• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

    Mountain Lion (Felis concolor)   GENERAL INFORMATION Mountain lions are the second largest native North American cat (the jaguar is slightly larger). They are known by a number of different names - cougar, panther, painter, catamount, and puma. Mountain lions are mainly nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. They have no predators, and they feed on coyotes, deer, fox, frogs and toads, insects, lizards, rodents, opossums, rabbits, livestock, poultry, raccoons, voles, beaver, porcupines, skunks and other small mammals, birds, and even fish. They are very... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Fisher (Martes pennanti)   GENERAL INFORMATION The fisher, also known as the "pekan cat", "fisher cat", or "black cat", is a large, dark, long-haired member of the weasel family. Fishers usually use two types of shelters. Fisher dens used for giving birth to their young typically are found in large trees, high off the ground. They make use of natural cavities frequently found in older trees. They also use cavities in rocky areas. Dens for general cover and protection consist of hollow logs, turned over stumps, brush piles, or ground... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Squirrel General Information & Description Squirrels belong to the large rodent order called Sciuridae. They are generally small furry mammals that are smaller than rabbits. The largest variety, the Alpine marmot, measures 22-29 inches from nose to tail. Squirrels have large eyes, indicative of a good visual sense. This is an evolutionary necessity among tree-dwelling animals.   They hunt in the daytime, except for the flying squirrel, which is more nocturnal. Most ground squirrels are social and known to hunt in packs, while tree dwellers are more... read more

• Last updated 4/26/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Weasel General Information and Description The weasel is a small, wily predator. Weasels are known to be slender and furry with its white body and a brown or red upper coat. Its tail ranges from 9 to 13 inches in length. The weasels legs are so short that their bodies tend to touch the ground.   The weasel is predominantly active both day and night. Highly territorial, weasels are known to behave aggressively against intruders. A solitary animal, weasels typically feed on small rodents like mice and voles. Some species of weasels however, are known to feed... read more

• Last updated 4/26/12 by BYC Project Manager

    Mites One of the most common problems encountered when raising and keeping poultry is mites. There are several kinds of mites that will infest your birds.   Where do they come from? They can be brought in via wild birds, such as starlings, sparrows, crows, swallows, etc. They can be picked up at poultry shows, sales, auctions, anywhere there is contact with other avian life. They can be carried in with rodents who enter the coops in search of food. Early intervention is necessary to prevent illness and debilitation in your flock.   How do you know... read more

• Last updated 4/26/12 by BYC Project Manager

Lice   General Information and Description Common poultry lice are pests or ectoparasites infesting the skins of chickens. Lice are often 1/25 of an inch to ¼ inch long, and are straw-colored or yellowish brown. Lice are generally scavengers that feed on the dead skin.   Various species can inhabit different areas of a bird, and some birds are known to host up to 15 of these species. Female lice are more common than males. In fact, most species are classed as parthenogenetic, which means that they can reproduce without the males. Lice in birds,... read more

• Last updated 4/26/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Possum   General Information & Description Possums (or "opossums") are arboreal marsupial species. There are about 70 species of possums. The most common possums in Canada and the United States are the Virginia possums.   Possums are closely related to kangaroos although they are often mistaken for rats. Possums remain distinct because of their pouches and their penchant to live in trees. Possums are nocturnal mammals who love to scavenge for food, particularly poultry farms.   Possums are omnivores. They eat nuts, vegetables, and fruits, while also... read more

• Last updated 4/26/12 by BYC Project Manager

Mink   General Information & Description Minks belong to the Mustela family, which also includes stoats and weasels. Minks come in different names like Ermine, Sable, Minque Nordique, and Sable Nordique. The mink has a hairy and large tail that complements its long body. Its build makes it easier for a mink to intrude the dens of its prey.  Its upper molars are big and massive.  The carnivorous mink feeds on fish, birds, frogs, rodents and crustaceans. Minks are solitary hunters and will only be spotted with their mates during mating, or when nurturing their... read more

• Last updated 4/23/12 by Nifty-Chicken

Getting Started Raising Chickens Hatching Eggs & Raising Chicks Housing & Feeding Your Chickens Maintaining a Healthy Flock   Small Coops Medium Coops Large Coops Chicken Tractors Incubators Chicken Brooders Waterers &... read more

• Last updated 4/13/12 by Nifty-Chicken

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I-J | K | L | M | N | O | P-Q | R | S | T-U | V | W | X-Y-Z.   A Alektorophobia. Fear of chickens. American Standard of Perfection. A book published by the American Poultry Association describing each breed recognized by that organization.   B Bantam. A miniature chicken, about one-fourth to one-half the size of a regular-sized chicken. Bantam Standard. A book published by the American Bantam Association describing... read more