I think I've lost all my chickens....

[Gazrok]

One was missing the other day.

Then two. But one of the boarders saw all three left that day, so didn't worry about it.

Then, small bit of feathers around and large cat paw prints (like a bobcat)....

None of them around this morning.

So much for the free-ranging experiment. Looks like the next ones will be kept in the coop, ALL the time.

 

[Gazrok]

Now they all want to get a donkey for the property. Even a bobcat isn't going to attack a full grown horse (especially one fat on 4 chickens)...but they are all worried nonetheless. I've only seen one twice on the property, in the 6 years we've been here, and both times, once seen, they ran off, so as a human, I'm not too worried either.

But, I'm sure my wife will badger me into getting a donkey. (as long as it's a rescue (so free), and we up board a little bit to offset feeding it.

 

[Danil54grl]

Sorry you lost your chickens. We let ours free range during the day in the backyard but it is enclosed with a 6 ft privacy fence. There is no way we could let them free range on the entire place though because we have bobcats and coyote s here. Our entire place has some sort of fencing around it, but we also know if something wants in it could happen. We even found a bobcat cub in our chicken run before.

 

[Gazrok]

Yeah, we have fencing all around too, even double layers of it, but obviously that didn't help matters any.

 

[Gazrok]

A boarder just saw one of them. Having her put it in the coop.

 

[Robinjopo1]

So sorry. It's amazing how an animal can get into a very small space. Last year when I lost some ladies to the racoon made me adjust my thinking on security.

I do free range during the day, but my dogs keep critters away. At night they are hopefully securely locked in coops.

The roosters are actually learning to protect the ladies. Instinct just kicked in.

My very first flock....... I put them outside in a non secure run and all 9 were dead in 45 Minutes when I checked.

Mom's little dog had broken their necks.

Next day, I got a better fence.

Is it legal for you to kill this type culprit? I would.

 

[Robinjopo1]

Also, some of the portable tractors seem rather easily made.

That way they can still get fresh grass and bugs.

 

[Arcticdude]

Is it legal for you to kill this type culprit? I would.

It is in my State. Years ago I shot a couple of the neighbors dogs who were in my corral chasing my horses. The neghibor was a city f$#@ of course and thought his dogs could just run loose. This neighbor went to the Sheriff to try and file charges on me. The Sheriff laughed his ### out of his office.
Not only can you protect your livestock by any means necessary, but you can collect damages from the dogs owner too.

 

[Arcticdude]

Now they all want to get a donkey for the property. Even a bobcat isn't going to attack a full grown horse (especially one fat on 4 chickens)...but they are all worried nonetheless. I've only seen one twice on the property, in the 6 years we've been here, and both times, once seen, they ran off, so as a human, I'm not too worried either.

But, I'm sure my wife will badger me into getting a donkey. (as long as it's a rescue (so free), and we up board a little bit to offset feeding it.

My wife is looking to buy 2 miniature donkeys. I asked her if they were good eating. She said NO, they're just for pets! And she wants me to build a miniature barn for them too. Sure, I have nothing else to do around here.

 

[Danil54grl]

Try ta

My wife is looking to buy 2 miniature donkeys. I asked her if they were good eating. She said NO, they're just for pets! And she wants me to build a miniature barn for them too. Sure, I have nothing else to do around here.[/Q

Try talking your wife into normal sized donkeys. They make great guard animals especially for cattle. I really miss the ones my hunny sold a few years back. So loving and lots of entertainment! Jack would pick up his food bowl and follow us to the barn at feeding time . And to watch their bottom lips stick out and quiver when you scratched their ears was just too funny. I'm sure minis would be entertaining too but they may only be able to stomp on rats, not coyote s or bobcats.

 

[Danil54grl]

Sorry Artic, I tried quoting but my reply is at the bottom of quote

 

[Arcticdude]

Sorry Artic, I tried quoting but my reply is at the bottom of quote

I agree with you. But my wife isn't known for her reasoning skills when it comes to something she wants.
When I was a kid around 9 or 10 I had a couple donkeys that I used for packing when I went camping.
I'm hoping that the price tag of $2-3k each will change her mind on the minis. But knowing her I doubt it.

 

[TexasFreedom]

Sorry about losing the birds. The problem is that everything likes to each chicken. You have to close them up in the coop every evening around dusk/dark and open every morning. Forget one night, and the predators find it. It's the hardest part of keeping chickens. And I'm not sure a donkey would help with a bobcat problem.

And it's always the same... they get a nice taste on 1 bird... and in a matter of days the predator (bobcat, raccoon, etc) invite their entire family for a thanksgiving feast on your flock. A lesson to learn... we've all been there.

Oh, a buddy of mine used to raise mini donkeys. Cute little things. A few years back they were $5-700. Not sure where they are now.

 

[Robinjopo1]

Except for hawks. No matter if they are killing your flock, it is illegal to kill a hawk.

I would still kill one though. I've put too much money into my flock.

 

[DrHenley]

Except for hawks. No matter if they are killing your flock, it is illegal to kill a hawk.

I would still kill one though. I've put too much money into my flock.

"SSS" (shoot, shovel and shut up)

 

[Robinjopo1]

"SSS" (shoot, shovel and shut up)

Exactly

 

[Gazrok]

"SSS" (shoot, shovel and shut up)

Yep.

Well, I thought I had saved two, but one later died, from internal injury maybe... So just one chicken left. I got her in an empty stall for the time being. Until I repair the coop enough to then get some new chicks.

 

[Robinjopo1]

Yep.

Well, I thought I had saved two, but one later died, from internal injury maybe... So just one chicken left. I got her in an empty stall for the time being. Until I repair the coop enough to then get some new chicks.

Sorry Gazrok. I have one in the infirmary with a hurt leg. No visible injury, but she hasn't been able to walk for 10+ days

 

[Arcticdude]

Yep.

Well, I thought I had saved two, but one later died, from internal injury maybe... So just one chicken left. I got her in an empty stall for the time being. Until I repair the coop enough to then get some new chicks.

You're welcome to take some of mine. We have over 60 of the feathered rodents now.

 

[Kevin L]

I'm sorry this happened.

I would keep ducks post SHTF, since they seem smarter and more disease resistant than chickens.

Also, I think ducks are better at fending for themselves.