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The area we have fenced in is a little too big to put a fence over the top. It is around 2000 square feet. We wanted it big enough if we had to leave for a few says, the chickens had an area to wonder around in. During the day when we are around, they are let out of the pen.
Did the cat haul them off or dine in ?
He took them all off. There was only one spot found with a small amount of feathers. No other traces were found.
The fox that got ours was on a killing spree.
We heard the chickens cackling at 11:00 PM and looked out the window.
I saw a fox entering the coop and ran out the door to scare it off. Two chickens were dead in different parts of the yard, and one was wandering around battered (but not fried).
I put the stray chicken back in the coop, locked the coop door and went back inside.
As soon as I got inside, the fox was back at the coop, looking for a way in.
I then watched the fox through a magnified optical device, when suddenly there was a loud noise and a flash. The fox must have gotten scared, because it fainted right there.
The next day, I went to check on the chickens, and the fox was still lying there - must have been more scared than I thought - possible heart attack.
I'm guessing the bastard was just going to kill them all.
That is what I was hoping for this bobcat. Now I don't know if we can take his picture through an optical device because we would no longer be protecting our livestock. I'm going to call the warden tonight and ask if we can get rid of it before we get more chickens.Originally Posted by davsel
DADT
Animals disappear all the time.
We have a few trees in the chickens 'run' area so its not covered. The only other birds accessing it are jays and the occasional magpie due to the design, a large wingspan predator would have a difficult time getting in and out without injuring themselves in the trees just by this design. The run is of course attached to the coop and I let the chickens out in the morning, and lock them back up in the evening. The coop/run are located in a large backyard that is fenced. Sometimes the chickens are allowed to free range in the backyard so long as my dogs are kept inside the house. The birds are easy to round back up when its time to let the dogs do their thing.
There are plenty of foxes, bobcats, domestic cats/dogs, and even some bears but the only predator to attempt to gain entry into the coop at night has been racoons. Thus far I've remedied this problem by adding my own urine markings around the perimeter. May sound strange, but it seriously has worked wonders for keeping would be predators away. I've also extended this concept to the outer areas of garden with great success as a deer and rabbit deterent. Just something to think about really. I've found that when dealing with animal problems, sometimes the easiest solution is to simply adopt their habits. Urine perimeter works very well so far, and I routinely remark areas about once every couple of weeks or so.
Badger
So you now claim beer as farming supplies?
I mean, after all, you need volume when you're remarking every week or so ...
Well no, not really a beer fan but I do distill spirits. A little goes a long way actually. Just like the critters don't waste it all in one shot either when marking. Fence posts, trees, rocks, etc., its not a technique everyone will appreciate perhaps but its low tech, low cost and highly effective as I've not yet lost a chicken to a predator in all these years. As mentioned, once every couple weeks is sufficient. If its not something someone wants to do then pass.
Badger
Edit to add: I don't mark the entire property, that would be impossible. Only the regions of high concern. Again don't like it, don't do it. Was only posting for consideration.
Last edited by Badger; 10-28-2013 at 08:27.
I do that and now that I thonk about it, we haven't seen the raccoons for a while. Didn't stop the coyotes though.
"There are no finger prints under water."
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