Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

I dispatched the raccoon. It was the humane thing to do. It was a nice, big male that had escaped a trap. Thus the injured leg. There was also a piece of wire around his neck, not sure how that happened.
I have no problem protecting my flock and pets from predators and it is legal to do so (except the bald eagles and owls).

I'm just POed that someone isn't setting traps properly. With all of this state land around, people need to hunt and trap properly. I don't think it was done correctly in this case.

Anyway, the up side is that my chickens are safe and no other animals were harmed.

PS just to clarify the "hanging around" comment, this whole episode began at 4 AM so I couldn't really do much before day-light.

 

[RaZ]

Raz, I've said this before (many times) - you can kill all the predators you wish, and it will not make your birds any more secure. When you live in the country there is always another predator around - remember, you live in their neighborhood now, and they hunt to survive, not for fun. Only by building a predator-proof coop and run can you provide security for your animals. Killing them does nothing more than give the illusion of safety. And once you have provided that security, you can also enjoy the wildlife without concern.

I have no illusion of security. Even with the coop "100%" secure there is always a chance that a predator will out-smart me. Your advice is well received.

This injured animal was looking for a place to heal or die. I'm just feel bad that I had to be the one to do the mop up.

 

[aart]

There was also a piece of wire around his neck, not sure how that happened.

That's weird.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm glad you got him, and you very likely did him a favor.
Mary

 

[gladahmae]

Bought a bunch of gladiolus bulbs today. Anyone have some insight as to when is a good time to start planting those???? I’m planning on planting 20 of them every 2 weeks. But I’ve never grown them before so I don’t know what I’m doing.

Also had a friend of ours message me that the ffh they were at had marans and olive eggers. Same friend that picked up the lavenders for me. Hahaha!!! So now I’m up to 12 chicks and am hopefully done with that number. We shall see. Going to do some looking to see what kind of egg color I can expect out of the marans. They’re from Hoover hatchery if anyone’s has experience with their birds specifically.

Set up the hover brooder in the chick coop today...will probably move them out there tomorrow as my basement is starting to smell like chicks.

 

[RaZ]

Bought a bunch of gladiolus bulbs today. Anyone have some insight as to when is a good time to start planting those???? I’m planning on planting 20 of them every 2 weeks. But I’ve never grown them before so I don’t know what I’m doing.

After April 30 (last frost) for your area.

 

[RaZ]

I'm glad you got him, and you very likely did him a favor.
Mary

It was the humane thing to do. I hate to kill without a valid reason for doing so. I guess I had a legitimate reason.

On a side note, the area CO stopped by this morning. I explained the situation and he said I did the right thing. Trapping season ends on the 14th so I hope no more innocent critters will be "by catch". I'm trying to organize a volunteer event for trash pick-up on the state land here. He is going to help me and I already have a call in to the regional DNR field office.

 

[RaZ]

Working retail can sure test your tolerance of people. For the most part, our customers are decent people but once in awhile you get a few that are simply a waste of air.

 

[RaZ]

The phoebes have returned. Nesting right outside my bedroom window.

 

[aart]

First morning of 'no coat' chores.
Have had a broody off and on the last few weeks, she's back at it again.
Set up the broody crate in the coop, that means she'll probably stop again
What a PITA!