Illinois...

[Faraday40]

Poor pullet!
DS found some dress up clothes today.

 

[Molpet]

Rodents hording walnuts under the hood of the escape.

Took out 2 gallons before I got the shop vacuum going. Insulation from vehicle was packed in before the air cleaner. I hadn't sprayed mint rodent repeller in a couple years. I had sprayed the truck last spring when I seen a chipmunk going in. Truck doesn't have any signs of rodents, but I sprayed it again. The vehicles are a couple hundred feet apart, both outside.

Hood insulation has holes and the washer fluid is leaking.
At least I haven't found any wires chewed

 

[SnootyHen]

View attachment 3276008

Rodents hording walnuts under the hood of the escape.

Took out 2 gallons before I got the shop vacuum going. Insulation from vehicle was packed in before the air cleaner. I hadn't sprayed mint rodent repeller in a couple years. I had sprayed the truck last spring when I seen a chipmunk going in. Truck doesn't have any signs of rodents, but I sprayed it again. The vehicles are a couple hundred feet apart, both outside.

Hood insulation has holes and the washer fluid is leaking.
At least I haven't found any wires chewed

OMG! When did you last drive it? Was this gradual over time or all at once? I used to work for General Motors and you'd laugh at how many times someone came in with engine problems only to find corn or nesting materials under the hood.

 

[Molpet]

OMG! When did you last drive it? Was this gradual over time or all at once? I used to work for General Motors and you'd laugh at how many times someone came in with engine problems only to find corn or nesting materials under the hood.

I drove it 5 days earlier. Thursday I heard a clunk under the hood when I started it. I figured I better make sure there wasn't a chicken or something.
I parked it a couple hundred feet away until Saturday when I put it back to unload poultry feed. No nuts.
Yesterday Sunday I heard a clunk, like a nut in the wheel well, and found a pine squirrel inside the hood. And more nuts on the engine. I shook the hood violently so maybe it won't come back. Nut was on a cloth with rodent repellent. So I soaked the cloth with essential oils peppermint.
I haven't checked it today yet.

 

[cavemanrich]

Newest city slicker predators by me is a pair of red fox. Previously I would see a different type/kind. I don't know much about fox breeds, but that lone one was larger, with a much larger,, (yes beautiful) tail.
And also occasional coyotes running down the street in the evening. They always run fast. Not greyhound fast,, but pretty fast. They never did prowl around my yard. (that I can trace) I have outdoor cats, and all are still here.
The hawk activity seems to have lessened, but still happening occasionally. My squirrel population seems to be holding steady now.

Most important of all., my chickens are safe. Their run is enclosed by 6 foot wooden fence, and over head tarp covered for the most of the area. Still let the chickens use the screen house tent, but only during daytime, and when I'm doing things out in the yard. Otherwise, its the secure run area. Tent will be coming down for the season soon.
My large girls seemed to take a rest from laying. Now we are eating bantie eggs only. There are enough for DW and I, and we give some to my offspring's, when they stop by to visit. I call those eggs,,, DIET EGGS. Now that it is cooler, I will resume my baking program. Bread does not use eggs, but I do like to bake some coffee cake. Those are yeast raised, and do involve eggs.
Made these a few days ago.

 

[Molpet]

There's red and gray foxes native to Illinois. Reds are bigger. Grays can climb trees.
https://forfoxsakewildlife.com/2018/12/21/red-fox-grey-fox-or-coyote/

 

[Faraday40]

My poor black silkie is looking quite scary.
She's more porcupine than hen. Her entire body feels prickly too. (Hidden under her remaining fluff)

Perhaps she's getting ready for Halloween. LOL

I liked last year's costume better:

 

[Faraday40]

and here are some not-so-good pics.

My modern game has developed a swollen hock joint. I'm sure she's hiding her pain because she's acting normally. However, it's been growing over the past several days.

Any ideas how to treat her?
Has anyone experienced something like this before?
Could it be an infection (like Bumblefoot)?
Is this what a slipped tendon looks like?
broken leg?

 

[Faraday40]

Sad News:
DH's dad tested positive for Covid today. DH's mom and the rest of us are all negative. We think he may have contracted it while in the rehab facility after his fall. The good news is his symptoms are not too bad.

 

[Molpet]

Sad News:
DH's dad tested positive for Covid today. DH's mom and the rest of us are all negative. We think he may have contracted it while in the rehab facility after his fall. The good news is his symptoms are not too bad.

Glad he's not too bad.
Prayers for swift healing