Maine

[lazy gardener]

Tell me I'm not crazy. Well, maybe just a little bit. Yesterday, 4 huge birds soaring over my yard, scoping things out. I'm convinced from google searches that they are turkey vultures. Maps say they are not found in Maine. Obviously, these birds can't read, or they are lost. Comment? Experience with them???

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Tell me I'm not crazy. Well, maybe just a little bit. Yesterday, 4 huge birds soaring over my yard, scoping things out. I'm convinced from google searches that they are turkey vultures. Maps say they are not found in Maine. Obviously, these birds can't read, or they are lost. Comment? Experience with them???

i have turkey vultures and i am not that far from maine at all, and the Squam lakes science center has a few rescues

 

[chickenneighbor]

We have turkey vultures here, and I have never heard of them bothering anyone's flock. I think they prefer carrion. In fact, one landed in the field just across the road while my neighbor's hens where free ranging, and nothing happened. No hen put out the danger call, and the vulture didn't pay much attention to the hens. It could be the vultures are well fed by the lakes and ocean here in the midcoast. We do have hawk and coyote problems, though.

 

[LadyCluck77]

Tell me I'm not crazy. Well, maybe just a little bit. Yesterday, 4 huge birds soaring over my yard, scoping things out. I'm convinced from google searches that they are turkey vultures. Maps say they are not found in Maine. Obviously, these birds can't read, or they are lost. Comment? Experience with them???

You are not crazy. Turkey Vultures do frequent Maine, especially in the breeding season. They won't bother trying to harm chickens at all, though sometimes my roosters do sound off the air-raid drill when they see one, just to let everyone practice.



ETA: how did you get rid of your rats? I've got one hanging around.

 

[dodochick92]

You are awesome! The only place I've gone to look so far was in Lyman. I will check those places out!!  
Kate

Edited to add: I saw Andy's Agway and nearly stopped.. It didn't look like they had any sheds or other structures from the road. Next time will go in!

Orchard Ridge farm in gorham has a pretty good selection too.

 

[buckabucka]

We see turkey vultures a lot. DH does not remember seeing them as a kid, but they are definitely around now.

I am not qualified to address the rat elimination question. I hope to eliminate mine someday.

 

[lazy gardener]

You are not crazy. Turkey Vultures do frequent Maine, especially in the breeding season. They won't bother trying to harm chickens at all, though sometimes my roosters do sound off the air-raid drill when they see one, just to let everyone practice.



ETA: how did you get rid of your rats? I've got one hanging around.

It was MANY years ago. We put feed in metal can. Only fed the chickens during the day. Rats were getting into garage where feed was stored. Actually chewed through and tunneled up through concrete where there was a wooden post. Put down poison and snap traps. Be sure to tie the snap traps down so they don't drag them off. I have not seen them since having chickens for the past 3 - 4 years. I feed fermented feed only, and almost always cover the feed dish if there happens to be any feed left at night.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I am not qualified to address the rat elimination question.

I hope to eliminate mine someday.

With a nuclear bomb

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Hi all! I'm from etna maine!how is everybody?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Tell me I'm not crazy.  Well, maybe just a little bit.  Yesterday, 4 huge birds soaring over my yard, scoping things out.  I'm convinced from google searches that they are turkey vultures.  Maps say they are not found in Maine.  Obviously, these birds can't read, or they are lost.  Comment?  Experience with them???

Then that map is wrong.turkey vultures come here ALL the time.