dogs

 

[Time-Out]

I bought something that used sound for scaring cats away. I think it worked... up until water got in. Then it just hissed for a few months and died. It wasn't built very well. Make sure yuo get a good brand. I thought I had :-(

A padlock to the coop door would be your best bet. I also read that peeing around your garden will stop foxes from entering. I don't know how true that is though. It might also keep your neighbours out...

 

[Siera]

Thanks for the many different suggestions!! I live in the city, but near a creek that flows into a nearby lake, so we have coyotes, racoons, snakes, and stray cats that I am worried about. I've tried something called a Yard Guard to keep racoons from using my backyard as a bathroom and to stop them from raiding my compost bin, but it doesn't work. I plan to padlock both the run and the coop, and I'm assuming most of the danger will come at night. So, the girls should be safe inside their coop. Also, the run will be fully enclosed. I'd just like to add something, if I can, to deter animals from the get go.

 

[7L Farm]

Thanks for the many different suggestions!! I live in the city, but near a creek that flows into a nearby lake, so we have coyotes, racoons, snakes, and stray cats that I am worried about. I've tried something called a Yard Guard to keep racoons from using my backyard as a bathroom and to stop them from raiding my compost bin, but it doesn't work. I plan to padlock both the run and the coop, and I'm assuming most of the danger will come at night. So, the girls should be safe inside their coop. Also, the run will be fully enclosed. I'd just like to add something, if I can, to deter animals from the get go.

Once again hot wire. Here's a snake that didn't make it. Snakes can get through but it will deter everything else.

 

[Siera]

Wow! I have a question re: hot wire: is it possible to turn off the wire during certain times? I have a 4 year old and we play outside a lot, so I'd like to be able to turn off the wire while we are outside. Sorry if this is a dumb question; I'm just not very familiar with electric fences.

 

[7L Farm]

You can turn it off. You just unplug it. I turn mine on when I lock the chickens up & off when I let them out to free range. Its not a fence its wire. I have two wires running around my coop. Ones about three inches off the ground the other wire is about 18 inches off the ground.

 

[bigoledude]

None of the motion activated stuff worked for me. We even had motion activated sprinklers and they just waded through the man-made rain like kids playing with the hose. Guns, traps, dogs and snares is what I use to keep my animals alive. Had a neighborhood kid at my partners house asking a few questions. I went into some detail with my answers just to see if he really was interested in our stock. He got all fired up over helping me make snares. Well, he is the snare-maker now. He watches the videos, reads the books and asks his old great uncles for other ideas. His trigger mechanisms make mine look juvenile now. I just gave him 3 Easter eggers and 3 Australorps. He can't wait till something tries to get to his birds!

I always forget to suggest electrified wire. It works very well. Relatively inexpensive and lasts forever. Just gotta keep up with tall wet grass/weeds shorting it out. Easy Peasey!!!

I'm getting a game camera. Those things will tell you what killer you are dealing with, where it's getting in and at what time you can expect him! Found a couple of used game-cams on craigslist today.