Maine

[lazy gardener]

Sorry about your loss Yankee. I do hope you find out who the murderer is.

 

[yankeehill]

Ah thanks. It is heartbreaking when we lose animals. So much effort goes into raising them, and they are so valuable (not to mention fun to watch). I wish I had a clue what it could be. We'll see in a few days. If it was a wild critter, it should come back for more If it was the dog, he will be dealt with. Sure hope it wasn't the dog. I'm sure it wasn't our old dog, Dixie...she's so fat and unambitious. But the young one, Rebel, he is the suspect.

 

[CoopChick719]

So sorry to hear about your hen yankeehill. I do hope it's not the dog!! Any tracks near her?

 

[IZZYBELLA]

Sorry to hear about the hen, yankeehill. You're absolutely right... it's heartbreaking to lose animals. Good luck figuring out the culprit.

 

[Jazor]

We found a dead hen today. She wasn't frozen solid, so I think she was killed this morning. She was found out back, behind the chicken coop. I've not had any hens that didn't roost at night, so I am pretty sure she was taken this morning. Her back end and entire insides had been eaten. I once saw a chart showing how particular critters killed, so I'm going to look for it. Hubby ALMOST thinks our dog did it, but I am not really believing that one yet. Any suggestions?

I wouldn't rule out a raccoon or even a weasel. They are both known for causing devastation similar to what you've described--a dog attack is not very likely to be a clean kill and to so far as to disembowel a bird sounds more like the work of a 'coon to me. Almost no way of telling, unless you can spot some tracks near the scene...

 

[Jazor]

Thanks to everyone who has made attempts to help me ID the "BIQ" as I refer to it (Bird In Question). The Hatchery order seems to have sent what we are confidently calling a PBR Roo. I have been considering putting him into a pot pie, or even a crock pot; although Ash may have me halfway convinced to keep him around.

If I keep him, I will be starting my own super-race of chickens, and will take orders for fertile eggs in the spring.

Barred Rock X Red Star = Rockstars

You all play your cards right and you could be raising your own Rockstar Chicks next spring, and be making your own puns about them.

Cheers,
Jazor

 

[MEMama3]

Thanks to everyone who has made attempts to help me ID the "BIQ" as I refer to it (Bird In Question).  The Hatchery order seems to have sent what we are confidently calling a PBR Roo.  I have been considering putting him into a pot pie, or even a crock pot; although Ash may have me halfway convinced to keep him around. 

If I keep him, I will be starting my own super-race of chickens, and will take orders for fertile eggs in the spring. 

Barred Rock X Red Star = Rockstars

You all play your cards right and you could be raising your own Rockstar Chicks next spring, and be making your own puns about them.

Cheers,
Jazor

Here's a link I found about what your "rock stars" might look like.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/629780/barred-rock-over-a-red-sex-link-look-what-you-get

 

[lazy gardener]

No fair... showing pics of little fuzz balls in the dead of winter.

 

[CoopChick719]

Ditto what LazyG said!

C'mon Spring!!

 

[ashandvine]

A well mannered rooster is worth having around if you can. I like mine big, quiet, attentive to the flock, respectful of course and deep of voice if can be had. Although.... the tinny sound of the rrreeerrrr--rrrrr of a bantam cockerel offers comedy on the farm too. So I guess I am saying either baritone or castrati LOL

I think my winter crazy has begun.

Throwing out corn for the next couple nights. Been tossing greens out for ducks and geese alike. The chickens that are out never miss a chance to snatch something though. Those things they turned their beaks up at earlier in the year are prime pickings now. I think I might try growing a few cabbages next year. Anyone have recommendations? Also, anyone else thinking of attending the NEPC??