Corvids have been very much centre stage recently, and as with many things views are polarised when life is rarely black and white. We have resident magpies who nest in the hawthorn at the bottom of the garden each year, and also have a few resident crows out in the fields. I fully understand what they're capable of, but I also regard them with respect.
The magpies can prove a problem in spring and summer as they've learned where the hens lay, in multiple coops, and will frequently steal the eggs. I've also watched with interest as they teach their offspring to do this too. Thus we have an ever present issue with this each year, however as with other predators I have to admire their intelligence and audacity.
I have found a fairly simple way of stopping it and it's not a gun or elaborate trap. Very simply I move my bottom outside at regular intervals and collect the eggs. Certainly it can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but that's all it is. I try to make sure I'm tuned into the hens laying cycles, and that additionally gives me an idea who is laying or if there may be a problem.
In fact over the years I've learned to regard them as unlikely allies. They're exceptionally good lookouts for predators such as foxes. We had one particularly bad year with foxes visiting frequently during daylight hours, and the two crows nesting on the nearby pylon saved my birds more times than I can count. The magpies likewise are very alert as to what's going on. I've learned to be tuned into their different calls, so I'm aware if they spot anything untoward out in the field.
I do still get occasional fox attacks as they're not here all the time, but I'm grateful for the times they have saved my birds. I don't think losing an occasional egg is a great price to pay for that.
The magpies can prove a problem in spring and summer as they've learned where the hens lay, in multiple coops, and will frequently steal the eggs. I've also watched with interest as they teach their offspring to do this too. Thus we have an ever present issue with this each year, however as with other predators I have to admire their intelligence and audacity.
I have found a fairly simple way of stopping it and it's not a gun or elaborate trap. Very simply I move my bottom outside at regular intervals and collect the eggs. Certainly it can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but that's all it is. I try to make sure I'm tuned into the hens laying cycles, and that additionally gives me an idea who is laying or if there may be a problem.
In fact over the years I've learned to regard them as unlikely allies. They're exceptionally good lookouts for predators such as foxes. We had one particularly bad year with foxes visiting frequently during daylight hours, and the two crows nesting on the nearby pylon saved my birds more times than I can count. The magpies likewise are very alert as to what's going on. I've learned to be tuned into their different calls, so I'm aware if they spot anything untoward out in the field.
I do still get occasional fox attacks as they're not here all the time, but I'm grateful for the times they have saved my birds. I don't think losing an occasional egg is a great price to pay for that.