Illinois...

[Justso]

Certain it is not a small opossum?

Perhaps they're using a tail fur to line the nest for babies?

 

[BReeder!]

Perhaps they're using a tail fur to line the nest for babies?

Interesting theory. Rabbits use fur, so I imagine squirrels may too. I don't know much about squirrel reproductive habits, but it seems logical and at an appropriate time of the year for many animals to be birthing.

 

[cavemanrich]

My baby squirrels are already weaned. they start early, so they grow to adulthood before it gets cold. They eat the BOSS that I provide for them, and drink water from water bowl.

 

[BReeder!]

I finally completely gave up on the duck hatching her own eggs. I cracked every egg in this nest and all were completely undeveloped. I know the duck and drake are fertile since @Faraday40 hatched a batch of ducklings from this pair's eggs. The duck is just a bad sitter. This is her second season, so I was hoping she learned from her own mistakes last year, but clearly not. Maybe I"ll add a different species next year that's better known for brooding. I think runners are good broodies. I well have to do some research though.

In other news, look at my little peaches developing!

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

That sucks! I just hate that bottom-feeders are so quick to try and scam others. Get a real job. If they spent half the energy they do trying to come up with get rich quick schemes on working a real job, they'd probably come out ahead. Just had my CC compromised for about the 3rd time in a year and they never get anything out of it because Chase shuts them down immediately. All it does is cause me grief for a week while I have to update my CC everywhere and memorize a new number.

Recently happened to us too. DW either google account or walmart data breach. Walmart had a major breach several months ago but didn't tell anyone.

 

[jdragonwings]

(1st time for the kids) Kind of funny to watch decades later.

Funny story. I watched it as a second grader and it scared me to death, lol. I'm 36 and I still haven't watched it again. Not sure my husband will convince me it's worthwhile. But I had nightmares for a long time

 

[BReeder!]

S'mores time here! I hope everybody is getting to enjoy the weather. We need a bit of rain again, but it sure is nice to be able to sit outside in the evening.

 

[Molpet]

Well I got lightheaded butchering a roo and a cockerel this morning. They were supposed to be harvested at Thanksgiving and early January, but I was sick and didn't get to them. I have 5 more to do.
I have been eating about 10-11am. I think that was part of it, because I felt better when I ate some yogurt. That was after laying on the ground until I didn't feel like fainting. But when I was done I checked my BP and right arm was 88/57 left was 117/ 70. That can't be good.
I did get them done though, not pretty but will work.
The others can wait.

 

[Faraday40]

Well I got lightheaded butchering a roo and a cockerel this morning. They were supposed to be harvested at Thanksgiving and early January, but I was sick and didn't get to them. I have 5 more to do.
I have been eating about 10-11am. I think that was part of it, because I felt better when I ate some yogurt. That was after laying on the ground until I didn't feel like fainting. But when I was done I checked my BP and right arm was 88/57 left was 117/ 70. That can't be good.
I did get them done though, not pretty but will work.
The others can wait.

Please take care of yourself. Not fun processing in the heat. Even worse with low BP and low blood sugar.

Over the years, you have been so generous to many here. There are a few of us who have processed our own birds. I know I wouldn't mind offering my help for a couple hours on a weekend. My friend with whom you exchanged turkeys last month would probably also help. It's not a fun job, but working alongside a friend or friends does make it easier (.... and safer if you are prone to fainting).

 

[Faraday40]

I wanted to ask about chick poopy butt. I have not experienced it for a long time.... until my last 2 hatches.
I had 3 out of 4 from my May 23rd hatch (1 died, 1 all better, 1 sometimes poopy)
and
2 out of 4 from my May 31st hatch (still washing and drying daily)

In both hatches, it's seramas (They're more delicate as chicks)
Also, these are hatches are without a broody.

For the past couple years, I simply added whatever hatched under a broody and let her do the work. It's strange, but I don't have any broody hens right now. I am using a brooder plate for these 7 chicks, and I'm getting tired of washing chick butts every night.

My questions:
Does a broody hen somehow prevent pasty butt? (Like I mentioned I usually have a hen adopt.)
Is there a treatment (like something to add to water or food) to help them get over it faster?
What might be the cause? Could it be the food?