Have two free range pekins (about 2 yrs old) on my two acre property. Have approx. 1/3 acre spring fed pond that's their protection from the critters. Feed them everyday along with their buddy a 6 yr old drake muscovy.
The female has been laying eggs all spring all over the place, cattail nest, weed bank nest, open lean to shelter nest. But, all have been destroyed by racoons. But recently (7-10 days) she has been missing during the day. I finally discovered her in a bunch of pine trees in the neighbors yard about 150 yards from the water. She's laid 8 eggs and has been sitting on them all day long for the week. Last evening and this evening she was gone again so I walked over and she's sitting on them at night now also. She's really burrowed in the pine needles and you almost have to walk on her to find her.
The bad news is the distance from water (safety)and the fact that I've never dealt with eggs, chicks, etc. before. Can anyone give me an idea what to expect next?? I can't imagine the chicks surviving with the coons, neighorborhood cats and dogs and the likes.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also, posted early July about the muscovy going lame overnite. Talked to the wildlife rehabilitator where we got him and she said to leave him alone and see what happens. Stated it was probably nerve damage. Glad to say, besides a slight limp he has totally recovered. His foot was totally curled and has fully opened. Possibly a wasp or hornet sting...... Thanks
The female has been laying eggs all spring all over the place, cattail nest, weed bank nest, open lean to shelter nest. But, all have been destroyed by racoons. But recently (7-10 days) she has been missing during the day. I finally discovered her in a bunch of pine trees in the neighbors yard about 150 yards from the water. She's laid 8 eggs and has been sitting on them all day long for the week. Last evening and this evening she was gone again so I walked over and she's sitting on them at night now also. She's really burrowed in the pine needles and you almost have to walk on her to find her.
The bad news is the distance from water (safety)and the fact that I've never dealt with eggs, chicks, etc. before. Can anyone give me an idea what to expect next?? I can't imagine the chicks surviving with the coons, neighorborhood cats and dogs and the likes.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also, posted early July about the muscovy going lame overnite. Talked to the wildlife rehabilitator where we got him and she said to leave him alone and see what happens. Stated it was probably nerve damage. Glad to say, besides a slight limp he has totally recovered. His foot was totally curled and has fully opened. Possibly a wasp or hornet sting...... Thanks
