Maine

[lazy gardener]

Those first eggs are such a treat.

Looks like Mama Broody kicked her babies to the curb tonight. I believe they are 5 weeks old. She went in to bed, (up onto the perch) and did not call them. They went in and spent a while wandering around, looking for her in the broody pen, where she's been bedding down with them. I shut the coop door, and left them to their own devices. Part of me wants to dish out tough love, and not go out to check on them, while the softie in me wants to sneak out with a flash light, and if they are in the broody pen, close the door, so they won't have to face the morning shut in with the bigs. I have 2 choices: let them fend for themselves now, and be at increased predator risk. They continue to squirt through the electronet fencing, and are oblivious to the risks they face outside that fence. (from overhead and ground). Or, I could continue to shut them in the broody pen at night, and transport them to the tractor to spend every day in relative safety until they are a bit older. There are 4 pullets and 2 cockrels.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm working on a hawk proof chicken run. Any body recently bought chicken wire, and found a good quality, inexpensive source? I need about 100' of 1" x 5 - 6' W galvanized wire.

 

[buckabucka]

I get all my wire here: https://www.wireclothman.com/shop.php?cPath=44
Cheaper than TSC, but you have to pay shipping. Usually, I am buying large quantities and it ends up being a better deal, but I don't know if that would be true for a single roll. Good luck with your project.

 

[CoopChick719]

Wondering if I should mount back of tractor directly on the board with wheels or just in front of the board? Any thoughts? I was thinking on the board to give some stability to the back wall.

 

[buckabucka]

Not sure if I understand the question entirely, but I would go with on the board (as opposed to in front of it).

 

[collie1470]

Well, we're now finally happily in Maine

Checking out a nice house for rent tomorrow, hopefully it works out. Then starting the process of looking at houses

 

[CoopChick719]

Thanks bucka! It wasn't as clear in the post as it was in my head! Wheels are on! Chicks are up past their bedtime. Might as well take a bath!

 

[CoopChick719]

Welcome collie!! Good luck house hunting!

 

[CoopChick719]

Can't sleep. Just thought I'd update you on the PoP concoction for rats. I had started it last week but then went to camp for the long weekend. I could not trust my chicken sitter (DS) to be sure to pick up the bait before letting chickens out. I've been using the PoP mixed with rice & instant potato flakes for the last 2 nights. They've taken the bait & emptied the water dish. Haven't seen any dead ones but I'm going to keep doing it until I do.

 

[buckabucka]

I'm picturing little rat intestine sculptures underground.... I stuffed poison down the rat holes coming into the hoop coop and put some rocks in there to keep the chickens from digging it out. So far, the poison is still there and there are no new tunnels coming in. Maybe they moved on to another area, which reminds me that I'd better take a look at the beets and carrots this weekend. I'd like to start digging things, but it is not that cold in the basement right now.

I couldn't sleep either. So glad this soupy weather is supposed to break!