We have quite a few in the neighborhood. Back in the late 90s my dog would catch juveniles that got grounded in the fog. We see them at night when they talk to each other. Its crazy how big they are.
Just think about picking up a juvenile one and wrapping it in towel to take to the vet. I was so lucky to not get a talon hooked in me. I was in think 17 at the time and my dad drove me as I held it.
My brother had to shoot predators when were growing up because our chickens roosted in trees (He built them a coop but they wouldn't use it) Anyway he's asked me repeatedly not to get any game chickens because they like to roost in trees and I'll have to shoot predatorsSee most chickens are actually smart, and people don't realize just how much instinct they have to avoid predation. When my chickens go to roost, they aren't satisfied with any old branch. They go out on smaller branches so if a predator were to try to climb out to get them, the limb would give way. Only my heavier hens roost in the hen house. The lighter, more agile birds like the games, Leghorns, Legbars, and game mixes all choose on their own free will to roost way up in the trees.
I don't lose many birds to predators, a few here and there when they venture too far off our property which is a risk that comes with free-ranging. But we don't lose enough to make a dent in our numbers. That is where the phrase "go out on a limb" comes from I guess. lol I have actually lost more birds to my own turkeys this year than to predators.
Also, my chickens roost in trees near the fenced in lot of property where my dogs, goat, and turkeys are. That must be where they feel safe. The proximity of the dogs is enough to keep predators away from there. The only areas we deal with predators are at the far end of our property away from the dogs usually. Every now and then we lose a rooster on a tie cord, but not too often.
Don't get guineas either for the same reason!
I used to have a friend who raised them.If I had to listen to them long I'd pull my hair out
I know, right!? I've heard people say they are good watchdogs. No, they're not! They're so noisy all the time you tune them out entirely, like a that barks constantly! Like MY dog, for example, lol.I used to have a friend who raised them.If I had to listen to them long I'd pull my hair out
My brother rescues dogs and has kennels on both sides of the road. His workers help take care of them all.Last weekend I called to ask what all his dogs were barking at. Come to find out 2 of his horses had got out and he was taking a nap.They barked until he got upI know, right!? I've heard people say they are good watchdogs. No, they're not! They're so noisy all the time you tune them out entirely, like a that barks constantly! Like MY dog, for example, lol.
