Colorado

[jgurshtein]

Same here. Haven't had any pecking, and I caulked quite a bit around the lower edges.

Sounds great! Thanks for all the advice and I'll make sure to smooth everything out... if they start pecking then I can do more stuff to disguise/cover things that are a problem! I have to keep reminding myself that this is a learn as you go operation. Some things work for one flock but not another, and a new addition might not be ok with something that your ladies ignored before... Thanks again!

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

i like the trap ideal, we will have to price it, but i think we'll try the CDs tonight. i like the ideal of getting rid of him for good. ty  

Just be careful about how you handle the trapped animal. Among other things some places it is illegal to transport or relocate wildlife yourself and in some places killing the trapped animal is illegal too. My dad found out that it was illegal to kill or transport even nuisance animals and if he had shot it he would have been fined if anyone reported him. He ended up hiring a licensed trapper to come get the stupid raccoon. It was over $100 but he didn't want it to kill his cat. 30 lb raccoon v 12 year old indoor/outdoor housecat? Not happening.

 

[chlskt]

Your best bet would be to call animal control to find out what their policies are with trapped animals. In Denver, you can take them to the shelter where they will euthanize them for you. Here in Arvada, I was told I had to drown the trapped animal (they said it was humane...), we thought we had a skunk. So, it differs from county to county.
I think the best solution would be to trap it though, otherwise they'll just keep coming back. But on the other hand, if you get rid of it, there is the possibility a new one will just move in as well. If you can relocate, you have to take it at least 5 miles from your home, otherwise it'll just come back.

 

[suncatcher]

Just wondering how many other urban homesteaders are out there in the northern part of the state. I've been looking and looking, trying to find others to maybe form a loose sort of cooperative or collective. We're not "preppers" by any means, but we have a little quarter acre plot just outside the Ft Collins city limits, and are trying real hard to reduce the amount of money we spend by making, growing or otherwise producing as much as we can for ourselves. I would love to get to the point where I only have to buy such "necessities" as coffee and sugar...stuff we simply cannot produce ourselves. There are restrictions, of course, but I think that by having a like-minded group who have differing circumstances, we could all benefit.

For instance, I'm only allowed to have 6 chickens, no roosters. I would LOVE to get in and raise some meat birds once or twice a year. If I could find someone who has the space and is in a place where it's allowed, we could perhaps work out something where we could raise a batch and share them...a win/win situation. I can't have a goat or anything, but maybe someone could and would be willing to house it in return for some milk. I have decent gardening, canning, dehydrating skills that I'd be more than happy to share...maybe someone knows how to spin and would be willing to teach me. Maybe someone has an apple press and a bunch of us could get together for a pressing day and "pay" the owner with a share of the juice we get. Maybe someone has enough space to grow some grain and we could trade eggs or some such for some of that. Maybe several of us could get together with someone with the land and buy a calf to raise and butcher in the fall and share out the meat.

Does anyone know of any sort of group like that for this area? If not, would anyone be interested in starting/joining one? I'd be more than willing to make a FB page and do some organizing if there would be enough interest.

Hello! Looks like you have been on BYC for some time! I am not in northern Colorado, but I do know there are some folks up that way. Also, there is a group here in Colorado, that sorta does what you are looking for. I will look them up and then post their information.

 

[mickey328]

That would be great, suncatcher, thanks! I say "northern Colorado" simply because it would defeat the purpose to have the "members" too far away, but they wouldn't have to be too close, either, depending on what we'd want to get together for. For instance, it would be silly to have something going between Pueblo and Windsor if the folks involved would have to get together on a bi weekly basis or something, but for the example of the cider press, it would work to make a day of it and make the drive since it would just be a one time thing.

OMG...just looked out the window and it's snowing!! Ugh...we need the moisture, but...couldn't it drizzle instead!?

 

[Warner123]

I have 15 more eggs in the incubator. We are on day 9. I candled on day 8, and 12 are growing. The green eggs are hard to see through, but pretty sure I saw the veins. The 3 that have not started are all white. Not sure if my rooster doesn't like a particular hen, or if one has an issue, or luck of the draw, the three not fertile just happen to be white. I have my fingers crossed! Much better turn out from 1 out of 4 hatching last time. Hopefully we get more girls than boys! Any idea of a good place to get some fertile turkey eggs? I think that is going to be our next project. Start planning for Thanksgiving!!

 

[samsr]

anyone got tips to keep a raccoon away. i have a friend making my coops (he's not done yet... but he can deliver them by sunday) however for the last two weeks we had a raccoon tried to get into our greenhouse where our chickens are. i scared him off a couple nights ago, and since then i keep finding holes around the greenhouse, it looks like he's trying to dig in. we put bricks lining the inside of the greenhouse so nothing can slip in or out. but he got the zipper door and tore it now i cant zip it fully. we baracade/cover the door with a broad at night. the girls have their nesting boxes in there and i do close them up at night but i what to stop this guy (raccoon) from comeback. we moved the girls to the greenhouse because they got to big for their pallet cage and the greenhouse seemed to be a perfect size, for them and it has mesh windows that we can open or close for air flow. now i just need the greenhouse last about one more week until he brings the coops. any ideals?

If you dont want to buy one. I have one you could borrow. I am just south of fountain. We could meet up somewhere and I could get it to you. You may try a motion light also. I have one on my coop and it seems to deter the critters around my place. We have all kinds of predators, Racoons, bobcats, bears, mountain lions, coyotes. I havent had any problems so far. If you have seen one, more than likely you have a few more.

 

[Pozees]

Your best bet would be to call animal control to find out what their policies are with trapped animals. In Denver, you can take them to the shelter where they will euthanize them for you. Here in Arvada, I was told I had to drown the trapped animal (they said it was humane...), we thought we had a skunk. So, it differs from county to county.
I think the best solution would be to trap it though, otherwise they'll just keep coming back. But on the other hand, if you get rid of it, there is the possibility a new one will just move in as well. If you can relocate, you have to take it at least 5 miles from your home, otherwise it'll just come back.

Good suggestions. You might also try the Division of Wildlife, or even quiz the folks at Big R if you happen in there. Raccoons are tenacious and clever. Predator urine should keep them away for a few days, and I've heard those things that have a flashing red light indicates to them there are predators around, night guard or something like that I think? They aren't very expensive.

 

[suncatcher]

Passing along this email. This is from Schlecht Hatchery. "We will have an overhatch Jan 29. It will be st run chicks. Only chicks. A good variety of all the chicks we offer. The cost is $1.10 each plus postage, It is best to call the order in. I will make a good variety for you. You can't chose what breeds. Thanks Etta 563-682-7865 " Hope it is ok to post their contact info and name.

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Gahhh... The White Stuff is back. I have about an inch with more falling as I type. Anyone else?