Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Folly's place]

We lost a nice Belgian d'Uccle hen yesterday, probably to a hawk. So, the flock is locked in for at least two weeks. haven't actually seen the predator, but it's a best guess, and whoever it is will return soon.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

My house sold in 6 days here in Grand Rapids

Oh man, is GR a HOT market right now. I have heard so many stories like that. Very glad I'm not buying a home now; like our adopted shelter mutt, I'm in my forever home.

I don't miss Grand Rapids at all. I only visit when I have to.

 

[1muttsfan]

Are you locking them in because of predators?

Spring and fall are migration times for hawks, owls and eagles, and free-roaming chickens are at higher risk. Raptors are federally protected, so the best defense is to keep birds in while the hungry migrating birds pass through.

 

[RaZ]

I have seen a huge number of raptors moving through in the last 2 weeks.

I'm waiting for the owls to start moving through. I haven't seen or heard them yet. I hope I didn't miss them.
There is a juvenile eagle that seems to be staking a claim on this area. I've seen it several times since spring. I love seeing the raptors even if they are a threat to my chickens. I think that I have enough cover for them in case a raptor does come looking for a meal. I haven't seen any fox or coyotes for over a year now. It's just a matter of time before one or the other move in. My run is secure so I'm not too worried if they do move in.

 

[RaZ]

@RaZ...in one of your photos, it appears you have a quite a find in your garage along with the racks you were able to salvage. I would love to hear more about the classic car you have stored

It's a 1968 Ford LTD Brougham. 390 cu in engine, factory air, power steering/brakes 97,000 original miles. Vinyl top was replaced a few years ago. Bodywork and fresh paint done 2 years ago. Her name is Betty.

 

[aart]

It's a 1968 Ford LTD Brougham.

Do the headlight covers still work?
They are so cool!

 

[Sue Gremlin]

I'm waiting for the owls to start moving through. I haven't seen or heard them yet. I hope I didn't miss them.
There is a juvenile eagle that seems to be staking a claim on this area. I've seen it several times since spring. I love seeing the raptors even if they are a threat to my chickens. I think that I have enough cover for them in case a raptor does come looking for a meal. I haven't seen any fox or coyotes for over a year now. It's just a matter of time before one or the other move in. My run is secure so I'm not too worried if they do move in.

I've been hearing barred owls for a few weeks now.

 

[Hrseluvr]

We lost a nice Belgian d'Uccle hen yesterday, probably to a hawk. So, the flock is locked in for at least two weeks. haven't actually seen the predator, but it's a best guess, and whoever it is will return soon.
Mary

Mary, Sorry for your loss.

 

[Folly's place]

Thanks, always hate loosing birds to predators.
Mary

 

[RaZ]

Do the headlight covers still work?
They are so cool!

They do.