Thoughts for security shortcomings (mine)

[abenardini]

Hi All,

I have recently lost nearly all of my birds to unknown predators (assuming it is the local bobcat or racoon population at this point - because I've seen both around these parts). I live on approximately forty acres in a heavily wooded area (gorgeous by-the-way).

My heart is broken after losing my birds to my idiocy; I allowed them to free range without boundaries because I felt like it was fairer for them to be "free."

That said, I lost my favorite hen. She was a black Star named Midnight that would allow you to pick her up, carry her around, set her somewhere, and she'd just sit and "talk to you."

For my birthday, my husband bought me a 42" 164 ft electrified poultry fence from Premier, along with all of the necessary components. I plan on surrounding the coop and allowing my birds to free range in this area, and will eventually get another 164 ft net (the fence charger I purchased can definitely accommodate).

Also, I've added a rooster to the flock for additional hawk warnings to the rest of the birds, etc. I'm not allowing my birds to free range now unless I'm outside (until I get the net in the next day or two).

I'm looking for additional feedback on what I could do if I'm missing anything obvious from all you expert "chickeners".

Synopsis of my set-up:

* Fully enclosed coop and run (hardware cloth - never have had an issue with breaches here)
* Electrified 42" poultry netting to be set-up this week prior to free-ranging
* Will be clipping wings to attempt to deter flying over net
* Will also ensure grass/weeds don't interfere with netting and reduce "zappage"

Anything else I could be blatantly missing? I've got a new set of black Australorp babies that I'm hand raising in the garage that I've totally fallen IN LOVE with and really really don't want to lose any on my account. If there is something out-of-my control, that's one thing...these guys are precious and so friendly.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Angela

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I like things for mine to hide under, anything from shrubs, to a hay wagon, an old truck, or anything else they can get under, mine go from hiding place to hiding place. I have donkeys with mine, don't think you want to go that far. I have been hit by coyotes some years and I think a Fox last year, and a hawk killed one of my muscovy ducks. I have a husband who likes to go after predators, so that helps. I'm not sure if I would clip wings as it could impede their ability to get away, mine do not try to go over 3 foot tall woven wire, they generally won't fly over wire or woven fencing, especially that breed. It's rough to lose them, but I'm not going to pen them. Good luck on this new batch.

 

[abenardini]

Thanks - yeah it is tough to pen them in. At this point, it is unavoidable. We are extremely rural (live on a tree farm,) so there are plenty of hiding places...the predators just come in packs on 40 rural acres. We also have a lot of shrubbery, etc...

I went from 15 birds to 2 birds from predators.

I'm hoping if we have the electric fence and give them 1600 feet they'll be comfortable enough. I'll contemplate wing clipping; I just don't want to lose any more.

All of mine got to egg laying age then were picked off.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We also have 40 acres, we keep the pasture mowed, and as I said my chickens are in a shed with donkeys, nothing goes in there. Have you used a game camera to figure out what got them, best to attempt to eliminate the predator. We deal with coyotes a lot, very smart.

 

[MeepBeep]

If it's a bobcat, they can easily clear jump a 42" fence without touching it, so don't depend on it stopping a bobcat or even a coyote...

Also clipping the birds wings severely hampers their ability to effectively flee...

 

[abenardini]

No coyotee population in our area. Mostly coons, oppossums, and I have spotted a bobcat on a rare occasion.

The fence I hope will keep out the coons. Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to eradicate all of the predators. Our land is all trees except for the house And surrounding four acres.I'll keep y'all updated if all goes well with the fence.