That drake looks identical to mine! I'd invite them into my coop/run if I were you. I got mine used to following me around the yard with bread (they liked the scratch, but would keep looking for more for 10 min per toss), and then they walked right into the run after me. They were concerned...
She has finally decided to sit. Boy does she whistle at me when I come near. She is not very aggressive at all, so when I pull some hay to give to the rabbits, she just nibbles me very gently. I expected her to be much more forceful.
Swamp
Thanks, I'll just let her be. I "invited" the pair into the run a couple of months ago after feeding them in the yard for a week or two, and they have settled in nicely. She won't let me hand feed her, but will feed within a couple of feet if I'm crouched down. We will see...
Swamp
I have a pair of scovies and the hen has been laying away in the container that holds the hay for feeding the rabbits (grumble, grumble ). At least she finally quit tearing all of the chickens nest boxes apart. There are now about twenty +/- eggs. I would have figured she would be sitting on...
The process is called glaying. I recall having a conversation with a pond enthusiast where he said the Scotts used to use hay. I think you have to let it get a bit "slimey" or use it in combination with clay (bentonite is a "proto' clay) and/or manure. I've never done it, so you would need to...
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That needs to be a t-shirt: "The way to a ganders heat is through his stomach" I do something similar with my dog, if she doesn't give me the ball back right away, or try to snatch it back from me, we stop playing. My dog will leave a running squirrel to chase a thrown ball, she would...
Yeah, when I moved out "in the sticks" I kept my mouth shut and ears open. Saved me a lot of grief. The "good old boys" out here may have a different cultural background than I was used to, but they ain't dumb, and don't like it when city folk come out and tell them what they are doing wrong...
Goosedragon: Sorry, did not mean to imply that you believed that. You were quite specific in what you said (or asked). Lots of misinformation out there I know I've been caught by some before. What an apex predator is a matter of semantics at times, perhaps not "the" apex on any given day, but...
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It's like they have a sixth sense. I keep hearing that over and over. Drives the ranchers crazy. This is why I keep mine by the door with a wide range of ammo and look outside before stepping out (I've had 200# boar hogs 4' from the door one the porch).
Swamp
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I'm afraid you are quoting a persistent urban myth. Rest assured that your state DNR/Game & Fish, does not release apex predators into an urban environment. I have talked to them about this, they laughed and said "Yeah, and we tie damsels in distress to the railroad tracks too!"...
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With all due respect no they don't. If you just want to scare them use a fire cracker, water hose, screaming/yelling, clang pots together, throw sticks, do whatever. Okay, A BB gun while technically can kill just about anything under perfect conditions, if you shoot anything bigger...
Cool! Just what I wanted to hear( and I rarely get that wish ). Yup, an auto gate that just closes is a lot easier and cheaper. You just need a "release" and have the thing spring loaded like a screen door. Duck is one of my favorite meals, so no matter what it will all work out. Thanks
Swamp
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Don't get me wrong, If I'm gone more than one night someone checks up on everything. Things can and will go wrong. I wouldn't leave my dog without a check (ball throwing, good scratching, etc.) for a "few" days either. I still won't be shackled by my farm, there is more to me than...
That is just the problem. I don't have any animals that I have to deal with at any given time of day. Not my cup of tea. Also when I go out of town it is a bit much to ask of people to be at the house at "X" time. With the exception of the dog, all of my animals can be left to their own...
Thanks everybody. Sounds like they'll be fine with a basic feed and grains. I wish I could just let them free range, because I have 6-8 months of 18 acres of ankle to waist deep water full of emersive and submersive plants. Plus all sorts of bugs and water critters a duck could want. It all...
Okay I've been thinking about getting some 'scovies. Of course I may not have a choice, I've got half a dozen flying in every day that get a little bit of whole wheat bread and scratch most days. I may need to pen them up before the local predators get them (coons, possums, coyotes, panthers...
SpinningCottage,
Remember I'm still new to quail myself, but you are very welcome. My wife will send you a message when she feels better. She told me on the way home that she felt bad that she could not really show her normal enthusiasm.
Rainstorm,
I hope they work out well, no one should...
I've got some Blue and some Black orp cockerels. Does anyone have interest? I don't want to cage and haul if not. Was going to sell @ $15, but I'll do $10 ea for three or more. Won't bring 'em if nobody is interested.
Swamp
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Ah, I think you mean that (wet)clay actually has better temperature conductivity, not that it resists temperature change because it is more insulating. It conducts heat better because it is denser and does not have the air pockets sand does. Because of this it can dissipate energy to...
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Yeah we hit water only a few feet down here in Fl.
You ain't kidding! I live off of S.R. 31 and in the summer I can't go down more than 3-5 inches once I get away from the area around the house.
Swamp