@JaneraSolomon Yes, I agree. There are better methods which I personally tend to apply automatically with animals in general.
Communicating with them, on many levels.
Although I am aware of this tendency certain breeds of chickens have, for now I haven’t encountered any serious pecking problems of that sort.
It did happen though that the little chicks, this past summer, pecked a couple time (only) at the eyes of the newly introduced ducks. And yes, the older ones pecked at the cat’s eyes while they were eating. They seem to like eyes. :-)
I am open to learning all the ‘old school’ techniques farmers have been using for centuries, therefore I presented the leg tying element in the question.
@Coloma Yes, I fully agree and am aware of what you are saying. We have hawk attacks every now and then and I have planned to build the fence in the spring. Not much I can do about the household’s territory limits now. Not in this climate (-20 soon).
As a matter of fact it was my intention, if I were to have done it, to tether him in safe places; i.e. under a big, full fir tree nearby they like to scratch and sit under.
I think my solution will be this.
@SpatzieLover Hey, yeah..I’ve thought of the peacock solution before. But after some research research I’ve come to the conclusion that, yes they’d be wonderful guards.. but it seems they just make a ruckus quite constantly. I have no experience with them, can you confirm this? Guinea hens… hmmm, I’ll check it out.
@JaneraSolomon here’s another one for you. Yes, geese seem like a very good solution as well as possible for our context. (Though I would like to include peacocks/guinea hens if an optimal option) :-)
Ah, yes.. and would a turkey do the same job as a goose?
At the moment 6 ducks, 2 hens and 1 rooster coexist. When more will come, which would be an optimal combination of birds (species, breeds, genders, etc…)?
Cheers all, really of help :-) have a good day