Protect Backyard Chickens from Skunks

Next up in our series on backyard chicken predators is the noxious skunk. While they might not be the first predatory threat to your flock that comes to mind, nevertheless, if given the chance, a skunk will eat eggs, kill chicks and even occasionally attack full grown poultry. skunk6

Obviously, the easiest way to tell if a skunk is around your coop is to follow your nose. If you notice persistent skunk essence over an extended period of time, chances are you have a skunk in residence. But, if you are still not sure, you can also look for tracks. The tracks can be difficult to distinguish from those of a raccoon but if you are a gifted tracker, you can easily spot the difference. spskunk If you really want to be thorough, an examination of skunk scat will usually reveal lots of insect parts. If your coop has been subject to attack by a skunk, you would expect to find eggs opened up on one end and the contents consumed or if an actual bird were attacked the neck would be opened up and perhaps the head eaten.

http://www.almanac.com/pest/skunks http://www.raising-chickens.org/chicken-predators.html

Once you have definitely identified the threat, it is time to take action. Skunks will not usually break through coop confines like some other aggressive predators, but if given an opening, they will take it. So, it is essential to make sure fencing and coop confines are intact and also that any areas where skunks could dig underneath are properly sealed. Once the coop is secure, then it is time to employ a deterrent. Enter fox urine. What? Fox Urine? How? It might not be the first thing you think of but, a fox is one of the most common skunk predators. Skunks fear foxes, they sense a fox is present because of the urine, and they leave your chickens, chicks and eggs alone – it is as simple as that.

Identify, shore up fencing and walls, set up a pee-rimeter with 100% fox urine, and rest easy.

Until I find more words. . .The PeeMan

Protect Backyard Chickens from Rats

The second in our series on backyard chicken predators will focus on rats. While the barnyard rat, Templeton, in Charlotte’s Web(a book written and based in Maine by the way)is a friend, albeit somewhat begrudging, to Wilbur and the other animals in the fictional farm, the truth is a far cry from that placid arrangement. 0db115c7f5226a9d8f4f9b1f93dad9ef Rats are a nuisance, to say the least, and in the worst circumstances a great danger to chicks, eggs, even to hens themselves. The danger these rodents pose comes not only from direct attack and carnage but also from often disease ridden droppings that can remain a threat long after the actual rats have gone.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/rat-chicken-pests-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-rats

So, aside from actually spotting the creatures themselves, how do you identify the presence of rats? Well, their little feet will hardly leave any distinguishable tracks in the midst of coop bedding, etc. If eggs are missing, or chicks or your hens appear to have been attacked but not necessarily killed(they can fight off rats fairly effectively)you might have rats. But, the best way to definitely identify the Rattus rattus(scientist who came up with that name must have been a real genius)is by its droppings. Yep, poop. We talk about pee all the time in this blog, why not poop? I know my eight year old grandson would heartily approve. Anyway, the droppings of a rat can pretty easily be distinguished from that of its smaller cousin the mouse. They are much larger and apparently, the rat has more of a sense of hygiene than the mouse. So, rather than finding the droppings scattered everywhere, you will more likely find them in groups.

Once you have identified the threat, it is time to take action. Rats love food. So, it is important to always keep food sources contained and free from outside access. Self contained feeders and firmly closed food storage containers are options for this. Once you have shored up your food security, then you must work to keep the rats away from the coop completely. The traditional use of rat poisons can be dangerous to your flock, so this is where a natural, non-pesticidal repellent can be very useful. Enter coyote urine. What? Coyote Urine? How? It might not be the first thing you think of but, a coyote is one of several natural rat predators. Based on our experience and understanding of the predator-prey concept, rats never have to have been within 100 miles of a coyote to possess an instinctual fear of the wily predator. Rats fear coyotes, they sense the coyote is present because of the urine, and they leave your chickens, chicks and eggs alone – it is as simple as that.

Identify, remove food access, set up a pee-rimeter with 100% coyote urine, carefully take care of any droppings, and rest easy.

Until I find more words. . .The PeeMan

Protect Backyard Chickens from Raccoons

This week is the beginning of a series that will explore the many predators that threatens the backyard chicken flock. Proper identification of the predatory threat is key to implementing the right solution to this problem and keeping your hens safe.

chickens The first predator we will look at will be the masked bandit commonly known as raccoon, or scientifically speaking- procyon loter. This omnivorous creature can range in size from 23.5 in. to 37.5 in. and 4 to 23 lbs. In the wild, the raccoon lives an average of 2-3 years. If near water, they like to eat frogs and crayfish and other aquatic treats. On land, they will grab mice, insects and most applicably to us tasty eggs and sometimes the poultry themselves.

So, how do you know if it is a raccoon that is attacking your chickens? Well, if there is

raccoon raccoon

a raccoon presence, look for tracks(like above)in sandy or muddy areas. If chickens have been attacked by raccoons, evidence could include severed heads dragged away from the body, birds pulled unsuccessfully pulled through enclosures, birds whose necks have been severely injured and ransacked nesting areas. http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/raccoons.html

Once you have identified the perpetrator, then you will be able to protect your coop properly. Raccoons are savvy predators but almost every predator is another animal’s prey. It is the natural, genetically programmed instinctual fear of a predator that makes a product like predator urine work as a natural, non-pesticidal repellent. So, what does the raccoon fear? Well, one of its most common predators is the coyote and thus the most logical predator urine to choose would be coyote urine. 100% coyote urine is available at predatorpee.com with various applicators available depending on your exact setup. All you need to do is make a pee-rimeter around the area you are trying to protect – in this case your coop or run.

