Dang, feathers everywhere. Followed trail and found Buff with breast ripped out. I'm thinking hawk. Since last year, I have lost half my flock.
I hate leaving them locked up, but have no choice.
I hate leaving them locked up, but have no choice.
We had a coon open one of our coops once. They are awful.I have a protected coop, netting cover and all. I just hate that they aren't free. Actually, I have lost quite a few by raccoons and possums getting into the coop while they slept. I have so much protection over the vents, it's hard to believe they can get in.
I killed a red fox about 3 or 4 years ago. Caught it in trap then shot it.@Robinjopo1 look towards grey fox. They have retractable claws like a cat. Greys can climb. Red’s claws are like a dog.
My experience has been with reds. Maps show I live in grey range. My trail cams show me another species, nasty little beggars, but they are on the federal protected list.
To everybody: beware of feeding your chickens oats! They will dry your chickens out from the inside if they do not get enough water, especially if the oats are in the whole germ condition. Soak the whole germ oats in water for at least 2 days and then it will not give your ladies any problems. Besides that, those few seeds which they did not find and eat will germinate and sprout some day and give your girls a bit of green sprouts to eat.I picked up some oats, wheat, barley and buckwheat seeds to plant for chicken feed. I'll try and get it planted today.
We had a coon open one of our coops once. They are awful.
I killed a red fox about 3 or 4 years ago. Caught it in trap then shot it.
I couldn't sleep without a head count. I do one about 5 times before I am sure. Lol. They move around and it hard to count.I recently lost a hen to a possum. Silly bird didn’t go inside the chicken house before the door shut and somehow a possum got into the run that night. Hubby went to the trouble of replacing the existing wire with 1” wire all around the run What a pain! We changed the timing on the auto door to close later.
Just keep it separated. The feathers will fill in. You could try some Vetericyn Poltry Care spray, it might help.I need help! I hatched a baby olive egger chicken on day 26...i had to help it a little but it made it. It is weak and has a large bald spot on its back. The other chicks are a couple days older and want to peck the spot. My husband suggests I put makeup on it but im not sure. I separated it for now. Can you put Neosporin on a chick? Or does anyone know of a solution or medication? Thanks
I love VetercynJust keep it separated. The feathers will fill in. You could try some Vetericyn Poltry Care spray, it might help.
If it's too weak it may not survive.
Also, do keep it separated. There is truth to the pecking order and the others will go after the weakest. Sad, but true.Thanks. I will try the spray...i think I have some in storage. The baby was too weak to walk or hold up its head the first 24 hrs. I left it in the incubator and used a dropper to hydrate with electrolytes. This morning it looks more like a normal chick...can eat drink and walk on its own. It was not a good hatch. Out of twenty eggs only three piqued and two hatched. I think the incubator sensors were off. Live and learn.
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