Chapter 9
Controlling Pests and Predators
IN THIS CHAPTER
Identifying pests and predators
Protecting the flock from predators
Controlling pests
In this chapter, we talk about controlling the bad guys — enemies that want to hurt your chickens or steal their feed or eggs. Most chicken owners have to deal with pests or predators at some point in their chicken-rearing. Having to endure losses from predators can be extremely frustrating and heartbreaking. As a keeper of domestic animals, one of your responsibilities is to guard your chickens and keep them safe. The commercial poultry industry moved its flocks indoors decades ago because of the 4 P’s: predators, pests, parasites, and pathogens. In this chapter, we discuss the pests and predators; in the next chapter, we discuss the parasites and pathogens, (diseases) that can attack your flock.
A predator in the hen house can ruin your day and end your chickens’ days, so it’s important to understand how to deal with the predators that roam your area. Pests may not kill chickens and are usually more of a problem to the chicken keeper than the chickens. They can spread disease however, and they often cost you a lot of money and time. Knowing ...
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