This forum has been such a great help to me. I'm not usually a big poster on message boards, but I'd like to introduce myself, and tell everyone thanks for all the great info I've already gleaned from this board.
3 Months ago I sold my business and am now a stay at home mom to the group listed in my sig line. I've always raised layers, RIRs, ect. but due to over zealous hawks and bald eagles, those are all gone (7 years and no problem, then in less than a month, they were all gone).
I'm starting over and have decided to raise pure breeds and maybe try to provide some show birds for the kids in my community that can't afford show animals. I will also keep a few layers for eggs for us, and the extras go to our local food bank.
My birds free range when outside the coup, but now they free range in a large fenced in area with a netted covering. Coons, skunks, opossums, coyotes and snakes, I have no problem disposing of if they threaten my flock, but I just can't bring myself to shoot those beautiful majestic hawks (which I think is illegal anyway), and of course would never shoot the eagles.
If anyone has any advice for a novice trying to learn about raising show birds, or any help in deterring hawks and eagles besides the netted covering. Please feel free to PM or email me.
Hope I posted this in the right place, and once again, thanks for all the great info.
Terry
3 Months ago I sold my business and am now a stay at home mom to the group listed in my sig line. I've always raised layers, RIRs, ect. but due to over zealous hawks and bald eagles, those are all gone (7 years and no problem, then in less than a month, they were all gone).
I'm starting over and have decided to raise pure breeds and maybe try to provide some show birds for the kids in my community that can't afford show animals. I will also keep a few layers for eggs for us, and the extras go to our local food bank.
My birds free range when outside the coup, but now they free range in a large fenced in area with a netted covering. Coons, skunks, opossums, coyotes and snakes, I have no problem disposing of if they threaten my flock, but I just can't bring myself to shoot those beautiful majestic hawks (which I think is illegal anyway), and of course would never shoot the eagles.
If anyone has any advice for a novice trying to learn about raising show birds, or any help in deterring hawks and eagles besides the netted covering. Please feel free to PM or email me.
Hope I posted this in the right place, and once again, thanks for all the great info.
Terry
