BYC Café

[pennyJo1960]

I am true user of started plants here also if I can get them started they grow good

 

[Bunnylady]

The people who have Black Minorcans here hardly lose any to hawks. There are some other breeds that are very hawk wise.

Interesting. I've lost birds to more predators than I care to think about, but of the half-dozen or so that I have lost to hawks, two were Black Minorcas. Maybe what they say about hatchery birds being dumb is true (or maybe our hawks are just stubborn. When I found the remains of the hawk-killed birds, at least one was right against a fence that I assume it had tried to use as cover, and one was actually under the trunk of a fallen tree).

 

[pennyJo1960]

Wow pretty birds never heard of them before so googled them

 

[Shadrach]

Interesting. I've lost birds to more predators than I care to think about, but of the half-dozen or so that I have lost to hawks, two were Black Minorcas. Maybe what they say about hatchery birds being dumb is true (or maybe our hawks are just stubborn. When I found the remains of the hawk-killed birds, at least one was right against a fence that I assume it had tried to use as cover, and one was actually under the trunk of a fallen tree).

I think there are lots of factors involved.
I think broody raised birds learn more in a shorter space of time and seem more predator aware.
Having a tight flock with a rooster also makes a difference.
Having decent cover and lots of it is important.
I've never had hatchery chickens but from what I've learned about how the hatcheries operate, particularly when considering imported breeds I suspect it has an influence.
The type of hawk is a major factor. The Goshawk here tend to not get a successful strike if there is a fence/wall, or object directly behind the prey.

 

[Shadrach]

Good morning Cafe.
Coffee is made. Tea and kettle on the counter.
Warm and sunny here.
I may have to venture out. Not looking forward to further rampant stupidity now the lockdown has eased.

 

[DobieLover]

Good morning, Cafe. Thanks for the coffee, Shad.
We are supposed to have a nice sunny day today and then over a week of overcast skies with drizzle. I may duck out of work early enough to try to get some of the longer grass cut and run the dogs.

 

[Mtn Margie]

Morning and thanks for the coffee! My snow is melting rapidly and I am happy. The peepers finally started up a couple of days ago and I saw a wildflower! Time to go defrost!

 

[sourland]

Good morning Cafe, thanks Shad - travel with care out there in the new world.

 

[drumstick diva]

Morning guys- up early to put the garbage bins out. Was up too late / till early this morning, listening to various versions of a song I like on youtube and BYC's 3 most excellent music threads with cavemanrich.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Good morning lot's going on in my bator 5 out 2 black one more zipped one is pipped
looks like a good hatch from Red my EE rooster so barnyard mix pullets should lay green