This morning the chickens were outside of the barn again.
So my task was to dissuade hawks from eating them. I really want free range chickens but do not want to raise them for the local raptors. So I strung colorful yarn off the barn to the fencing to discourage the hawks from snacking on chickens near the barn.
I also put up my one-eyed owl. Not sure how scary he is anymore.
I strung up yarn behind the barn as well.
Another closer view.
I am discouraged that the roosters and geese did not provide more protection for that poor hen yesterday. But maybe this will help. Unfortunately right after I did it, Tom saw either a small hawk or falcon sitting on one of the fences posts with yarn attached to it. He obviously wasn’t scared of it.
On a lighter note, it is getting colder so I have been putting Ryeleigh in a sweater in the mornings. Here is her response. Pitiful, isn’t it?
I will get her eyes checked out by the vet though, with the differences in the red reflexes. Her one year birthday and rabies shot are coming up anyway.
have you tried that silvery flash tape? might be worth a shot?
That is the next step. Tom plans on scattering fence posts around with them.
I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time! I hope things settle down!
I’ve been gone for a week and wasn’t able to use the internet at my sister’s house. It was frustrating!
We haven’t lost any more chickens that we are aware of. But the yarn on the front of the barn almost all ripped away with the last windstorm. So today the plan is to put up thicker colorful string. We shall see!
We are thinking that the fish that got washed into the fields across the street attracted more raptors here and they decided they also like chicken.