Piggy Predators

[BAll3rinA]

I made a playpen outside with the extra grids so they can get out and eat some grass. I was out there for about 5 minutes when I saw a big shadow of a bird circling above us. I forget about it and then a minute later the bird was gliding really low close to the pigs. The bird wanted my girls! I grabbed them and ran inside haha. Do other people have pens outside? How do you keep the predators away?Including all the bugs and stuff in the grass?

[BAll3rinA]

I guess my question was kind of stupid because you can put a top on the pen and always stay with them outside! I wanted to share my story though and thought others might have stories about outdoor predators

[Percy's Mom]

Nah, your question wasn't stupid at all. Sometimes it takes thinking out loud to figure out the answers. If you have enough extra grids, you might want to make the walls of the pen and make a ceiling of grids as well. That way, you would have walls to keep them penned in, a "roof" to keep the predators out, and the pigs would still be able to play in and munch on the grass under their feet.

[Choco-latte]

Where I live we have big owls, they have been know and seen taking small cats. (my husband lost 2 cats this way) It is horrible. I keep a shot gun close by to assure that all my babies are unharmed. I have never had to use it and hope I never do. I keep my GPs cage for playtime locked, because some preditors can take the top off. (raccoons are very curios here and not shy). I dont leave them alone outside. We live in the woods and I have seen hawks as well.

[pignewton]

I live in the woods and the best ways to protect them are to (1) never leave them alone and (2) zip tie the roof & sides (since ties are cheap I just redo this whenever I take them outside and cut them off when we go back inside).

I never thought about bugs getting to them. I dont know if that would be a problem or not.

[Pygmy]

I've seen hawks around my place, and recently an eagle. I never leave my pig unprotected, and have a 4 foot pole (just for intimidation purposes; I don't see myself having to use it). I just hope that the hawks and eagles don't get too brave.

[catzeye21138]

I have a small pen to bring mine outside in. Its a pet store cage top with the door open and a tall pen connected to it. Its like very big chicken wire you could say. I put more of this stiff wire ontop and sometimes a piece of wood along with pinning down the cage and fastening the top. I don't keep a weapon with me because we get a lot of foot traffic by our house and people look at me funny . But I've only seen one bald eagle anywhere near our house and it was flying around a tree half a block away, and of course crows but they don't seem interested in the pigs. They eat the nuts from the trees around our house. (there are a lot of oak trees here!)

[Jenni_Feathers]

I have problems with birds too one actually tried to get my 20ib puggle(pug beagle mix) thankfully I noticed and ran over too him before the bird reached him. I have to watch my pigs VERY closley if they will go after Hugo they will definelty go after a pig a lil pig would just be a appitizer!!!!

[cookie_gal]

Rooves are definatly a must-have, even in England as here the Buzzards are becoming so commonly seen in urban areas its crazy! I am waiting for the day I see one over my garden! But even then, its not just birds of prey, my main worry is the evil cat from next door (or any damn cat) trying to get near them. So a sturdy roof is very important. I was is a pet shop yesterday and they sold this lovely foldable metal pen for piggies and bunnies with this pathetic cotton 'roof', It would be so easy for something to get round it! So make sure its a good roof!

[Alusdra]

I hope this casual mention of weapons is to scare the birds off and not to hurt them. Birds of prey are just following their instincts when they go after our pets- it's up to you to keep everyone including the wildlife safe.

[Piggy92]

I think where I live the only predator may be a dog...

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by Piggy92

I think where I live the only predator may be a dog...

Don't be so certain. Inner cities and suburbs have a healthy population of raccoons, rats, opossums, often birds of prey and of course humans. Never underestimate humans as a predator.

GPs stolen from outdoor cage
Violent thugs batter family pets to death
Thread about people breaking into outdoor hutches and sheds
2 guinea pigs stolen from outdoor shed
Warning for those keeping animals outside
Guinea pigs stolen from "Cavy Sanctuary"
GPs stolen from outdoor garden

[Piggy92]

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

Don't be so certain. Inner cities and suburbs have a healthy population of raccoons, rats, opossums, often birds of prey and of course humans. Never underestimate humans as a predator.

GPs stolen from outdoor cage
Violent thugs batter family pets to death
Thread about people breaking into outdoor hutches and sheds
2 guinea pigs stolen from outdoor shed
Warning for those keeping animals outside
Guinea pigs stolen from "Cavy Sanctuary"
GPs stolen from outdoor garden

Ah, how could I forget!

[Pygmy]

I never would hurt a bird of prey. I've actually been looking to working with them later on in life as I pursue Vet. med. (The University I plan on going to has a hawk sanctuary that I would be working with.) I'm fascinated by them.

However, back on topic, I didn't think we had large predators either, but I've seen a wild dog (coyote most likely) around my backyard. I don't take my pigs out much anymore...