Maine

[superchemicalgirl]

SCG,
It has been my experience that the drakes will kill the banty and the duckling will probably get stomped. I would either put one pair or the other in confinement, or off the drakes.

The boys are used to free ranging; I will keep banty and duckling confined to their brooder until I can find something better to do with them.


Thanks for the advice.

 

[lazy gardener]

The boys are used to free ranging; I will keep banty and duckling confined to their brooder until I can find something better to do with them.


Thanks for the advice.

What is it with males, anyways? The rooster drama has been too much this weekend. I've had to take my #1 roo down to the ground several times, and he ended up spending the biggest part of the day in solitary confinement in the little tractor. I did let him go back in the coop tonight, mainly because he is too stupid to go up the ramp and in the pop door. Even though he is a pain in the ### I don't want to leave him out in the little tractor over night because of predator issues. Today, he had one of the SL roos down and was yanking out mouthfuls of feathers. I gave him a bit of submission training. I plan to order a roll of electric net fencing, then the roos can stay out in an enclosed range with the little tractor, and will have more room to thrash each other. Can't wait to eat them. Sweet revenge.

 

[ashandvine]

So... I saved a duckling... or two. The remaining egg I put in the bator has pipped this morning.
Here is the little survivor:

 

[MEMama3]

So... I saved a duckling... or two. The remaining egg I put in the bator has pipped this morning. Here is the little survivor:

Awwww. What an adorable ball of puffiness!

 

[Mainechick168]

So... I saved a duckling... or two. The remaining egg I put in the bator has pipped this morning.
Here is the little survivor:

YAY!

 

[lazy gardener]

So... I saved a duckling... or two. The remaining egg I put in the bator has pipped this morning.
Here is the little survivor:

Oh, but they are sweet. If I thought I could get away with it, I'd get a couple of ducklings for summer slug control. Hubby would have my head on a platter. But with my electric net fencing... how much work would they be???? Maybe next year!!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Wicked cute, Ash.

I have to say normally we are overrun with slugs here. It's shaded, damp and slugs so huge I could ride them. NOT THIS YEAR. GOOOO duckies.

The first and only slug I've seen so far this year was down by the mailbox (the ducks don't go there). And it was only one. They are doing an amazing job. They're not that much work but they are messy. In exchange for slug patrol, I have mud and no grass in large sections of my yard, and holes from them digging their beaks in the dirt. Not exactly pretty, but hey, I don't have to mow it. Win!

 

[Mainechick168]

Ok, not very chicken related ( ok...maybe not at all..) but I have a new bug in my garden, and I don't know exactly what it is, and if I need to be worried about it- it is making lots of holes, and sounds a bit like a bee buzzing with it flies..... here is a picture.. I wonder if it's some type of a dung beetle? and if it, or it's babies, are going to eat my veggies?

 

[lazy gardener]

Ok, not very chicken related ( ok...maybe not at all..) but I have a new bug in my garden, and I don't know exactly what it is, and if I need to be worried about it- it is making lots of holes, and sounds a bit like a bee buzzing with it flies..... here is a picture.. I wonder if it's some type of a dung beetle? and if it, or it's babies, are going to eat my veggies?

Kelly, not sure what it is, but I too have encountered it and was duly puzzled. Interesting, and rather disgusting looking creature. But, I bet the chickens don't mind eating them.

Not such a dramatic day in roo-ville today. As soon as I fed the flock, I took Stew, and threw him into the little tractor all by his lonesome. The SL roos, are also being aggressive, but no where near as much as Stew. At least they are not inflicting damage yet. Getting electric poultry netting delivered this week, then the flock will be able to get out for some range time without tearing up the garden.

When hubby mows the lawn now, they all stand expectantly at their door waiting for him to dump the catcher bags for them.

 

[lazy gardener]

Ok, not very chicken related ( ok...maybe not at all..) but I have a new bug in my garden, and I don't know exactly what it is, and if I need to be worried about it- it is making lots of holes, and sounds a bit like a bee buzzing with it flies..... here is a picture.. I wonder if it's some type of a dung beetle? and if it, or it's babies, are going to eat my veggies?

awesome picture by the way!!!