Who needs guard animals - the other evening I went out to the coop to find my chickens finishing off a weasel. Tough girls!
My two barn cats are all I need. I feed them and provide shelter and lounging areas by the coops. They pretty much hang out there 24/7 - except when they know I'm coming home then they sit in front of the garage door waiting - wouldn't want me to forget their dinner.
Haven't had any problems with predators and I know they are out there. I've seen plenty of coons, weasels and fox around here. Last year were even had coyote pups playing in the yard in the evenings. I'm not sure if they can smell the cats and it scares them away or what. It's a good thing my runs are covered cuz the hawks have been crazy around here - the cats can't keep them away.