Recent content by Marylanddave

If the sides and bottom of the door aren't covered properly, animals (like coons) can push the door up. Curious what kind of door you have.

Let us know if you catch any CrookedCoop. I got one the first night I set the trap, but coons are smart, so they've avoided the trap since then. I've been watching them on the camera, and even though the coop is empty, they're still trying to get in. I've since reinforced the weak spots in the...

I'll add that I have those flashing red anti-predator lights installed on all four sides of my coop and run. Given that my entire flock was devoured last week by coons, I don't have much faith in them.

I'm really sorry for your loss, CrookedCoop. I had a similar loss last week (10 birds). My coop has been in use for over two years now, and never had any problems. That was, until last week when five or six raccoons managed to move several large boulders and squeezed their way under my raised...

I had 3 roosters as well.... thanks to some poor sexing from Meyer Hatchery. Just eat two of the roosters. Your hens will thank you

Well, I heard back quickly from Meyer and they helped me confirm that 3 of my 12 "females" we're in fact boys. They apologized and gave me a credit to use for a future order. The lady that I dealt with was very pleasant. I look forward to ordering from Meyer again. Plus, we now have Thanksgiving...

Interested to hear whether anybody else has received an erroneous order like I have from Meyer. I placed an order for 8 chicks in March and lost 2 within the first week. They replaced them and I bought 4 more (for a total of 12), and they have done fine. Only problem is that I ordered all girls...

I meant that the temperature in my brooder was fine. I have a large brooder with plenty of space for the chicks to spread out, so if they want to cool off, they can easily do so. Half of the brooder is heated and the other half is unheated, so they are free to roam around if they want to.

I had a chick with the same symptoms and she died within 12 hours. It wasn't because of the heat, so I'm assuming it was some sort of respiratory issue.