Who will guard the flock?

[eggsgalore]

Is it true that a gander (male goose) is able to protect a chicken flock against bob cats and raccoons?
PLease share your ideas. We live in bob cat / raccoon country and it is so scary to let the chickies out.

 

[eggsgalore]

Quote:
Can anyone help me answer this?

 

[Shared Acres]

I don't know, but it would be interesting to know!

 

[panner123]

No, a bobxcat will kill the gander. At first the cat will back up, but in the end the gander will be dinner.

 

[rooster-red]

The goose has no chance. The 2 animals in question both have razor sharp teeth and claws, a flogging from wings won't stop them.

 

[tressiah]

What type of animal do you think would help protect the poultry ? I have a big dumb dog on a chain, since he thinks chasing chikens is fun, he comes off to run when the chickens & ducks are up @ night, doesn't leave the yard unless a fed ex truck comes by, then off he goes. We are responsible pet owners, and believe me, if our dog hurt a neighbor's animal, we would step up to the plate. He has his vaccanations updated , and if a stray comes in our yard, he goes nuts barking & growling. He plays sweet with the GK's, and they love him.
My nephew was riding his bike, & headed for a large snake, when the dog jumps in front of him, grabs the snake & flings it around. Not to think it was poisonious, but he felt the need to protect anyway. Scared the kid nearly to death !
I have heard that goats or mules will protect. We have nubians, but penned. Info would be appreciated .
Thanks

 

[JennsPeeps]

The best animal to protect your flock is... you. By getting them into a protected run area (since it sounds like predators may be a major issue for you), you'll protect the birds, maintain peace of mind, and not worry about whether a dog, goose, or other animal "protector" will do an adequate job of keeping the flock from becoming dinner for anyone or anything.

 

[spydertoys]

I strongly recommend a Great Pyrenees...or two.

 

[eggsgalore]

Thanks everybody. I'll guess they have to spend more time in their run when I am not outside

.

 

[pkeeler]

Are you really in danger of day time predation by bob cats and raccoons?

I've heard llamas are good at flock protection.

Even if your dog is tame, the wild animals don't know that. The presence of the dog will probably deter any predator. Heck, just his scent marking would go a long way.

A rooster along with your dog should be adequate during the day. Chickens don't fight off predators in nature, they hide then run. Don't get all white chickens and have a rooster.