If it weren't for a Chantecler rooster we really like, and an oops cockerel in this year's batch of chicks, we'd consider keeping them.
Unfortunately they aren't the first birds we've found dumped there. They were just the first we were able to catch!
By any chance is anyone in northeastern MA looking for a black silkie cockerel?
My son and I found 3 dumped silkie cockerels in Concord. They are still young (haven't heard crowing yet), they seem well cared for and have no external parasites. They look too good to be hatchery stock though one...
Then definitely avoid Cochins! I'm trying to break 4 of them right now, 2 LF and 2 bantams. Along with 2 broody Marans and a Spanish. The Cochins are being particularly frustrating.
I don't know why you are having problems with soft shelled eggs with birds that age. Have you tried adding oyster shell? I do that, give them their eggshells back, and feed an all flock feed.
Dodge had some 8 week old Cochins in a couple of weeks ago. They have Langshans now.
If you after a...
How old are these hens?
Dodge Grain in Salem NH has some shipments of 8 week olds scheduled over the next couple of months. Do you have space for additional birds?
I am very familiar with the breed and I would definitely wait another couple of weeks to be sure. One hatchery in particular produces some some badly mismarked pullets. As in their chests are not cream colored, they are black. How do the other 3 look?
We've been happy with the chicks we've got there over the years. You can help pick out specific ones if you want too. And they have started pullets if you don't want to go the chick route. They had a lot of pretty EEs there last fall.
If you don't mind a little road trip to Salem NH you could go to Dodge Grain. They have no minimum on chicks so you can just get 3-4. I wouldn't get fewer than 3. Here's the link to their website. Just click on poultry calendar to see what they have in now and what's expected in the next few...
Could be a predator or could just be the time of year. I can see it starting to get light by 4:45 and birds can see ultraviolet light better than me. I know the robins, cardinals and turkeys are in full swing by at least 4:30. Probably earlier by now.
If you're interested in sexed bantam pullet chicks, you could try MPC or this from Cackle
https://www.cacklehatchery.com/bantam-female-deal-10.html
Sorry for your weasel losses. We lost a dozen LF hens to coyotes or fox last week, so we feel your pain.
Only avian vet I know of is in Littleton.
http://www.littletonanimalhospital.com/
NOT inexpensive though. About $300 for the initial consultation, more for any tests.
silly4buttons is in Billerica. I think the town now allows 12 hens?
I'm in the town next door. One day a Polish hen decided to take a field trip into Billerica. A man found her laying an egg under a bush next to his front door. A lady from animal control picked her up and drove around the area...
I had a Keeshond for 14 years. He was a great dog. I will definitely get another someday. Now just isn't the right time.
They do need to be brushed regularly, manage to pick up ticks easily, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cold, can suffer from selective hearing, and definitely can be barky. Just like...