urgent: Need a sure fire way

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

Quote:
Whole new coop has been started. Can't do anymore on it until Feller is back from his conference and he has his application for his post doc funding submitted. Once all that is done, then it is full coop ahead.

The present coop set up has been in operation since May and there has been no sign of any attempts to break in.

 

[cmom]

I lost one bird to a predator. I now have an electric fence around the birds run and a fenced in yard. I usually have the fence off during the day but it is on every night. I have heard animals scream when they have toucked the wire. Don't know what they were as it was dark out but someting found the wires. I doubt they will be back.

 

[stretchc1]

In order to get my hens into their run--I think this would work just as well to get them into the coop--I use oats. I have a special tune that I whistle (loudly) when I am offering oats. The tune gets their attention and starts them heading toward me. Then, when they are close enough to see me, I toss some oats into the run. In they go and I shut the door while they are busy gobbling. I don't give them oats any other time.

I "trained" them to come by whistling and offering the oats when they were pretty close to the run. They seem Highly Motivated by treats.

I figure a handful or two of oats from the bulk bin at the market is worth the time it would take me to chase my skittish hens all over creation. I suppose I could find the oats cheaper somewhere but haven't bothered yet.

Good luck!

 

[Chickenmaven]

If my treats don't work, the one or two laggers are chased with a snow shovel.

 

[nancysmith2]

Peanut butter mixed with yogurt works every time. Let them get a little sneak taste and put it in the coop if one goes they will all go.

 

[Country Heart]

It sounds like the consensus is either the carrot or the stick (literally).

While a stick (broom, shovel) will definitely enhance your wing span, it may not endear you to your girls.

I vote for the carrot method -- a couple of handfuls of treats (scratch, sunflower seeds, etc.) go a long way. My birds have now started reminding me when it's time for treats. They all gather around the patio door peeking in to make sure I don't forget them. It's quite a site.

 

[NateinFL]

I use a bamboo stick and just hope my neighbors dont ever see me running around the bushes trying to herd the stubborn peacocks in. The chickens are easy, as soon as they see the stick they know whats up but its a game for the peafowl.