Hello from Sylvia - newly in Florida

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[slywlf]

Well, still no hens, but we have a rooster! Back country roads seem to attract folks who want to dump unwanted critters, and a month back we discovered a trio of roosters wandering aimlessly on the edge of the road. Two followed my friend willingly, and took up residence as our bug catchers. The third - not welcomed by the alpha of our pair - was scooped up and deposited in rooster heaven - our neighbors had recently bought a dozen chicks, which are nearing maturity, and they were willing to add him to their flock. He went from homeless to cock of the roost ;-)
We found out later they had been the pampered pets of an older gent who just loved roosters. When he passed the new owner didn't want the birds, so..... I hate that kind of attitude!

We are down to one now, however. We were taking care of a dog for a friend, and she, being an inquisitive puppy, took great delight in chasing the roosters - such a lot of squawking - it was hysterical! Then the neighbor's puppy got loose and chased them, then the other neighbor's puppy got loose and chased them. None of these dogs meant any harm, but finally the birds decided they had had enough and squeezed through the fence into our back neighbor's property, looking for peace and quiet.... Unfortunately that neighbor has 3 dogs.... Well, the alpha bird came back the next morning - I suspect the beta bird is still running - it is all dog country around here.

Anyway, they appear to my inexperienced eye - and my friend's rather more experienced opinion - to be Rhode Island Reds, and though the one we gave the neighbors has been quiet ours has become our official alarm clock, not to mention sounding off at random all day - sort of avian territorial pissing contest with the other local roosters I guess. One starts and they all have to sound off

Anyway, here are a couple pix from when both were here as well as just the one. Pete (short for PITA because he an be very demanding) is the alpha, we still have. Youngblood - named by my friend - is the one with the curly plumes in his tail. He was so sweet and timid - I miss him!

 

[mlwascom]

Welcome! We have had our share of predators (hawks and a bobcat)! My neighbor seems to lose more hens than I do now since we fenced about a half acre for garden and chickens!
Lots of great info on this site!