Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[ChicoryBlue]

What Animal is this?

Does anyone know what animal makes this track? Chicken footprint included for size reference.
View attachment 2993016

I agree large squirrel-sized, like a grey squirrel? But without the walking/leaping pattern of additional prints hard to say.

 

[featherhead007]

Our FedEx delivery guy says his geese are the best guards, they have their long necks and keep their heads up high and are always looking out and give great warnings. I think he said they are very fierce when it comes to taking on something too, but I'll have to confirm that.

Maybe one goose per package delivered (to guard the packages from thieves)?

 

[rural mouse]

Our FedEx delivery guy says his geese are the best guards, they have their long necks and keep their heads up high and are always looking out and give great warnings. I think he said they are very fierce when it comes to taking on something too, but I'll have to confirm that.

I grew up with hunting dogs. Geese can actually make dogs quit hunting. They pack a big wallop with their wings and can bite HARD too. An experienced hunter (canine family and including foxes) can kill a goose, but they have to work for it. Most predators will seek easier meals. Young geese are more vulnerable, but the parents defend the goslings well and the effort expended to take an adult isnt usually worth the effort. winter makes the predators hungry and geese are more vulnerable: water frozen over eliminates an escape route and an overnight major cold snap can leave them stuck in frozen ice. otherwise there are easier meals out there.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm seeing longish toes, too big/clear for mouse. Just checked: weasels have 5 toes. I see only 4. NOT weasel.

What a relief that is. Thanks so much.

 

[Ponypoor]

All 3 boys love the chickens. Russ and Louis would love it if they would sleep on their backs. Dirt has guarded 2 momma's while they brooded just outside his stall. During fly season the chickens earn their keep. The boys stand still and let everyone eat the flies that land on their legs. Every morning Louis throws out a mouthful of his breakfast to the chickens. If a hen wants to take a nap on their flakes of hay they are given, the boys will eat around them or simply wait until she gets up before eating.

Awww that's awesome, my T-bred mare is a messy eater so everyone hangs out around her while she eats haha.

I only trust my POA mare Lulu with the chickies in the stalls, I would hate for someone to get stepped on. Outside I am a bit more ok with the horses and chickens mingling....

Now that I am aware of hawks and bald eagles in the area I won't be letting them roam anymore tho....

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I'm seeing longish toes, too big/clear for mouse. Just checked: weasels have 5 toes. I see only 4. NOT weasel.

Yes, no "handprints" like a raccoon or weasel. The way they point forward says squirrel to me but can't be sure.
@BY Bob Squirrels will kill small birds, baby birds, but likely not hen-sized, plus they aren't out hunting at night.

 

[rural mouse]

What a relief that is. Thanks so much.

I can't come up with much else that would leave tracks that size. I learned something also.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes, no "handprints" like a raccoon or weasel. The way they point forward says squirrel to me but can't be sure.
@BY Bob Squirrels will kill small birds, baby birds, but likely not hen-sized, plus they aren't out hunting at night.

Phyllis has taken on squirrels single handed before and she is my smallest hen. I think they are safe from squirrels.

 

[Ponypoor]

I grew up with hunting dogs. Geese can actually make dogs quit hunting. They pack a big wallop with their wings and can bite HARD too. An experienced hunter (canine family and including foxes) can kill a goose, but they have to work for it. Most predators will seek easier meals. Young geese are more vulnerable, but the parents defend the goslings well and the effort expended to take an adult isnt usually worth the effort. winter makes the predators hungry and geese are more vulnerable: water frozen over eliminates an escape route and an overnight major cold snap can leave them stuck in frozen ice. otherwise there are easier meals out there.

Yep, I have seen Canadian geese fight off birds of prey. And of course it's always hilarious to see them take on full grown men who run screaming like little girls

I can't wait to see Pangoo do that to my brother-in-law who fancies himself a chicken whisperer , afterall he is the one who takes care of my niece's flock not my niece!!

 

[featherhead007]

Maybe one goose per package delivered (to guard the packages from thieves)?

Hey, I’m just tossing ideas out there!