Protect Koi Ponds from Predatory Birds

33ea8ec42091f1e4de915b0ec8b9298f ok, so admittedly i don’t know much about koi. I stocked my pond with some salmon last year but drought killed them off, so I am far from an expert on raising fish. So, I am going to use information from others who know more about the popular ornamental carp. Apparently these fish can be pretty valuable:

If a breeder raises a highly sought after koi, it can sell for thousands of dollars. $250,000 is not unheard of for a prized koi fish. http://koistory.com/blog/all-about-koi-fish-facts

Obviously, these fish are kept in ponds:

“Koi ponds are ponds used for holding koi, usually as part of a landscape. Koi ponds can be designed specifically to promote health and growth of the Nishikigoi or Japanese Ornamental Carp. The architecture of the koi pond can have a great effect on the health and well being of the koi.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi

So, they can be valuable, pretty, people like them, and they are kept in outdoor koi ponds. So, a group of colorful fish in an outdoor pond – sounds a little like a predator magnet to me! As it turns out, a product that we developed for chicken keepers also works very well for keeping predatory birds away from valuable koi. That’s right – Hawk Stopper – the visual deflection net brought to you by predatorpee – is a solution to preventing aerial attack on your unsuspecting koi. Each unit protects 1500 sq ft (approx. 20’x75′) and includes 100 feet of rope for installation! We have sold hundreds of Hawk Stoppers since its introduction last year. New this year, we have developed the Mini Hawk Stopper for smaller applications – the same concept in a smaller size. Visual Deflection Net – 700 sq ft (approx. 20’x35′) – Still includes 100 feet of rope for installation!

So, no matter how big your koi pond is, we’ve got you covered! But, as I always say, you don’t have to take my word for it . . .

“Thank you PredatorPee for overnighting our Hawk Guard!!! We had placed an order & chose 2 day shipping due to terrible hawk activity that we had (lost 5 birds in 2 weeks!😞) and I’m happy to say the hawk has not been able to get into the chicken area since putting the netting up!😃👍 Thank you so very much for your product & your kindness of overnighting it!!!🐣🐔”

“Thank you HawkStopper! This and my scare crow are working wonderfully together.”

-Tiffany

Until I find more words . . . The PeeMan

Problem: Perilous Pupping Season – Solution: Wolf Pee

It is pupping season! Not the “aww cute” puppies kind but the soon to be adult vicious predators that can pose a threat to small pets and backyard chickens kind. Yep, coyote breeding happens in January and February and then voila! – coyote pups in March and April.

Just like many animals, when coyotes are starting a family, they tend to be more aggressive to any perceived threats. This coupled with the fact that many suburban and urban areas are close to breeding spots and you’ve got a problem.

(Coyote)Breeding occurs once annually, typically in late January and in February, with pups born in March and April. Parents and offspring continue to remain in a family group for about six months. Before giving birth, the adults excavate one or more dens in the soil, occasionally expanding the burrows of other animals, but sometimes using hollow logs, rock piles, or culverts. Typically, even when denning in suburban areas, they choose sites where human activity is minimal. If disturbed, the parents may move the litter to an alternate den site. . . Coyote mating season is in late January through February and pups are born in March and April. Coyotes can be aggressive and protective during mating or when protecting litters of pups

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/06/coyote-attacks-in-california-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-see-if-theyre-in-your-area/

coyote2small Ok, so they are breeding, steer clear, what’s the big deal? The big deal is that every day reports surface of coyotes attacking, maiming and even killing small dogs and other small domestic pets. Here are links to just a few stories from the past month:

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/columnists/2017-03-27/guest-column-city-officials-must-take-proactive-steps-address-atlantic

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/06/coyote-attacks-in-california-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-see-if-theyre-in-your-area/

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/cuyahoga-county/coyote-attacks-dog-near-lakewood-home/415668755

And as if this isn’t bad enough, the link below describes a coyote attack on a man who was out for a jog!

http://www.wpxi.com/news/trending-now/man-out-for-morning-jog-attacked-by-coyote/499200273

Clearly, this is a HUGE(nod to POTUS)problem. Well, as you well know by now, we at predatorpee are all about solutions to common pest problems. Using the predator-prey instinct as our guide, we are led to the canis lupus or wolf as the predator to the coyote.

In order to protect your pets from this voracious predator we recommend using our 100% Wolf Urine. Create a “pee-rimeter” around your yard by using WolfPee liquid with ScentTags or 33 Day Dispensers.

But, as usual, you don’t have to take my word for it . . .

“…After we bought your WolfPee last year, we did not have any problems with coyotes whatsoever and we thank you for that. New year and we have three cats we must protect. I thank you and will place my large order soon…”

Margery F. – Walpole, MA

“It really works…we haven’t seen a coyote in the neighborhood for years now.”

Nancy – Woodinville, WA

“I believe this is my third purchase from you, and it seems to be deterring the coyotes, so I’m going to continue hanging it on my fence to keep them at bay, from my doggies.”

Susanne – Denver, CO

So, the problem is real but so is the solution. Don’t wait, keep your pets safe during pupping season. Get some Wolf Pee!

Until I find More Words . . .The PeeMan