Maine

[ducklucky]

We have a hen like that too, Lucille, she is a black star with a red feathered head. She has those eyes as well, we prefer to call them "bedroom eyes" and she was always the rooster's favorite, we figured just for that reason...

 

[Clover Run]

Yikes!!! Large fox in our yard two nights in row now. Right at dusk when flock going in for the night. I practically ran into it last night stepping out of the hen house. I always do a count before locking up and it was later than usual. I walked out and there it was - I don;t know which of us was more startled. Unfortunately it has got to go. Calling wildlife dept on Mon. if they do not relocate it - I am getting a gun!

 

[ducklucky]

WOW, you're going to have to be super vigilant. You're lucky it didn't turn on you. Dogs, cats and people have been attacked in the past month by rabid fox in Maine. I wouldn't let the birds out til DFW get out there, and would even call them today and leave a message. Sounds like you have a real problem, and unusual behavior for a fox to be so bold with you right there. Be very careful, and keep an eye on your dogs if you have, don't let the cats outside. Scarey stuff!

 

[TayFray!]

I still have some chickens left for sale! I have
•1 Silver Spangled Hamburg Hen
•2 Silver Duckwing Yokohama Pullets
•3 Partridge Wyandotte Bantam Hens
•3 Black Breasted Red Bantam Old English Pullets
•1 Ancona Hen
•1 Striped Mix Hen

They are all just $10.00 to $15.00 each! I do not get on here enough to see replies or anything, so if you are interested if you could call me at (207)-779-7710 or [email protected], or PM me because I will get those! They are all very pretty chickens!

 

[Clover Run]

WOW, you're going to have to be super vigilant. You're lucky it didn't turn on you. Dogs, cats and people have been attacked in the past month by rabid fox in Maine. I wouldn't let the birds out til DFW get out there, and would even call them today and leave a message. Sounds like you have a real problem, and unusual behavior for a fox to be so bold with you right there. Be very careful, and keep an eye on your dogs if you have, don't let the cats outside. Scarey stuff!

I know - I am calling first thing in the morning - I put the chickens in early tonight - started pouring rain anyway. I felt that it was very brazen - I feel it did not know I was in the hen house but still. COming so close to a house at all I find odd.

 

[Clover Run]

Attended the basket show in Farmington this morning. Learned alot - first time seeing a show and blood testing being done. Met some really nice people and brought home a broody bantam hen and a trio of quail. My husband has wanted quail for a while but I wanted to wait - have a few irons in the fire already. But here we go!!! Any suggestions on keeping the hen broody for another week or so would be appreciated. I ran to TSC but they had no wooden eggs. Can I just slip a refrigerator egg under her later tonight? The quail will start laying any day now and I want her to hatch them out for me.

 

[Widget]

I had a fox take one of the ducks early this morning. I had just let them out to free range and they were hanging out by their pool that is less than ten feet away from the house. There were some crows around who started cawing like crazy so I knew something was up. I went outside and was about ten seconds too late.
It isn't unusual for a fox to come really close to humans especially when they are looking for a meal. They are smart predators and are rapidly losing their fear of humans. Why not. We tend to provide an easy meal for them whether we mean to or not. House cats, chickens, ducks and others that aren't as predator savvy as their wild counterparts. My local fox acts normal and usually only comes out first thing in the morning. Normally the ducks are only let out in the afternoon for a couple hours to stretch their wings and get some pool time in but today I let them out in the morning. So it is my fault that one of them was invited to breakfast at the local fox den.

 

[ashandvine]

Attended the basket show in Farmington this morning. Learned alot - first time seeing a show and blood testing being done. Met some really nice people and brought home a broody bantam hen and a trio of quail. My husband has wanted quail for a while but I wanted to wait - have a few irons in the fire already. But here we go!!! Any suggestions on keeping the hen broody for another week or so would be appreciated. I ran to TSC but they had no wooden eggs. Can I just slip a refrigerator egg under her later tonight? The quail will start laying any day now and I want her to hatch them out for me.

Yes, a frig egg is fine and wooden or (as I use) granite eggs are fine. Golf balls work, plastic easter eggs etc.. Even on nothing she'd stay broody for a bit. Goodluck. I wish so bad I could have gone. My car has now become a huge liability. Of course it had to wait till we moved to the woods where I know No One. What did you learn????

 

[Clover Run]

Yes, a frig egg is fine and wooden or (as I use) granite eggs are fine. Golf balls work, plastic easter eggs etc.. Even on nothing she'd stay broody for a bit. Goodluck. I wish so bad I could have gone. My car has now become a huge liability. Of course it had to wait till we moved to the woods where I know No One. What did you learn????

Thanks - I did put her in a nest box last night and slip an egg under her. She has not sat on it yet today that I can tell so maybe she isnt going to do it for me. One thing I learned is that many are having fox problems. Several good chickens and ducks lost.

 

[ashandvine]

I thought you learned things about showing! lol Yes, everyone is on about foxes. Thankfully I have none yet but I might have a bear which could prove interesting