Maine

[buckabucka]

Heart breaking story about your brother, Coopchick. So very sorry for your loss. I hope your day went okay.

We had 9 eggs here today, almost 10. There is someone, I haven't figured out which hen it is, that has been laying a shell-less egg. It breaks open and makes a mess of any other eggs in the box. They do have oyster shell. I'm not really sure what the problem is.

I also got a bunch of chicken chores done today. Later, we walked in the woods and there are animal tracks everywhere. We need to put the game cam back out there.

 

[lazy gardener]

Suz: So did the dog actually kill any of your chickens? Have you talked to the neighbor? I don't know what your relation is with the neighbor, but you're within your rights to protect your animals/property from any predator, whether it's wearing a collar or not. I'm not saying that I'd shoot it, but I'd definitely have a chat with the neighbor to let them know that this WON'T be happening again, and if it does, animal control will be involved... which could get pretty expensive for them! I once had a neighbor's dog get into my run and kill half a dozen of my girls. I caught the dog and tied it up, then called the neighbor and told her that her dog had just killed a bunch of my chickens. She said, "Oh, it couldn't have been my dog... he's right here." A few minutes later, I heard her outside calling for her dog. Of course she had to come to my house to get her dog, and when she did, I forced her to come and view the carnage, including a couple of dying chickens in addition to the ones that were already dead. She did reimburse, but that does not make up for the suffering and loss of life. I think at this point in my life, I'd give one warning, and after that, either turn the dog over to animal control, or shoot to defend.

Quail Trail: A dog would be wonderful for my 2 kids: 12 y.o. boy and 7 y.o. girl... but boy, am I feeling old! Just a couple years shy of 60... yeah... it'd be a huge start over! I'm wondering if he's broaching the subject b/c I'm always telling him what this or that chicken did, and he just can't stoop low enough to see a chicken as a pet!! Life is just full of little surprises! As much as I love dogs, the extra work involved is hard to wrap my head around now!

 

[lazy gardener]

Bucka: do you have a new layer???

 

[suzMEchicks]

No the dog didnt kill any of them. I didnt get home until 8 so dark out . But I see a lot of black feathers on the path. My husband had a hard time getting the dog out of the coop. He did talk to the woman . I probably will as well. There are dog ordinances but there always seem to be some dog wandering. I wish I had a farm but I live in a neighborhood. I'm just worried there may be injury I cant see . They do look very vigorous though so maybe I was lucky this time.

 

[CoopChick719]

Thanks LG, quailtrail and bucka. We're just taking it one day at a time. We are going to tackle the house a little at a time. My mother & son just couldn't do it--too hard. I only had 1 meltdown while I was there.

Yes, 8 is good considering I've got 1 girl who thinks she's broody; her sister who just got done thinking she was broody and my 2 old ladies, Laverne & Shirley, who are not laying.

Good luck with the dog! My husband said "No more animals" but yet we brought home the Maine Coon from Houlton.


suzMEchicks, So sorry to hear about your 2 girls.

 

[suzMEchicks]

I'm sorry for your loss. God bless your family with peace.

 

[buckabucka]

Bucka:  do you have a new layer???

I have 11 pullets in this coop, but they were all laying normal eggs late last fall. But maybe someone is having a issue with starting up again, I don't know.

 

[MustardTiger]

Coopchick. - so sorry for you and your family. It seems like this has been a rough season for an oddly high number of people I know...so many people at my work have lost loved ones since before christmas. It is very strange and sad.

In happy new - my crab apple tree was full of robins for the last few days. The birds are out and I just feel an early spring coming!


I am down to one rooster and made a bunch of hen saddles out of old jeans for the hens. The injured one has healed well and they all seem much happier. Thank you ash for talking me down I do not particularly love my chickens like pets (I know this may seem like blasphemy to some of you!

) BUT I certainly feel horrible and borderline enraged when they are hurt or uncomfortable!

It is an odd feeling for those of us who eat our chickens - to care so much about them and still kill and eat them. It has taken quite a bit of getting used to.

And in case anyone is wondering I will be ordering chicks for delivery in late april within the next few weeks. As I said they will come from McMurray so - if anyone wants a few please let me know. I will not need the whole minimum order. I am right near H.A.R.T in maine (cumberland/falmouth line).

Please PM me about any chicks!

Happy Sunday Folks!

 

[Widget]

Coop Chick. I'm so very sorry that you lost your brother. That must have been extremely hard for you. Glad you and your sister and your dad could clean the house together instead of it falling to just one of you.

8/14 eggs? Not bad. I'm 2/5 still, but the other 3 are squatting and showing other signs of being ready to start any day now. Count up to 10 this week, compared to 5 a week ago.

We've been dogless for 10 years now. Last night, hubby brought me his tablet to show me a cute puppy... and again this morning to show a clip of a dog waiting at the mail box, and taking the mail from the mail man's hand to carry it back to the front door. I'm thinking... what's up with this????? He actually stated that it would be nice to have a dog again! Could be that he'll be ready to go down that road before I am, though in my wildest imagination, I never saw this discussion coming!!!

How about this guy. About 2 years old. Shepherd mix and is coming to Maine this weekend as my new foster if he is not adopted beforehand.

This is his write-up.

Sheldon is the perfect combination of a snuggler and friend to play with. He picks up on the environment and will sit quietly when you're busy but loves to play when you can. He's been amazing with other dogs and people. He's quiet, trained and very sweet. We would be happy to see him in a home with other dogs and children over the age of 6.

Sheldon is trustworthy in the house and spends his time in his foster's spare bedroom while she is at work. If you would like a dog who is house trained, great on a leash and has excellent manners, Sheldon would be perfect for you. Sheldon needs a fenced yard, since he takes such joy in hanging out there with his people. He loves water, so if you are looking for a dog to take to the lake this summer, Sheldon would be a good fit.

 

[Widget]

Sure sign of Spring. The tom turkey is displaying in front of the two girls today. As expected they are not impressed and are ignoring him.