Michigan

[Riverdale]

I started a thread to track what sort of predators folks are dealing with.  Raccoons seem to be the biggest threat to our flocks.  https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/261440/the-worst-predator

We haven't (knock on wood) had any racoon sightings (yet) this year. I'v taken out 25-30 in the past 4 years, and I know a couple neighbors (with flocks) have taken out at least that many.

 

[Stacykins]

So...out...of...shape *huff huff*

Just hauled and stacked all the hay I'll need for the year for the goats. Whew, I am one tired Stacy, but I am glad. The hay is perfect, and came from our own land. My mother drove the pickup truck while I walked behind it and loaded up hay (she has had back problems so I wad adamant that she did no hay lifting, that is what my young body is for!). Only 10 bales could fit in the bed before we'd have to head back to where we are storing it. So we did that 4x times, until our neighbor drives into the field with his HAY WAGON! So I was able to load all the rest of the hay in one fell swoop! He was so nice to do that for us! I'll have to figure out what I can do to show my gratitude, since that was a massive help.

 

[Stacykins]

Ugh! Ugly weather today. Humid!
Well the antibiotics an deworming did not work. Vanna passed away. I know, I was going to put her down, but gave the antibiotic a try first...she seemed to perk up a bit yesterday, but is gone now. Bummer. She had to be the prettiest hen I had.

I am sorry for your loss. It is never fun, especially when the animal is a very special one. I know people say with livestock there are losses, but it can be hard to get used to, I know I'm not! At least you tried your best.

 

[M.sue]

YUCK.......It's so humid. Just gave my chicken a cantaloupe that was chilled in the freezer. Been one of the lazy Sundays. I think I'm drained from all the heat the past few days....I took a nap after I got home from church....what the heck, that's not me....it felt good though! I can't imagine how the chickens feel!
I have an old bird house that needs painting. I think I'll go put some new paint it and spruce it up so it looks like new. At least I'll be in the garage where there's shade.

Awww....Nova......sorry to hear the sad news. At least you can say you tried.

 

[RBahmer]

Went to dump feed in the barrel for the sheep and what do you suppose was in there. 2 more friggin raccoons. Got one and the other one got away. Wondering if this will ever end. AGHH

 

[NovaAman]

Went to dump feed in the barrel for the sheep and what do you suppose was in there. 2 more friggin raccoons. Got one and the other one got away. Wondering if this will ever end. AGHH

DARN Robin! What are you? A coon magnet? That is just crazy! I wonder if some one coon hexed you.

 

[RBahmer]

DARN Robin! What are you? A coon magnet? That is just crazy! I wonder if some one coon hexed you.

I think someone DID hex me. Either that or someone put a sign out saying " All coons come here. Better than KFC. " lol. I better go look for that sign.

 

[Bianca67]

Nova, sorry to hear about Vanna.

 

[1muttsfan]

Nova, your sister is in my thoughts, please tell her we are all rooting for her problems to resolve. And I am sorry to hear about your hen, too

Kimmie, it is best to completely isolate new birds from others, especially your own, for at least 2 weeks. They should not be near other birds at all, even through a fence. Gives you a lot of peace of mind if one should become ill.

Spent most of the morning running a new fenceline in the back field to open up more grazing for the horses. We had to cut some trees out of a thick row to make a space for the fence, I like to be able to run both sides with the brush hog a few times a year. It was hot, sweaty, dirty, greasy, and the ticks were all over, but we got it done thank goodness.

 

[Opa]

I think most folks would be shocked at the number of coons that are out there. Raccoons are expanding to fill the niche created by expanding suburbs and micro farms. The availability of food is what is helping to drive the numbers upwards.