There are many different types of domesticated poultry, and each offers its own unique qualities to a homestead. Before addressing the individual species that we have and know, we’ll deal with some of the things they have in common.
Over the years
There are many different types of domesticated poultry, and each offers its own unique qualities to a homestead. Before addressing the individual species that we have and know, we’ll deal with some of the things they have in common.
Over the years, we have had a lot of problems with predators. We’ve lost track of the amount of birds that have disappeared, leaving only a pile of feathers. Neighborhood dogs and cats can be a problem in some areas, but for us, coyotes are our biggest threat. Not to mention fox, skunks, hawks, owls, wild cats, raccoons and anything else that eats meat! Most poultry are easy prey because they sleep soundly, and are just sitting there for the taking during the night. Furthermore, many poultry don’t fly too well, or run very fast for that matter. They have poor night vision which makes them even easier to catch at night.
We have had to revise our free-ranging methods. We do let our birds out in the day, but only between about 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. The enclosures we then shut them into have tall fences, with electric fence all the way around the base on the outside.
Other guard-animals are also a great idea. Dogs help, but so do ones that sleep near the birds, like pigs, donkeys, and even goats. These larger animals are more formidable to predators and are usually far more alert, even when sleeping.
Motion sensor lights are also great. They can scare off a predator and wake up some of the animals. All you need if for one of them to call out, and that can bring the dogs or humans.
We have also worked on our perimeter fence