I am so happy to have found BYC, no more google this and that when I have questions
I hear so much about predators on here and some folks close by who had tried to keep chickens (lost 7 to coyotes and/or bobcats, they ate the last 3). We have been here 8 years, lost 3 geese, 3 turkeys and 2 chickens to an Akita from up the road a year after we moved in. Made a deal with the owner (thru the Sheriff, I'd shot the dog with rock salt) pay for the birds and I'll use bird shot, no pay it's a slug. He paid and we never saw the dog again. Other than that we lost several to a GHO last spring before we figured out what it was. She landed on a power pole out front with a half eaten carcass and fried herself. Too bad, she was a beautiful bird. We have several (alarms) small Chi mix rescues and Large rare breed mastiffs that patrol and mark the property. We free range most of our 70 or so chickens with a few in breeding pens. We only keep LF due to the large # of hawks in the area and don't turn youngsters out until they are to big to be carried off. The roos sound the alarm and the hens duck for cover while the little dogs run out to see what's up. The big dogs mostly look up to see if the little dogs need back up, LOL they don't get up unless they Have to. All the local dogs that run loose stay away from our place. We find a BB gun is a "PC" way to teach them good neighbor manners, if they do come down into the yard the big dogs take care of lessons.
I haven't had time to navigate nearly as much of the BYC as I would like, there is ALOT of information here. Where do I find dates and locations for shows and/or swaps? I have a couple of "project" ideas and would like to see stock available in the area (TX), before I decide to ship in. I'd love to have a couple more roos but am very leary about bringing grown stock in, so I may resort to hatching eggs if I can't find chicks close.
LOL! Welcome BJ! Nothing like a good laugh to break the ice!
