Homestead mailing list

[Mogrits <mogrits AT gmail.com>]

On 2/18/07, Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com> wrote:
> > I never asked for a solution to the hawk eating the ducks. A hawk has
> > to eat, after all.
>
> Quite right. Hawks do have to eat if they are to live. Homesteaders
> typically put the feeding of themselves and their families ahead of
> predators.

Well, that's as plain as the difference between black and white. Who
wouldn't want to feed their family first?

> I think this is the first time a homestead list member has
> said they are okay with losing livestock to predators. I certainly
> expected that you wanted it stopped.

You applied the livestock label. I certainly never have as regards the
ducks here at Salamasond.

> One more lesson in not assuming.

Probably not your last, either.

If these were livestock or food or egg producers I wouldn't hesitate
to exterminate the predator- felony or not. I didn't raise them to be
hawk food but such seems their lot.

This thread seems to be a diversion. If you want to protect ducks from
death from above I suggest penning them in areas with a wire fence or
at minumum a mesh above them, clip their wings or own non flying
breeds, and shoot predators as you spot them. Again - I have no
problem with shooting what threatens my livelihood, and I rarely miss.