Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Sue Gremlin]

Took a trip around the property earlier. I found a dead 4-point that was barely scavenged. No tracks in the snow around the carcass. That tells me that scavengers and predators are scarce. Makes it easier to let the chickens free range for the time being.

Still waiting for this rain to turn to snow.

Interesting. I'd love to know what killed it if he wasn't shot. I had one in my front yard this fall that probably died of tapeworm infestation. So many worms.

 

[Sally PB]

Eggs... (In fact, I'm having popcorn for dinner.)

 

[chickflick]

Welcome, Ann.

 

[snowflake]

welcome Ann, this is a nice place to be

 

[Mfranks]

@aart told me to stop by and say hello! From northern Michigan and a new chickie owner.

Howdy Ann!

 

[RaZ]

Interesting. I'd love to know what killed it if he wasn't shot. I had one in my front yard this fall that probably died of tapeworm infestation. So many worms.

Right hind leg was broken just below the hip. Might have been buckshot or slug, But I'm guessing. I don't know for sure but it didn't looked like it had been gnawed on. There was no skin or muscle on the hind quarter but the rest of the carcass was pretty much intact, less the decay. I found it about 10 feet from a heavily traveled seer trail. No other tracks in the snow around it. So it's a mystery to me.

 

[RaZ]

I got 4 eggs today. I've been getting 2-4 per day for a month now. These winter eggs are being laid on the floor and are pretty dirty. Not sure why the hens are avoiding the nest boxes but I'm glad to still being getting eggs.

 

[Folly's place]

Maybe mites in the nest boxes? Idiot pullets?
Mine are all laying in the nest boxes. Nine to fourteen eggs from a total of 32 hens and pullets, although only two of eleven bantams are in lay. This is with a light on 3am to 7am every morning. I'd probably have way fewer eggs without it!
Still, I'm not working (since mid-March) so no egg sales at work. Not helpful!
Mary

 

[aart]

Right hind leg was broken just below the hip. Might have been buckshot or slug,

Car strike?

 

[RaZ]

Maybe mites in the nest boxes? Idiot pullets?

No mites in the coop. So I'm going with either idiot pullets or lazy hens.