Maine

[lazy gardener]

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.

MT: I am in your camp. My girls are definitely pets. I thoroughly enjoy their antics, however, when they are done laying, in the pot they go! I'd never dream of killing a cat or a dog... but some how, chickens are in a class all by themselves.


Widgett: Thanks for the suggestion. Hubby and I went out on a date today

and had a chance to discuss this new development. He's not in any particular hurry, nor am I. But, we're in agreement about what the new family member would be like: Definitely female, most likely a puppy so chicken socialization could be done properly, definitely under 40 pounds, preferably close to 30, but not an ankle biter, bulgey eyes, tongue thruster... you know the type!!! Our last dog was a terrier mix, brilliant female with an incredible sense of humor, boundless energy, and would have made a wonderful chicken dog. She had herding instinct, and absolutely went ga-ga over kittens. So she'd be a tough act to follow. I expect that no action will be taken on this thought process until we meet the dog that will fill the bill, which will not likely happen any time soon, as we are not actively seeking!

Oh yeah, spring is definitely happening. No doubt there is more nasty stuff to follow, but I'm going out on a limb and suggesting that the arctic blast is pretty much over, and we're going to have an early spring. There are mouse and turkey tracks all over my yard. We bought a lot of mouse traps today. Found a huge nest under the hood of the car.

The girls are going ape over their FF. Nice to be able to offer it to them again. They did not do well on dry feed at all. I've been taking little jars of sprouts to church, and distributing them to the chicken owners. Working on making converts. Perhaps, next, I'll take some FF!

 

[TurkeyWhisperer]

Hi, I'm looking for fertile quail eggs around the Portland area. Would like different types of coturnix. Maybe button. Thanks.

 

[MEMama3]

Hi, I'm looking for fertile quail eggs around the Portland area. Would like different types of coturnix. Maybe button. Thanks.

I saw someone selling buttons on CL, but I don't remember the town. If you track down croutons, let me know. I'm on the hunt myself.

 

[TurkeyWhisperer]

I saw someone selling buttons on CL, but I don't remember the town. If you track down croutons, let me know. I'm on the hunt myself.

I did talk to him, but he only has 2 hens and can't get enough eggs in a week for me. Still on the hunt....

 

[CoopChick719]

Thank you for the kind words, suzMEchicks & MustardTiger.

Sheldon is a handsome boy! I wish I could talk my folks into a dog. I really think it would help them both!

 

[Jazor]

...

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. ...

Yep, I'm at 1/18 right now. Then again, mine are just now starting to lay. Went in to clean and refresh shavings etc. in the coop yesterday and someone had dropped a present in a pile of shavings. Sneaky bugger.

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.

I wish I could get a dog, he'd be almost exactly what I want. We are gone for 12+ hours a day though, and that just wouldn't be fair to him. Great lookin pup though. He'll find a home very quickly, I imagine.

 

[Jazor]

.. 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.

....

It's too bad that things like this happen. Don't think I would ever shoot another man's dog though. Having chickens is great, and I take care of mine the best I can, but if I had a dog that killed a neighbors chickens and they shot my dog--they would have a lot of problems coming their way. I wouldn't want to go down that road! Don't get me wrong, I'll shoot **** near anything in my yard. I just draw the line at a dog, because they are always part of someone's family.

...

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)....

I already have enough chicks coming in...but I just might be talked into a couple more. When it gets down to order time will you post here again? Or shoot me a PM? I'd certainly consider it. Thanks

 

[MustardTiger]

I will be ordering on Friday or Saturday afternoon. I will pop back in here in the morning and give warning!

 

[lazy gardener]

I hear you Jazor... I talk a mean talk... and would move heaven and earth to avoid it... but... I'll let you know if and when I'm faced with the problem what the final outcome is!

 

[anyasmifya]

Yesterday I got 8 eggs! out of 11 hens! Woo, Hoo!