Will guineas or geese help?

[minifarmkat]

We were going to get a few chickens (well we being me, I love fresh eggs), but the previous owners of the property told us that they had predator problems before when they had chickens. They said that since we were in the middle of the woods that everything from foxes to owls and even to bobcats devastated their entire flock. Well, to get to the point I had heard that geese or guinea hens could help deter predators. I just wasn't sure if I wanted to put any of my pets at risk (because I would love a guinea or goose as much as my chicken). I plan on doing a full enclosure for the night anyway, but I was just wondering if the other fowl would actually help.

 

[thomasboyle]

I have chickens and guineas, and the guineas will sound the alarm, but mine could not stop a predator. I had 4 guineas, 3 females and 1 male. They did a great job wiping out ticks in the yard. This past year I lost 1 female behind the barn, feathers everywhere. Another was hit by a car, and the 3rd started sitting on eggs out in the field, and dissappeared. I found the nest of eggs, put them in the incubator, and hatched 9 more. I am adding electric fencing this year and hope that I won't lose so many birds. I also set traps and relocate raccoons and oppossums on a regular basis. We also have bobcat, coyotes and bears, so it is a challenge to keep everyone safe.

 

[Prettyhorse32]

I also have predators, you can do the best you can, but sometimes it is just a challange to keep all safe. I lost 1 last week and yesterday a fox had 2 of mine until I ran out and scared him with a shot in the air.. Hawks got 3 last fall.. It is tough..Good luck.

 

[minifarmkat]

I am sorry to hear that. I thought what they were saying was too good to be true. They said that the guineas going off would scare the predators away, but it wasn't making complete since to me.

 

[minifarmkat]

Another thing I would worry about is dogs. We live in the very back of a neighborhood (far enough away that we don't see neighbors often) but their dogs do wander in our yard every so often.

 

[Prettyhorse32]

Depending on type, dogs need to be watched.. Some wont bother but some will ...

 

[SlipsWife]

I also have predators, you can do the best you can, but sometimes it is just a challenge to keep all safe. I lost 1 last week and yesterday a fox had 2 of mine until I ran out and scared him with a shot in the air.. Hawks got 3 last fall.. It is tough..Good luck.

I keep hearing about hawks getting chickens. We have coyotes in this area but it would take a lot for them to get into our yard. I haven't seen any hawks in our yard before but they are definitely in the area. At what age/size do you not have to worry about hawks? Will they just go after the younger guys? We have 4 one month olds left (after our dog got to them) and a number of little ones that will be going out in a few weeks time and I can't imagine a hawk trying to take off with one of the bigger guys.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I keep hearing about hawks getting chickens. We have coyotes in this area but it would take a lot for them to get into our yard. I haven't seen any hawks in our yard before but they are definitely in the area. At what age/size do you not have to worry about hawks? Will they just go after the younger guys? We have 4 one month olds left (after our dog got to them) and a number of little ones that will be going out in a few weeks time and I can't imagine a hawk trying to take off with one of the bigger guys.

I can't imagine a hawk taking off with one of the bigger guys myself. Though I can very well imagine a hawk killing one of the bigger guys and eating it on the spot or at least a pair of hawks eating it until the chicken's remains was light enough for a hawk to spirit away.

Here is a short video that shows how well guineas deter hawk attacks.

 

[Prettyhorse32]

The hawks here have not taken the chicken.. they seem to kill and eat on spot.. One of my girls was a cochin bantam so I understand she is easy target, but another one was a easter egger and a hefty girl..Found both on ground, half eaten.... so horrible.. UGHH! Im thinking what I can change in my yard ...

 

[GasMenagerie]

The hawks here have not taken the chicken.. they seem to kill and eat on spot.. One of my girls was a cochin bantam so I understand she is easy target, but another one was a easter egger and a hefty girl..Found both on ground, half eaten.... so horrible.. UGHH! Im thinking what I can change in my yard ...

Yes, the hawks here in my area swoop and kill then eat on the spot. I lost a brave momma hen to one last year. I ran out of the house but it was too late. The hawk had decapitated her and was starting to pull feathers out. I believe she died protecting her brood of four that were hiding in the brush several feet from her.

I have since added a rooster to help give the warning so the girls can seek cover. I also don't open the door for them to free range when it's overcast, as the shadows as well as the sharper contrast of bird against sky helps them to see the hawks. Of course, the coop run is covered on top with chicken wire.