Beginner in Hawaii

[Jerry Ishikawa]

I would like to start raising hens in Hilo Hawaii,wondering what type of predator to expect,and where can I purchase a couple hens to start with?

 

[Shadowfire]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! What breeds of chicken are you looking for? I would recommend getting more than two chickens; three to six is a god number to start with. In Hawaii, there are few predators, but you should still have a sturdy coop and run for your birds, because they are still at risk of being attacked by feral animals. Bets of luck, and be sure to ask any more questions you may have- a wonderful BYC community is waiting to help!

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Check in your states thread for info on local sources for chickens

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I would like to start raising hens in Hilo Hawaii,wondering what type of predator to expect,and where can I purchase a couple hens to start with?

Purchase? PURCHASE? You're in Hawaii...... just go out in your front yard and grab a few feral chickens and call it a day!

 

[christwodog]

From my time spent in Pahala, I would say your biggest predators will be dogs and mongoose. I remember seeing more mongoose on the Kona side, but I did see them on your side too. Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, and try to bury the wire to protect from something digging under to get at your hens.
I wouldn't know where to purchase them now as I am no longer there, but ask around at one of the many farmer's markets, surely someone at the Hilo market can point you in the right direction. Good luck, aloha nui loa.

 

[wildgreenegg]

I agree with Shamo. Why buy? Most of the feral chickens roaming around the street are abandoned or escaped chickens. Just adopt a few. Mine lay eggs every day or every other day. Plus, you can have a chicken that is tough enough to survive the streets so is grown enough to lay almost immediately. Humans are notorious for tossing out animals that are unwanted. Take advantage of it. Tons of black silkies roaming around Kapolei Costco...

 

[wildgreenegg]

Also, I think your biggest chicken enemy would be mongoose. They can be crafty, eat eggs and attack even adult birds...doesn't mean that they have no use, as with all life, everything has a purpose. Strong, sturdy wire buried under the ground, etc. definitely helps as christwodog said.

 

[wildgreenegg]

Oh, and your other enemy would be the folks running over them on purpose. Watch your free range...

 

[wildgreenegg]

But I'm not sure those human animals that do that have a purpose...

 

[808chickie]

I would like to start raising hens in Hilo Hawaii,wondering what type of predator to expect,and where can I purchase a couple hens to start with?

Check out Paradise Poultry, they're on BI, not sure which side. They offer some really great breeds. Like everyone is saying, you'd need to watch out for dogs, cats and mongoose. Make sure their coop/run is secure with hardware cloth. If you're going to free range, probably should think about getting a rooster or always being with your flock.