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Fall Threats to Your Flock
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Smart Tips to Deter Predators
By Christy Caplan
Fall is a critical season for predator management in backyard poultry flocks. With food sources dwindling, intruders become more active and desperate, increasing the risk to your chickens. Safeguarding your flock during this time requires understanding predator behavior, reinforcing coop security and implementing innovative free-ranging practices.
Understanding hunting patterns is crucial. For example, hawks and owls are more active during specific times( day and night, respectively), while raccoons and coyotes often target coops at night. Limit free-ranging to supervised hours and use covered runs to protect against aerial threats.
Well-trained guardian dogs, such as Great Pyrenees, can effectively deter trespassers both day and night.
Understanding Autumn Predator Activity
Predators during the fall are often driven by the need to stock up on food before winter. This means increased activity and boldness, as they seek accessible sources of nourishment, such as backyard flocks. Common intruders include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks and owls, each posing unique risks. While chickens may be hardy and resilient, one raccoon can still wipe out an entire flock in a single night.
Proactive predator management to protect backyard flocks is the key.
Raccoons, coyotes and foxes are primarily nocturnal hunters, targeting poorly secured coops at night. Raccoons are particularly crafty, capable of unlatching simple coop locks or squeezing through gaps.
• Hawks and owls are aerial predators that attack at different times of day. Hawks usually strike during daylight hours, while owls hunt under the cover of darkness.
• Other culprits may include snakes, skunks and weasels, each exploiting weaknesses in coop design. Even opossums can be a threat.
By learning the habits and tendencies of these predators, you can take targeted steps to deter them.
Reinforcing Coop Security
An effective first line of defense against fall hunters is a well-fortified coop. A secure coop can mean the difference between a safe flock and a vulnerable one. Upgrade your materials: Replacing standard chicken wire with hardware cloth is essential. Hardware cloth, with its tighter weave of 1 / 2-inch or 1 / 4-inch, offers much better protection. Chicken wire is too flimsy and can be torn apart by determined raccoons or foxes. Close gaps and block entry points: Predators are experts at exploiting even the smallest weaknesses. Inspect your coop thoroughly for gaps, cracks or loose panels. Seal all openings with hardware cloth, particularly around windows and vents. Additionally, ensure that all doors and windows close tightly and latch securely. Using predator-proof locks or carabiners can deter raccoons, which are surprisingly dexterous.
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