Coyote,to close for comfort!

[TheCaseFamily00]

Last evening around 7:30 in the evening I was mowing right beside the minis lot,and noticed the chickens freaking out. There was a coyote in the lot probably 10 foot away from my yearling colt. I turned the mower off yelling for my dad and it just stood there staring at me. As far as I was concerned if he made a move IT WAS ON! I love animals and would never want to have to harm one but come on,leave my pets alone

. He didn't seem concerned about the minis he wanted a chicken sandwhich for supper. I have a 3 year old son and a barn cat I adore,how concerned should I be? I'v heard stories,do they have a bad rap or is there real reason for concern? I was very close to him,he really didn't seem to mind,that bothered me. Our family farm is around 150 acres,there is plenty of other places for him to go. Any thoughts? Think he'll be back?

 

[laughingllama75]

yes, he WILL be back. They love chickens, cats and small dogs. I have experience with all 3, unfortunatley. thats why every coyote I see around here takes a dirt nap. They wer chasing my mini's one day, and the llamas killed one. Go llamas! Make sure your chicken house is predator proof, so they don't get them at night. I am assuming you let them free range in the day? If so, be prepared to lose some. I would make sure your child is with you at all times, within eyesight. I highly double a coyote would go for him, but better safe than sorry. Not trying to freak you out, just to make you aware.

 

[Kootenay]

Living right up against a mountain, we have a fairly large pack of coyotes that get too close for comfort. The other night I heard them cayaying, and went to investigate. It turns out one got into a bit of a pickle with the low strands on the electric fence. Don't think that one will try and mess with it again, as it sounded like it got a pretty big zap judging by all the ruckus.

I'm a pretty light sleeper, and am always checking the horses at night. My neighbor's dogs help keep most critters at bay anyways, but it is still a big concern when they get that close.

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

I will definately be watching things more closely. What a good llama

. The mini are pretty fiesty,hopefully if the coyote tries anything they'll run him out. I don't think they even noticed him yesterday. I don't want to loose any chickens either,I love them to. Thanks

 

[Pepipony]

We have tons of coyotes around us and other than the loss of one chicken ( in 15 years) not one problem. They have never gone after my dogs ( I have heelers) nor the horses. The neighborhood dogs have caused WAY more damage and deaths than any coyote ever has. I LOVE seeing them coming through, they just trot on by. So long as they keep the program up and dont change, I see it as *we* moved into their habitat and we need to change. Not them.

 

[Minimor]

If you haven't had a problem with coyotes you are lucky. We did have a coyote problem one winter, and finally found a hunter to eliminate the two problem animals. They were murderous to sheep on farms in this area several years ago. I know farmers in several areas around that are currently having big problems with coyotes killing their calves--and I'm hoping that they won't again get to be a problem right around here.

We are a mile & a half from a large forest reserve, and if the coyotes want to live and "be coyotes" then they can do it there in the forest reserve, they do not need to come out here & hunt our pets! We lived here for 17 years before we ever had a coyote come on the property--if they weren't resident right here for those 17 years then they don't need to be here for the next 17 years either!

 

[~Dan]

I would be oh most definatley on gaurd. Keep the minis in at night, keep the dogs in as best you can, keep the chickens locked up at night, and perhaps if they are free range, consider in investing in some fencing to keep them safe during the day. Also, keep your som with you when hes out during the day, I have heard stories of coyoties attacking small children, who knows what diseases heck carry, possibly even rabies, also be careful when your out at night, a pack may go after you, although highly unlikely, you just never know how hungry it may be, what diseases it may carry, its fear of humans, or no fear of humans. just be very careful and safe.

Dan

 

[TheCaseFamily00]

I haven't seen him anymore. We've secured the chickens,who i'm sure aren't to happy but atleast they're safe. Hopefully we can all live together peacefully,he sure was beautiful.