Using goats to deter overhead predators (hawks). Does it REALLY work?

[SlowHorse]

I've kept our flock in for the past couple of days hoping the hawk (I think it's a hawk anyway) will move on. I've also been looking for a pair of goats to keep with them based on seeing it mentioned here on this forum a time or two.

But I'm coming up empty on research - can anyone share whether or not they've used goats to protect from hawks and if it worked, or didn't work? Or any information on how or why they would work for this use?

I know they wouldn't be effective in protection from canine predators, because they are prey for canines themselves. But against birds? Anyone care to discuss?

 

[sillygoose4ever]

llamas work! Good Luck

 

[aran]

we have 2 goats in with our chickens and i have not even seen a hawk in the air since we got the goats.

 

[CarriBrown]

Quote:
Really?? I wonder what it is about the goats....

 

[aran]

i dunno mate...its only been about 3 weeks now so perhaps its just coincidence but we live rurally and there are ALWAYS hawks overhead. Our birds are in an enclosed run though with the goats which has a net roof on it to further discourage the hawks.

 

[jackiedon]

We have a couple of pigmy billy goats with our chickens and we haven't had any problems where before we did. I don't know why except they can be a little stinky

They are also great about herding the chickens into the pens in the evenings too.

jackie

 

[Freebie]

Now I really want me some goats.

 

[jackiedon]

Freebie,

We have a nanny goat that we got Thanksgiving and feed her with a bottle. She thinks she is a dog. She rides in the truck with my husband. He lets her out with him when he works in the yard. Of course everyone loves it when he has to pick my kids up from somewhere and he'll bring her along too. We are waiting to get another nanny and to get the male goats fixed before we put her out into the pasture.

They are a lot of fun.

jackie

 

[Mulemom]

I need a chicken hearding goat!

Donkeys and mules will keep foxes, coyotes, and even stray dogs out. My mules love their dog, but will not tolerate another dog in their pasture. They go after them with front feet like a rotatiller! They tolerate the wild turkey, so I'm hoping they will be fine with the hens when they are old enough to free range. I don't know if they would even notice a hawk, but I've never seen one on the ground in their area so maybe just them being there and being so big does the trick.

 

[farmgirl2477]

We have 2 pygmy goats, but I still have hawks. Very few losses to them, but they still do come around. Of course my goats dont even keep the weeds or grass down so Ive choped them up to be worthless, but loving LOL.

On another note...Donkeys make good protectors, huh? Now that I have been experiencing our first predetor, I think I need some! Wonder if DH would go for it hehe.

Hope all of your guys goats keep up the good work!
Shannon