Pukekos

[fluffybananas]

I have a automatic feeder for my hens but how do I stop Pukeko from feeding also?

[wolga]

Have the Pukekos learned how to operate it ?

[fluffybananas]

Yes the Pukeko are cheeky and have followed what the hens have done.

[tishie11]

Also watch them around your chook house - they steal eggs!

[wolga]

That's a tricky one ! We have many Pukekos too. But
our roosters chase them away. Maybe try a different location
or feed them some raisins soaked in alcohol. I've heard they
don't come back after eating these.

[fluffybananas]

Thanks I will try the alcoholic raisin idea. Will the hens eat the raisins also?

[Marina]

That's a good question. I'd say they'll try.

Pukekos can be a real pest, not only around poultry but also in the veggie garden. They are not protected like NZ falcons or wekas so if need be they can be eliminated. Pukekos are incredibly intelligent birds with an excellent homing instinct which means relocating them is rarely successful in the long term.

[wolga]

Yes! You have to make sure your hens don't eat them.
Otherwise you will have some drunk chooks stumbling around.

[nhb]

Put the food out early let the pukekos have a good feed they will be hungry first thing in the morning, then remove it later and let the poultry out later after the removal of the food.