Weather fluctuations can create a shortage of food for some wild animals. This makes predation of chicken flocks more likely to occur. Extreme weather can change things from a time of scarcity to a season of starving. The author shares techniques to prevent attracting predators and to help if predators are already there. . . . chickens, their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to … [Read more...]
Search Results for: chicken predators
Protecting chickens from aerial predators (includes video)
Free-ranging and backyard chickens are easy prey for animals like foxes, raccoons, skunks and neighbors’ free-roaming cats and dogs. In addition, the lack of protection overhead makes them a likely meal for hawks. Pam Freeman offers ways to protect backyard chickens from aerial predators. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 30, 2017. To protect backyard, free-ranging chickens … [Read more...]
Dark shadows and the neighbor’s new chicken coop
Personal experience A neighbor has constructed and populated a small backyard chicken coop about 100 yards from the back fence in my yard. Within a few days, I saw more hawks and owls circling the area, resting in the tall oaks and casting shadows as they flew over our neighborhood. Startled by the shadow of a swooping red-tail hawk I watched a massive one dive-bomb … [Read more...]
What’s killing the chickens?
Wildlife predators are keeping close to dens in February as they anticipate new litters in March and April. Backyard poultry locations and pet food bowls left outside are easy targets for sustained nutrition during gestation and after litters are born. Gail Damerow shares ways to examine where, how and when a bird turns up dead or missing. Missing eggs are often an early … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens have caused 21-state salmonella outbreaks
Fifty-two people in 21 states have contracted salmonella from backyard poultry according to the CDC. Five patients have been hospitalized and 28 percent of those sickened by these home-based chicks and ducklings are children under age 5. Don’t kiss your chickens! < link > Source: USA Today, May 17, 2019. Link. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens may be the most pampered pets of the moment
Chicken pampering is taking over in the backyard poultry segment writes Glenn Selk. Nothing seems too much for these feathered friends. Americans have begun treating their fowl more like pets than livestock. And just as with our beloved cats and dogs, nothing is too much for our little Foghorn Leghorns. Source: USA Today, December 24, 2018. Link. The Centers for Disease … [Read more...]
Chickens and owls don’t mix
While not the most likely of chicken predators, owls can sometimes pose a threat. Unlike skunks, raccoons, foxes and other four-footed mammals, owls and raptors are not easily discouraged by a vertical fence. Since destroying hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and kites is illegal, finding ways to discourage aerial predation remains an important management practice. Pam Freeman … [Read more...]
Signs of a coyote attack
Complimentary commercial content from Nite Guard, LLC Canis latrans, the coyote, is an increasingly present inhabitant of suburban landscapes. One of the more adaptable of all wild mammals, the coyote is implicated in the deaths of chickens, livestock and backyard pets. They are bold and yet stealthy predators with appetites befitting a 25- to 40-pound working dog. … [Read more...]
Wildlife among us
Commentary A fecal deposit on my deck and a latrine under a tree recently are stark reminders that suburban backyards are frequented by an ever-increasing citified wildlife population. Animal health pros immediately think of rabies and ideally have been able to keep vaccinations current in pets that go outdoors. Beyond deer eating in our yards and predators like foxes, … [Read more...]
Organic rat control, K-9s on duty (includes video)
Some dog owners seek to return breeds to their roots. Rat terriers are no exception. Historians say that Rat Terriers came about by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier and the black and tan Manchester Terrier in the early 1800s. They were bred to create an efficient ratter for farms, as well as a competent hunting companion for the farmer. Fast forward to California where Jordan … [Read more...]
Geese make good flock guardians
Duck, duck, goose is not just a kids’ game revitalized by end zone hijinks of the Minnesota Vikings. Geese make excellent guardians against predators common to backyard poultry flocks. They are naturally loud alarms and don’t require any training or behavior modification to protect. A threat, sign of trouble or intruder will cause them to call loudly, alerting their flockmates … [Read more...]