Sounds like a country nightmare. So sorry for you. I use de on the floor and neem oil sprayed on walls and perches. Don’t know how I would treat the bales. Bonfire with marshmallows? Just know you’re doing your best however it all turns out
Ballsy? Real balsy! I had a panther cross about 20 feet in front of me to jump on a group of hens. They went flying and the Aussies ran it off over the fence. I was frozen. Good free ranging hens. Isbar crosses. That cat had to have known I was at the barn not ten minutes before. That was...
I also live on ten acres next to state forest. Have about 40 hens and roosters. Total free range on pasture and woods. Have two male Australian shepherds one intact and a newly acquired great pyrenees. The Aussies are great and the intact is fast and has done several hawk saves. Within two...
If you use dogs like I do you’ll also need to walk the perimeter daily to have them mark their territory. Master gardener told me this years ago to keep deer away but it works for everything
I have two male australian shepherds who guard my totally free range chickens on ten acres. (Roosters too). Excellent working dogs. I’ve even seen them run off a panther. If a hen lets out a peep they’re there! I live next to a huge state forest and this wouldn’t be possible without them. Only...
I presently have 8 roosters, 2 cockerels and many free ranging hens. Also a bachelor group of 5. I’ve only had one rooster try to attack me and it was a misunderstanding. I was taking some twigs off the feet of an old silkie rooster and he didn’t like it. He was a Campine and he tried it two...
A year old hen of mine jumped up on the fence yesterday and crowed. I was shocked. The roosters hang with her and feed her. I’m pretty sure she’s laid eggs
I totally free range. Have several good roosters and two Australian shepherds. Ten acres with pasture and woods. live By state forest. Lots of predators. A panther got a lavender Orpington. Never came back after the dogs ran him off. i have gone to more flighty birds. Isbar crosses. The big meat...
I like to let the hens do it. The babies have a mother that loves them and are taught free ranging by an expert. I think that’s what’s going to be important in the near future