Maine

[superchemicalgirl]

I had a predator attack. Sunday it took a chicken. Monday it took my male duck. My female duck freaked out and flew away due to it.

 

[buckabucka]

Quote:
Oh, so sorry!

Do you know what got them? I hope your female duck comes back. It seems like I am hearing about a lot of predator attacks recently. I suppose it's the time of year. It makes me nervous.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Pretty sure it was a hawk. Kept them inside a few days and strung up fishing line all across the run. The duck's not coming back.

 

[hoppy]

that's just one of the things I hate about this time of year, losing birds to predators. then we have the cold weather and frozen water. thankfully jsut a few more weeks with the turkeys and they are all going. I'd like to sell a few as that's alot of turkey to eat. I have 2 hens if anyone wants to breed.

 

[annabananaandfamily]

Whew, we are having a rouch couple of weeks poultry-wise!

I need some advice from all of you with experience because I just do not know what to do.

My chickens are dropping like flies! I have 2 that have died in the last week. They seem healthy, then they go into the coop earlier than the rest and by the next morning they are dead. No predators, no signs, just gone. Couple that with the recent loss due to predator (AKA, the neighbors cat!!!!) and we are down to 5 chickens going into the colder months and thats if the ones I have now don't die on us too.

My husband and I are obviously concerned that there is some illness being passed around the chickens. He is starting to think that maybe it is time to cull the flock and start over in the spring in the new coop with a fresh batch of chickens. I don't want to rush to that conclusion, but I guess if that is what has to be done in the end...

Some things I can tell you:

I have noticed that we have not lost any of the chicks I raised from young ages to natural causes. The ones I raised I fed medicated feed.

None of the ones that have died of natural causes seem to show signs of illness before hand.

We have checked and rechecked the coop to make sure no predators are getting in at night and I am confident that that is not what is happening.

The 2 that died recently just went in the coop, laid down, and the next morning were in the same spot- dead.


Please feel free to ask me whatever you want, suggest anything etc. But also keep in mind that I am new to chickens, so I am not familiar with A LOT involving them.

Thanks guys!

 

[joanie_maine]

Quote:
The Fall and the Spring seem to be the worst times for predators and illnesses. The cold stresses birds and those who have little resistance seem to become "puffy", sneeze, have bloody poops and sometimes - just waste away suddenly with no signs of distress. Medicated feed is recommended and helps chicks to deal with exposure. Older birds usually build up a resistance to respiratory infections.

Be aware that poultry respiratory diseases are EVERYWHERE. That's why many poultry enthusiasts have their flock tested (NPIP) and take their chances when taking birds to fairs and shows. It's part of what we deal with....and we all try to do our best and sometimes our best isn't good enough

Predators - dawn, dusk and no entry holes bigger than AN INCH!! Once a predator gets a kill, it will come back until the food source is gone - think JAWS!

I'd check everyone for mites. They are not alway obvious and can bring a bird down quickly. I use poultry dust and sometimes a little Adams Flea & Tick spray on old birds

Duramycin powder in the water sometimes turns things around if the problem is respiratory.

 

[Ersula]

TayFray! :

hey guys, i just made a new website, and completed it today! So if anyone would like to view it! It is pretty cool i think, post a comment or pm me with any comment or suggestions thanks!

http://tayfraysbarnyard.weebly.com/

I love your site! it's so cute and I love the colors. The chickens in the pumpkin is hilarious! Well done =]​

 

[TayFray!]

Quote:
I love your site! it's so cute and I love the colors. The chickens in the pumpkin is hilarious! Well done =]

Thanks!

 

[NewEnglandChick]

If anyone needs to pare down before winter comes, we're looking to add a few hens (preferably around 1 year old). We've got the isolation pen ready and there is PLENTY of room in the coop for this winter.

Checked the FOR SALE thread, but nobody from Maine has anything posted. Will travel to meet/pick-up, but no more than an hour drive - from here... that'd be Freeport, Augusta area, Camden...or anything in between.


Just putting it out there!

 

[hoppy]

Quote:
sent you a pm