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We have a well-fenced chicken yard and our flock is in a predator-proof building at night. We have had a hawk eat at least one of our birds (we saw it happen.) Does anyone have experience with guard geese for aerial daytime predators? Thanks!
No, not I, but I have often wondered whether they might be good deterrents to aerial attack. Since I accidentally acquired a couple of roosters which are much more alert than the hens, none of my chickens have been taken by hawks. Previously I suffered three successful hawk attacks to my flock that I know of.
Even in town here the hawks sometimes hang around. Not that I know that they have taken any, but I had my cockatiels in a cage outside and a hawk stood on the cage looking down at them. Gorgeous hawk, but my goodness!
I had Polish top-knots, They couldn't see the sky because of their top-knot. They were the best invention since sliced bread for the local raptor population.
Robb
Yup, I _had_ a bunch :(. Robb is right, they are predator magnets. Especially the White crested varities. Really give the hawks something to aim for. I didn't get them intentionally, but the were thrust upon me. Unfortunately, I became quite fond of them, and it really hurts to lose them. There are not many left.
I will likely get some again, but only after I have a predator safe environment for them to spend their days. I have ideas.
I'll take this time to thank everyone for all I've learned here at Dave's. I won't be resubscribing, not because of the cost, but because I seldom come here anymore. I have found more active places to talk about chickens (and other things) so will be moving on. I hope to see you all in the future, It was fun :)
Just saw this thread. We keep a pair of geese in with our chickens and have found that it really does reduce aerial predator attacks. During periods when we've separated the geese out for one reason or another the hawks seem to find our chickens much easier prey. We still lose a chicken once in a while with the geese but no more than one every year or so, if that.
