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Protecting the Poultry Flock
Minks, Hawks and Two Legged Pests
Mink, weasels and stoats
The best approach to dealing with mink, weasels or stoats is to fence them out, but the problem is that they are able to get in through small apertures, such as the gaps in ordinary netting. A smooth fence such as galvanised sheeting is effective, for they are unable to get a grip on it, but it is fairly unsightly as a barrier. Trapping is also used where mink is a problem.
A proprietary repellent such as that mentioned earlier is sometimes effective. Soaking rags in diesel oil and hanging them on the boundary has also been known to work.
Predatory birds
Overhead predators such as hawks can prey on small fowl, as well as frighten large ones. The traditional method of dealing with them was horrifically inhumane. Baited gin-traps were placed on top of high poles. When the unwary bird came down to retrieve the bait, the trap would snap shut on its legs. Thankfully, the gin-trap has been illegal for many years.
Birds of prey are protected species and must not be trapped or shot, although there are unscrupulous gamekeepers who undoubtedly do so. The only legal approach is to deter them but how is this possible?
In a small area, close-woven plastic meshing such as that used on top of fruit cages can be used to provide over-head protection. It is effective in a small run where, for example, young growers are being reared. For larger areas, where this is not a practical proposition, the humble scarecrow is worth considering, as well as the placing of aluminium foil strips on posts or lines where they will be moved by the wind.
The key factor is moving such deterrents and scarecrows at regular intervals so that the predators do not become used to them.
Larsen traps are often used where magpies are a nuisance. They are live-catch cages in case other wild birds are caught. The latter must, of course, be released immediately for it would be illegal not to do so.
Having shelters where poultry can run to hide under when they are away from their house is a good idea, and indeed required for commercial free-range flocks. Chickens have good all-round vision and will soon spot a bird of prey. Ducking under a shelter is their only protection in the absence of the trees to which their Jungle Fowl ancestors were adapted. Such shelters are easy to make. A few straw bales with a sheet of ‘galvanised’ on top are effective, although admittedly not very pretty. More attractive ones can be made from wattle hurdles or woven branches.
Mirrors that reflect the light upwards can sometimes frighten away a bird of prey. There are also purpose-made raptor deterrents in the form of a ball mirror glass or even wind-powered, flashing hawk faces.
Feral cats and larger predators
Sometimes feral or other people’s pet cats can be a nuisance. A hen run can, if necessary, have garden netting put over it to keep them out, as detailed earlier. The most effective deterrent, however is to have your own cat or dog, or both, to stake a territorial claim that will be heeded. Domestic cats and dogs will usually learn not to chase poultry or other stock on their own territory. Young puppies may need to be trained in this respect.
Other people’s dogs should be kept out and normal garden fencing is usually adequate for this. For more open areas, where hedges, may be more common, aim to keep the hedge well managed and pruned to provide thick lower growth, or use netting to block off any gaps. As a matter of interest, the law states that dog owners are responsible for keeping their animals out of other people’s property. The cat, however, is recognised as ‘having a natural propensity to roam. A poultry keeper is responsible for keeping his birds confined.
In Britain, we do not have predators larger than the fox, unless you believe the stories of the escaped puma/large cat, etc. In this case, a resident dog provides a good warning, as will as a sharp-eyed guinea fowl perched in a tree.
Two-legged thieves
Finally, it is worth remembering that one of the most effective predators is the human thief. Some traditional breeds of poultry are rare and become the focus of unscrupulous breeders. This is particularly true of game fowl where there is a steady trade serving illegal cock fighting. Christmas poultry are also at risk.
Walls and fences can be extended with trellis for climbing plants, such as roses, whose thorns will also act as a deterrent. For other boundaries, particularly longer ones around land dense, prickly hedging such as hawthorn or Rosa rugosa against wire mesh fence are effective.
Items such as ladders and garden or workshop tools should be locked inside a secure building. A garden spade can be used to lever open doors.
External lights can be used around the house and outbuildings. The lighting can be adapted to switch on when someone approaches, by fitting an internal controller to set how long the light remains on after it has been triggered.
To protect large open areas, some form of surveillance equipment may be needed. An infra-red beam system can be installed, which will not be triggered by cats, dogs or birds and which can be linked to a combination of lights and alarms as required. A radio beam transmitter can pick up intruders and trigger an alarm in the house some distance away, without the intruders being aware that they have been detected.
There are many professional firms to install systems. Whatever is used, make sure that the installation and maintenance conform to nationally recognized standards such as the British Standard BS4737. Many areas now also have 'neighbourhood watch' schemes where people cooperate to their mutual benefit.
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Copyright © Katie Thear 2005