Predators
Protecting your hens from predators is a factor you should consider at all times. Foxes, badgers, bird of prey, pine martens, cats and dogs all have the potential to attack your flock. Apparently hens have a specific sound they use to alert fellow hens to danger and 3 specific sounds to indicate whether a predator is approaching on land, from the air or water.
Pets
It's important to ensure your hens are protected at all times when they
are out free-ranging. Even the shock of being chased by a boisterous dog
can seriously harm your hens and put them off lay so these things should
be avoided at all costs. There are many hen keepers who have carefully
introduced their cats or dogs to their flock and have found that both
parties accept one anothers company and don't see them as toys or food!
Foxes, Pine martens and badgers
These 3 animals tend to be more active in Spring as they usually have
more mouths to feed. With detemination these creatures can break
into a wooden coop so it's important to make sure your coop is strong
and has no weak
points.
A
fox deterrent
called Foxwatch emits a 10 second ultrasonic burst which repeats until
the fox leaves so having one of these near your coop and run would be
beneficial.
Other deterrents are male urine and human hair. Ask your other half to pay a visit by the coop and a visit to the barber shop will be of great use when protecting your hens!! :)
Locking your hens away every night in a secure coop will reduce the chances of a visit byt Mr fox or Mrs Badger.
Birds of prey
We have a few birds of prey in our area, mainly buzzards, kite and osprey
and often if they are spotted over head we see the hens make a dash to
the coop which is very encouraging! I believe that we haven't had an
attack from a bird of prey to date because of the obstacles (such as
wooden posts which were originally put around young fruit trees) in and
around the hens pen which doesn't allow the predator much room for manoeuvre
If your hen is attacked or spooked by a predator
You should check for injuries immediately and a trip to the vet will probably
be required. Hens are sensitive creatures and they'll most definitely
be in shock. So whether they are injured or not, it's good to put them
somewhere quiet, warm and dark for an hour or so (unless you have to
go to the vet). Then you need to make sure they have access to food and
water. Offering chopped
up brown toast
with a touch of marmite will help boost your hens energy levels and assist
with recovery. Adding health tonic to the water will also help your hen
to get over the frightful experience.