Minks, Weasels, Stoats & Hawks -
Protecting the Poultry Flock by
Katie Thear
Mink, Weasels and Stoats
The best approach to dealing with mink, weasels or stoats is to
fence them out, but the problem is that they are able to get in through
small apertures, such as the gaps in ordinary netting. A smooth fence
such as galvanised sheeting is effective, for they are unable to
get a grip on it, but it is fairly unsightly as a barrier. Trapping
is also used where mink is a problem.
A proprietary repellent such as that mentioned earlier is sometimes
effective. Soaking rags in diesel oil and hanging them on the boundary
has also been known to work.
Predatory Birds
Overhead predators such as hawks can prey on small fowl, as well
as frighten large ones. The traditional method of dealing with them
was horrifically inhumane. Baited gin-traps were placed on top of
high poles. When the unwary bird came down to retrieve the bait,
the trap would snap shut on its legs. Thankfully, the gin-trap has
been illegal for many years.
The key factor is moving such deterrents and
scarecrows at regular intervals so that the predators do not become
used to them.
Birds of prey are protected species and must not be trapped or shot,
although there are unscrupulous gamekeepers who undoubtedly do so.
The only legal approach is to deter them but how is this possible?
In a small area, close-woven plastic meshing such as that used
on top of fruit cages can be used to provide over-head protection.
It is effective in a small run where, for example, young growers
are being reared. For larger areas, where this is not a practical
proposition, the humble scarecrow is worth considering, as well as
the placing of aluminium foil strips on posts or lines where they
will be moved by the wind.
The key factor is moving such deterrents and scarecrows at regular
intervals so that the predators do not become used to them.
Larsen traps are often used where magpies are a nuisance. They
are live-catch cages in case other wild birds are caught. The latter
must, of course, be released immediately for it would be illegal
not to do so.
Having shelters where poultry can run to hide under when they are
away from their house is a good idea, and indeed required for commercial
free-range flocks. Chickens have good all-round vision and will soon
spot a bird of prey. Ducking under a shelter is their only protection
in the absence of the trees to which their Jungle Fowl ancestors
were adapted. Such shelters are easy to make. A few straw bales with
a sheet of ‘galvanised’ on top are effective, although
admittedly not very pretty. More attractive ones can be made from
wattle hurdles or woven branches.
Mirrors that reflect the light upwards can sometimes frighten away
a bird of prey. There are also purpose-made raptor deterrents in
the form of a ball mirror glass or even wind-powered, flashing hawk
faces.
Protecting The Poultry Flock - by Katie Thear
See Also
Article Copyright © Katie Thear 2006 |
