Recent content by DurhamDuck

There are many people on this forum that look into Great Pyranees, Anatolian Shepherds, etc. for guarding poultry. People get mixed results, as these dogs were meant to guard larger livestock. Most people are unaware there is a dog breed bred specifically to protect chickens. I was, too, until...

My duck did this for two weeks and I couldn't figure out why. Every night she would eat with the rest and then crawl out of her sleeping area. Occasionally a few others followed her, but usually it was just her. Keep an eye on them during the day. Mine would eat, swim, for anywhere between...

Quote: Thank you. I asked because my black ducks lay black-shelled eggs. I thought that maybe these birds would be the same.

This new project is interesting. I like the name "smithies" as well. It's distinctive and easy to remember. Do they lay black eggs?

Are you sure he killed her and not that, after she died of some other reason, began to scavenge and eat her? From what it sounds like, he did kill her, but since you didn't see it, you should consider all possibilities. Of course, you don't want to keep a cannibalistic bird. I'm not saying that...

Check and see if there is a bird vet hospital. There are more of them than you might imagine, and you could be surprised. Even if you don't need it now, it's good to know where one is. The key is looking for "parrot" or "exotic" vet, not "farm" or "livestock" vet. We took our goose to a vet who...

I don't own muscovies, but I know a little about them, and I own mallard ducks, so here's my opinion: While I agree that the pack/flock mentality is the problem, I also believe amykins' way of thinking will make it worse. Look, your muscovy sees himself as a duck. He also sees you as a...

Better for what? Pets, eggs, meat? Carrosaur is right- geese are more like pets than lawn ornaments (ducks can be pets, too, but they will turn skittish if you don't spend a lot of time with them). They need deep water though, to get the weight off their legs. Waterfowl have very weak legs...

This is her mating dance. She's very attached to you and thinks of you as a handsome drake. :) Being raised by humans, she doesn't realize she's a completely different species from you. She does not realize the Anconas are the same as she is. I would slowly try introducing her to her own kind...

Go online and search for a raptor rescue or wildlife rehabilitator in your area. They'll take it.

Two or three goats sound good. You can get de-horned wethers (castrated males) cheap. Pot-bellied pigs are also pretty friendly. You should get either two goats or two pigs, as they need the company of their own species. Be aware that they both need good fences! There are also hair sheep that...

I remember reading about this a while ago. Some searching and I found the article again. http://www.countrysidemag.com/94-5/gardening_is_easier_with_tables_and_tanks/

Yes, it's very easy. I use the Victorio seed sprouter (about $20 on amazon I think), but there are other types. If what you're after is bean sprouts, you can use an ordinary glass jar. Currently I've only done clover and alfalfa, which both taste pretty much the same. They're good on...

It's not really a pun, but I have a sign near our ducks and geese that says "BEWARE OF ATTACK DUCK" LOL

Quote: I could tell. Now I probably won't be back on BYC til tomorrow. But if this thread isn't locked by then maybe I'll come back, if I think of something else to say.