Predators

With human encroachment into rural areas, wildlife has a shrinking habitat and encounters with all (deer, bear, raccoon, possum, fox, coyote, etc) is inevitable.  We live in their territory.  We must co-exist. 

Unfortunately, we lost three free roaming chickens in late spring, Screamer, Shasta and our rooster Tommy (pictured below). 

The last attack happened in Spring of 2010.  Our Maran rooster was huddled below the coop with a few hens and four others were scattered throughout the acreage.  We located three hiding in tall grass but the fourth, our smallest golden hen, Rose went missing for two days.  She appeared on the third day, badly beaten up, some feathers missing, limping and crushed on one side. 

We're hoping preventative measures will keep these predators at bay.  The chicken feed, once kept near the hen house in an airsealed container is now kept in our house.  We've installed predator deterrent lights and more fencing to keep the hens ranging closer to home.  It's been several weeks since the hens had an encounter. 

SCREAMER

 

SHASTA

TOMMY TUFFNUTS

Our survivor, Rose, has completely recovered.  She's a really smart and tough chicken!