I searched it and came across moenormangolfacademy.org
I think I see what you meant by natural swing now... I think I'll plunk around on that site for a while and see what I can come up with. It looks pretty interesting so far...
RE: Disappearing golf ball
I use the golf balls, but occasionally my hens will bury the ball in the most used nest under the bedding. They dig it back out when they want too, and sometimes I dig it out.
Silly question, but did you check down in the nest box bedding to see if they'd just buried...
One thing.
Don't leave your dogs where they can get to the chicks when you're not around. I am sure you wouldn't, but if you do, doggie's probably going to try a chicken snack...
I wouldn't handle them too much as chicks. If you spend even just a few minutes around them every day you should be...
As for winter... Don't worry, once the chicks are fully feathered they will be fine with no light.
For the burrowing predators:
I have a low-strung two wire electric fence all the way around my coop and run. Works like a charm. Nothing has even had the chance to begin digging before they get...
I just re-read the original post...
When you get the weak shock (not touching the ground post with your arm) could it be weak because you're insulated by your shoes?
Maybe it is shocking better than you think.. try touching it with bare feet...
If this happens:
The fence is probably ok...
The ground rod obviously has a good ground. The issue is likely to be in your connection to ground.
The copper wire connecting the ground terminal to the ground post could be the issue.
Using 600V cable instead of 20,000V shouldn't be the problem... If anything the 600V cable offers less...
One problem I have been having is that on the back swing, when I get to the top my right arm over powers my left and pulls my left shoulder out of socket... Any of you had shoulder issues from golfing?? It hasn't been so bad since I slowed way down, I know I am way too armsy but I can't seem to...
Been working on that molasses thing. It seems to be helping. Good tip!
I haven't fooled with any of the other steps as of yet. I figure I'll just keep swinging in syrup for a couple of weeks before I start the next stage...
I have an impermeable chicken fortress!! If I would have changed anything, I might would have dug some trenches around it and installed Howitzers and AA guns...
I've only been in the 'chicken business' for about a year, but my aunt and uncle have raised them all my life. They used to say that if a dog ever kills a chicken and tastes it's blood that you can never keep them from going after the birds in the future. My uncle said the only way you could...
Last time I went there was an elderly foursome getting ready to tee off in front of me. The first guy teed up, took a couple of practice swings then stepped into his stance at address. Right as he was about to start his back swing a funeral precession started by the course on the little county...
You could also tack big rat traps as high as you can up the tree and bait it with corn or something... Might want to make sure that's legal there first though...