Question regarding large scale farming and animals

[jbphburg]

I'm seeking verification of a claim regarding the use of agricultural combines and animal deaths related to their use. The claim is that numerous animals, both wild and domestic, are drawn into/run over in the use of big combine tractors, and I'm looking for some input; does this happen routinely, or just occasionally? Don't animals run away from loud, moving tractors? Thanks for any input.

 

[beenthere]

Relative to the total number of animals, I don't think there is much credence to the word "numerous". To some, one would be 'numerous'.
But sure, there are "animals" that get caught by combines, killed and maimed. Animals are animals, and some things they don't have figured out yet. But just the dumb ones are getting eliminated. That will make the rest smarter as a lot. Right?
Many efforts have been made to roust out pheasant hens sitting on nests, but mother nature almost forces them to stay put. Likewise, fawns are 'instructed' to lay still in times of danger and when Mom is away. Survival of the fittest.
My opinion.

 

[DANOCHEESE]

I think the most animals get killed from the shotgun blast off the combine. Not that I have ever shot a pheasant from a combine.

 

[BamaRob]

Please fill in your profile. People here (myself included) will be much more comfortable replying to you if they know a little about you.

I certainly hope you're not some PETA member looking for "facts" and "ammunition" here. I don't mean any offense, but that's exactly what your question sounds like.

I had typed a long, detailed reply, but the more I read your post, the more I'm convinced that you're just fishing for ammo to advance PETA's agenda. So, until you're more forthcoming with information about yourself and why you're interested in this information, I'll withhold further comment.

BR

 

[jbphburg]

I am an animal lover, wouldn't describe myself as a 'PETA person', but found it hard to picture the scene as the person described it to me, with massive numbers of animals being sucked up into these combines, everything from tiny animals like mice up to dogs and even deer, just thought he might be yankin' me since he knows I have a soft spot for the furry friends. I'll fill in my profile if that's a help too.

John

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( I'm seeking verification of a claim regarding the use of agricultural combines and animal deaths related to their use. The claim is that numerous animals, both wild and domestic, are drawn into/run over in the use of big combine tractors, and I'm looking for some input; does this happen routinely, or just occasionally? Don't animals run away from loud, moving tractors? Thanks for any input. )</font>

I am drawn to large machinery, but I cannot imagine any wild animal being drawn to a combine (even if my wife tells me I am like an animal at times /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif). This is not a moth to the flame situation.
Bob

 

[dmccarty]

I think he is full of bovine scat. His idea is right up there with the idea that global warming is caused by all of the cattle that humans grow to eat. The cattle have gas don't you know which in turn causes global warming....

Later,
Dan

 

[beenthere]

They are 'yankin' you hard. Go out and find a combine working, and ask to ride along. They have a buddy seat, and I bet you would enjoy the ride. It's awsome to sit high, looking at 18-20' of grain coming in.
Few, if any, animals are nesting when grain is being harvested. More animals take it hard when sitting on nests when the first hay crop is mowed (cut). But again, not 'sucked' in as I would understand the term.
Farmers like animals too. They understand where they fit relative to humans, most times. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Bird]

In my opinion, beenthere has a good answer. Since most birds are nesting and animals are raising their young in the Spring, and most combining (harvesting) is done in the Fall, I doubt that combines get very many. But it is true that farmers working with machinery in the fields are going to kill some "wildlife". I know when I was cutting hay and when I was brushhogging pastures, I chased out a lot of mice and rats and a few cottontail rabbits. I never actually saw any get chopped up, but assume it probably happened. I have actually seen a hawk swoop down and pick up a rat that ran from the haybine, and I once found 5 coyotes working a field of hay I had just cut; presumably finding homeless or disabled, or possibly killed, rats and mice. I have also mowed right across killdeer nests of eggs without seeing them until the next round. And just yesterday, here in town, while mowing the yard, I mowed right over a baby grackle that had fallen from the nest without harming it. He obviously ducked as I went over him. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Doc_Bob]

Funny you should ask. I just road with the guys putting soybeans on my 8 tillable acres (They lease it from me). WOW! Riding in a 350 HP NH, 15 feet above the ground, awesome! But I digress. I asked the fellow (with 25 years of farming time) your question. He said the deer are not afraid of the machines, but just stare at him when he goes by. he has never hit a large animal. I imagine some mice get their day ruined, but do you think I care? Not a bit.
Bob