The deer used to hang out at the back fence with the horses but since my neighbour has been in there tromping around I haven't seen one deer. He is the weekend warrior type - has trails back of his place and mine, and a blind/stand - I have never seen him haul back anything but his equipment hahaha.
I can’t think of a circumstance (other than if the egg is rotten) where it is bad to feed a chicken an egg. Nice, easy to digest protein.
Oh he did take off immediately after the pic. The chokeberry hedge, crabapple tree, and pickup all screened us until the pic. He had been bedded down. By the time I had camera going, he'd stood up. Then he took off. For the most part, we don't look directly at the deer (predator look) and we don't move directly toward them. They still move off but not at a dead run.
@Lilion
A true killer at heart. I'd keep an eye on that sort. They can lead to other crimes'sss
@Lilion
I have been meaning to reply, finally have a chance. This is what I do/did.
By all means put your mama and babies out with the other hens, put Mr Bad-boy away for an hour so that the mama and babies can get acquainted with the rest of the flock. I would do this for about a week - even if it's only for 30 min.
As RM and RC say put in a bunch of items for the babies to hide under/behind, and to break the line of sight from the Roo and the other hens.
After 5 or 7 days - whenever you feel comfortable, then put the Roo out with the whole flock, but make sure that mama and the babies can escape if need be. It will take nerves of steel to not intervene but you need to let them work it out. So unless Manny is really going after the babies to hurt them or if he is really attacking mama and won't let her go, let them work it out.
I have a 'persuader stick' (a piece of 1/2" x 1" strapping about 4' long) that I use to herd the chickens and to move ones along that I don't want harassing, say, my broody in the morning when she is eating. I NEVER EVER hit them - just use it to block them or tap their side to move them away. Usually I just tap it on the ground and they will move along.
Do not chase, scream at, or throw things at them - if the Roo is really causing harm try to herd him away, step in between them. I would wear slacks and running shoes in case anyone decides to bit/scratch you. And you can run away real fast hahahaha.
It take patience and repetition, this is not only a learning experience for them, but for you also. I have to say that each introduction is different, what works one time likely wont work the next time - working with animals is like working with kids - they are smart and always looking for ways to get away with things
that's a relief
