Search results for query: *

Oh, I just meant that some more soft-hearted readers might be disturbed by graphic descriptions. I toned it down, so it wasn't quite so bad. Raccoon damage is horrible to see and even think about. :eek::hit

To answer your thread's question: Your birds are freaking out because they no longer have their leader. They are yelling : hey, HEY do we come out now? hey, HEY where do we eat today? hey, HEY I saw something moving HEY is that moving thing OK, leader, LEADER, tell us what to do. They will...

warning *graphic* If the head has a gash and the beak damaged/broken, injuries under the wing or around the tail--you have a raccoon. They grab the head to crush the skull, failing that, they will grab any part of the bird they can hold on to, be it the wing, feet, tail until they can hold it...

My chix knew that the plastic eggs were fake and refused to go near them, let alone sit on them. I would think you'd be better off letting them tell you where they want to lay and set. Also: I have had many, many chix over the years and have only had a handful go broody. Yours may not...

dual purpose breed https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dixie-rainbows-thread.636488/ enjoy!

I agree--it's a brahma thing. Endless eating, porch pooping, toe-eating (my husband was NOT impressed :gig) ... Mine also stay out late looking for that last bug or last blade of grass ( or last tomato that she hasn't already pecked a hole in :mad:) . One day, my son got so tired of chicken...

Their other role is to distract preds away from flock--running will do that. Think killdeer (the birds)

Maybe a dumb question--have you changed the litter in the litterbox. I mean actually changed it, like brands. Or started using a new laundry detergent/softener?perfume/cologne/shampoo, etc. My housebun started sneezing when we switched fabric softeners. I am deathly allergic to febreeze...

pics?

Well, this piqued my curiosity, so I did some checking: (caution:graphic) My vote for the killer, if not a raptor, goes to a mink or other weasel. Weasels kill by biting and severing the spinal cord behind the head, then moving around to tear out the throat. The photo with the single track...

We call those "diet eggs!"

I have really enjoyed watching this thread, and I hate to rain on everyone's parade..... I have had sooooo much trouble with predators--ESP neighbors' dogs and cats and now raccoons (kitty dishes and bird feeders from 9 new houses and 4-6 'new' neighbors after the older folks passed on)...

Oh-and hens will "bury" their nests!

My poor sex-link lays eggs that size consistently! Single yolks! And she's not big bird, either.

@Miss Lydia can you help? It sounds like the 3rd was killed by a raccoon: They take the head, pluck the breast/thigh. and, usually, eat the breast, thigh, crop, and/or innards.

Meyers has chicks advertised. Egg quality=???

Hens. Don't see hackles, saddle, or upright stance. BTW: you'll want to watch the claws on the lighter one--they need trimmed or a good scratching!

Just a head's-up: Raccoons can flatten their bodies and squeeze into cracks as small as 3"! IMO, A must-watch is the Nature program "Urban Raccoons". The little buggers can strategize and adapt to anything!

I would get any vaccination you can!--Like my kids: poor boogers got poked for anything and everything. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or $hundreds in vet bills!)

@casportpony @Eggcessive