Protect your own hens from bears and rats is a necessity for all owners of hens. Between the 2 animals there are some differences, in fact the bears they are present only in some delimited areas of the Italian territory, while i rats they populate the whole boot and are present both in urban and agricultural areas. In this article we will discuss the precautions to take with 2 different types of animals, of opposite sizes. The bear is in fact a very strong animal and consequently a not very resistant chicken coop is able to destroy it. On the other hand, one or more rats are skilled climbers and diggers, consequently every crack will be an ideal place to be able to access the chicken coop.
Anti bear and anti rat chicken coop
Un anti bear hen house it must have a particular characteristic, namely resist its possible attacks. It must therefore be made of extremely resistant materials and possibly must be made so that it is difficult to tip over. Bears, animals with an exceptional sense of smell, are able to detect the presence of a hen-house at a great distance. The smell that comes from a chicken coop is particularly inviting to bears, who will be attracted as a result. Fortunately, as previously mentioned, bears occupy only some delimited areas of the Italian territory, with small populations scattered in the Apennines and in the eastern Alps. In addition to a very resistant chicken coop, you can avoid allowing access through the use of electrified networks.
As regards the anti rat chicken coop, other precautions must be taken. It is an animal that is particularly dangerous for eggs and chicks, and more rarely for adult hens. Adult hens can still be injured and this should also be avoided. The problem with rats is that they are present everywhere and they are animals that take advantage of every opportunity. In addition, rats are animals that also take advantage of the food that remains in the vicinity of the chicken coops, consequently an adequate cleaning of the enclosure and the repair of any holes is an operation to be carried out frequently to best preserve the safety of the chicken coop.
Characteristics of a quality chicken coop
A quality chicken coop must have some features available. First of all it must be made in HPL, a material that turns out to be the best to have a resistant, easily washable and chicken coop anti red mite.
The nests, where the hens lay their eggs, must possess one straw layer several centimeters thick. In this way the eggs will be safe and any accidental breakage will be very rare. The chicken coop must then have gods perches, this way the hens will have a place to sleep at night. Then make sure that the door is closed properly, in this way the hens will be safe and protected from attacks. In enclosure mangers and drinking troughs should then be placed, and the hens should also be given the opportunity to scratch around in search of food.
Protecting the chicken coop: some precautions
Another important factor to consider in protecting hens from predators is thelocation of the chicken coop. The chicken coop should be located in an area that is difficult for predators to access, such as on top of a hill or in a fenced area. Also, it is important that the chicken coop is well lit during the night to keep predators away.
Additionally, it is important that the chicken coop is constructed with good ventilation to avoid moisture build up and maintain a clean and healthy environment for the hens. Good ventilation will also help keep out unwanted insects, which can be a problem for your hens.
As far as the 'chicken feedit is important that they are provided with fresh food and water on a regular basis. This will help keep the healthy and strong hens, and make it less likely that predators will attack them.
To protect hens from predators, it is also possible to use guardian animals such as dogs or cats. These animals can be trained for protect the hens and keep predators away. However, it is important that guardian animals are well trained and able to coexist peacefully with the chickens.
Finally, it is important for chicken owners to be knowledgeable about common predators in their area and ways to protect their chickens. This includes knowing the signs of a predator attack, such as traces of blood or scattered feathers. In the event of an attack, it's important to act quickly to protect the remaining hens and prevent further attacks.
In summary, protect chickens from predators requires a combination of precautions, first of all the use of a Heavy duty chicken coop built with the health of the chickens in mind, the choice of the suitable place to place it and the supply of fresh food and water,
