Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[aart]

I don't see the harm in keeping numbers down with varmints, yes they will eventually show up again, but if you don't keep numbers down, that one coon, will turn into 20, etc.. Been there done that on the farm growing up, we got 20 in one evenings sitting.

For Sure!

Since we've displaced their habitat (and more importantly their natural predators habitat) and fed them to overpopulation with our garbage (intentionally or not)...IMO, it is our duty to become the 'apex predator' and kill them when they become a problem to the extent that we need to trap them.

 

[aart]

Hatching is nerve racking.
Day 18..candling didn't tell me much, some possible air cell issues and one that I'm pretty sure has 'quit'.
3 more days to wait and see what time will tell.
Brooder is mostly put together.

 

[SillyChicken]

I tried to candle the eggs I set.. inconclusive at this point. Going to wait till dark and try again.

 

[1muttsfan]

Trying to control a population of wild animals by small home efforts is often counterproductive. It simply increases the breeding rate, the percentage of survival of offspring, and when you kill one animal you leave an opening for another animal to step up and take that spot. One study by scientists determined it would take a 70% reduction of the coyote population before it would make any difference in predation. In addition, even though raccoons now are often garbage eaters in non-rural areas, they are still a part of the natural order, and serve both to reduce some noxious species, and provide food for higher-level predators.
Believe me I know how tempting it is to kill an animal when you think it's going to do your own animals harm. But there is a way to prevent that from happening. Making the effort to build a pen that provide suitable protection for your birds alleviates the need to be constantly slaughtering wildlife.

 

[aart]

One study by scientists determined it would take a 70% reduction of the coyote population before it would make any difference in predation.

Coyotes are a special case.

 

[RaZ]

Trying to control a population of wild animals by small home efforts is often counterproductive. It simply increases the breeding rate, the percentage of survival of offspring, and when you kill one animal you leave an opening for another animal to step up and take that spot. One study by scientists determined it would take a 70% reduction of the coyote population before it would make any difference in predation. In addition, even though raccoons now are often garbage eaters in non-rural areas, they are still a part of the natural order, and serve both to reduce some noxious species, and provide food for higher-level predators.
Believe me I know how tempting it is to kill an animal when you think it's going to do your own animals harm. But there is a way to prevent that from happening. Making the effort to build a pen that provide suitable protection for your birds alleviates the need to be constantly slaughtering wildlife.

I agree completely. Animal safety is the person's responsibility.

 

[SillyChicken]

I always say, you have to do what you need to do. I certainly respect your opinion Mutt.

I have lived where I am with and without livestock over 25 years... I have only killed one fox, while it was going after one of my turkey's. I hardly made a dent in or made much effort to reduce numbers of anything, except for ticks, I hate ticks! But, if I see a sick or wounded animal, I do what I feel is right.

So............ on to Chicken stock! Has anyone signed up for anything? I haven't, I'm bad.. I'll check it later, right now I am swamped at work and no computer at home.

I just got word last night I'll be jetting around the states to set up safety plans through out several offices, including Canada. So, I won't be on here much, lucky for you guys!

 

[bigmrg74]

So the chickens will be staying in the coop today while I go to work.
So the question is live-trap or SSS. I don't have a trap. I'll check with a neighbor but I think SSS when I get home.

A good Raccoon sized live trap is always a useful thing to have around. Ours is probably around 30 years old and it's aided in the eviction of countless raccoons who have thought setting up shop in our barn was a good idea. Don't want them using the good horse hay for their bathroom.

 

[aart]

Ours is probably around 30 years old

Dem's da good ones!

 

[taprock]

We are in the middle of a low coyote cycle right now. I’m not sure if it has to do with a wolf moving into the area but I really like seeing rabbits again. Since some of the snow has melted we found a new den adjacent to the back field. It looks active so we plan to put the camera out and determine what has moved in.

As much as I was worried about housing the goslings inside they have been much cleaner than I expected.

This was a big packing crate that hubby got some milling thing in. I claimed it and lined it with cardboard.