BYC members in Massachusetts?

[lttdoming]

hey, Im in carlisle too!

I don't have any chickens for sale tho... just lost 50% of my flock to something.... Have you tried Dodge Grain up in Salem NH? I havent been up there but I've heard that they have a variety.

Sorry about your loss. Did you figure out what it was?

 

[keesmom]

Wow, lots of Carlisle residents here! I'm another one. I have Faverolles, but no pens are set up yet. If you want blue Favacaunas, you'll have to order from MPC or whatever hatchery is producing them. They're charging crazy prices for day old chicks ($20!). Some people in NH have Marans and Legbars. If you have the time there's the Poultry Congress in Springfield MA on Jan 18-19. I know there were Marans and d'Uccles there last year.

 

[keesmom]

Sorry about your loss. Did you figure out what it was?

Unfortunately Carlisle is full of critters. I've lost birds to coyotes, foxes, fishers, raccoons, roaming dogs, and several species of hawk. Then there are the opossums, mink, weasels, skunks and owls. Coyotes wiped out my entire free range flock a little over a year ago.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I hear you. I lost half of my SS flock-- either the remaining birds are savy or the coyote have moved on. I did run out of the house one summer day when the alert call was at full volume. THe birds racing for my house and me running thru the flock until I stood between them and the predator that I couldn't see. I stood still. Scanning with my eyes, then it moved. Holy moly it was too close for comfort and blended i nto the leaf litter of fall. A beautiful coyote. I yelled waving arms and charged the canine. It turned and ran !!

( Love that you have kept your avatar!)

 

[Lenka]

Sorry about your loss. Did you figure out what it was?

we think it Mareks... we've lost chickens to critter before, but this year it definitely wasn't because of that. Turns out the person I got them from doesnt vaccinate for it and i've lost the "50-60%" thats 'normal' for unvaccinated birds. :/

Im hoping to add a couple more in a few months- I want to get some delawares, silver laced wyandotes and perhaps a silkie or jersey giant..

 

[keesmom]

( Love that you have kept your avatar!)

I can't change it. He's the reason for my username, and I miss him still. While not a traditional livestock guardian, he protected my birds for years. I never had a loss to coyotes, foxes, fishers or roaming dogs until his passing. Any raccoon losses happened while we were on vacation. When we were home he always let me know when coons were in the yard.

Lenka, I'm sorry you lost so many birds. A 50% rate seems high. I don't vaccinate my chicks and I have very few losses. Maybe you should have one necropsied if the problem continues.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Good farm dogs are valuable.

I"m looking for another dog-- it will be a long search. I'm picky.

 

[Lenka]

Lenka, I'm sorry you lost so many birds. A 50% rate seems high. I don't vaccinate my chicks and I have very few losses. Maybe you should have one necropsied if the problem continues.

We did get one sent out for necropsy and are waiting to hear back on resutls. According to most studies, morbidity in unvaccinated flocks can reach 60% and mortality of 100% of those infected.... guess im one of those unlucky ppl. (info found here: http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf )

We do know its not newcastle or Avian influenza which is nice, and the rest of my flock are all healthy and chipper...

 

[silly4buttons]

Hi am new to chickens is here a place where I give my males away where they can live out there life

 

[keesmom]

Hi am new to chickens is here a place where I give my males away where they can live out there life

What kind are they? I know of several places that will take roosters, but can't guarantee they will all find homes. Unfortunately there are far more males available than there are pet homes for them.