Michigan

[babigyrl22]

I emailed Milford this morning - I hope it helps. I hope the residents of Milford lash out against this and support Archie Noon.

 

[Mom 2em All]

went out after my post this a.m. and couldnt find my crippled black duck. She wasnt quacking- as she always does- bad sign.
I couldnt find a stray feather anywhere....hm.
Knew she was dead. No way she was anywhere- she didnt go far, ever, having only her 'knees' to walk on. Finally located a single black feather among all the loose goose feathers in my backyard. Went diagonal from there- right over the fence in the vacant yard behind us, the grass was trampled down. When I looked, found a pile of black feathers and her foot.
Carcass not far from there.
Whatever did it ate everything but her skeleton, feathers and one wing. My husband has been taking practice shots with his gun- from my deck- since then. We will be ready when whatever it is, comes back to what it thinks is a buffet. Next victim? I suspect would be my broken winged duck.
Weird, because I never heard a sound last night. I did wake up at 2 a.m. and stayed up for a while. Now I wonder if her quacking twenty feet from my bedroom is what woke me up. I don't recall hearing her. OR THE GEESE. They normally sound off if there is anything amiss.

I have done plenty of wildlife rehab, and normally I would never ever tell my husband to kill anything. ever. But if we dont kill this, it will pick me off one by one until I have nothing. Does anything hunt/kill geese? I am in the suburbs. This was probably a big raccoon. No coyotes would come in my fenced yard. This thing has to know I have two huge dogs- that come in at night.

Poor Tyra.

 

[MrsChickendad]

Disaster day yesterday. We lost 25 birds to a stray dog, and have 5 badly injured. It got in the Ameraucana pen and killed ten young birds we were growing out. Laying hens are missing, BLRW have all been chewed and 1 hen is missing. Killed a broody and 5 of 6 babies. It was awful!

I am a dog lover, but draw the line at chicken killers. It comes back, it's dead.

 

[uchytil]

Quote:
That's terrible! How did the dog get in the pen? I used to trap fisher and martin, so I have hundreds of traps at my disposal. I have always thought of setting traps for predators near my coop and rabbits but fear I'll catch a dog or cat. I guess it comes down to befiefs. If you believe pet owners should keep their dogs leashed (which is usually the law) I suppose you could justify doing something if they come on your property. Out here in the country hardly anyone keeps their dogs leashed. I'm guilty but I stay with my heeler and vice versa. If I go in she goes in, or on a leash.

Sorry for your loss!
John

 

[Opa]

Wow, that would be a disaster. I to would be waiting to exact my revenge should the dog return. I'm sorry for your loss. If your flock is too badly damaged I would be willing to share some of mine with you. I can always get more birds in the spring.

 

[MalissaB]

Hello, I live in the city of Fenton, MI. I have a small flock of laying chickens. I have had chickens for over a year now and my neighbors have never complained. I am very conscientious about the noise and smells. I recently pulled a permit to have my front porch redone, the city came out to inspect the porch and shortly there after I was given notice regarding the city ordinance. I have three children, one of which is autistic. I think it is important to share traditional values with my children and have free range, organic eggs. Organic food is so important especially since I have an autistic child! The children and I have placed a sign in front of our home and we sell the eggs for $3.00 a dozen. I wrote a letter to the city explaining I was protected under MIRTFA and practice GAAMPS. I promptly received a threatening letter from the Fenton City attorney that stated I was not protected under MIRTFA. I then wrote another letter and included the Michigan Court of Appeals Shelby VS Papesh.

I do have a meeting with the Fenton City Manager on Monday to discuss this matter. I hope to avoid court, fines as I am a single mother. However, I do want to keep my chickens as they are also therapy for my autistic son. I was wonder if anyone had any suggestions on how I should handle the meeting on Monday?

Thank you!

Please email the Fenton City Manager: [email protected]

 

[RaZ]

I find it ironic that Fenton has 2 TSC's and they sell all kinds of "farm" stuff including chicks in the spring.

A couple of years ago I got a ticket in Fenton (different matter) and fought it in court. It was a BS ticket and the judge recognized for such. The case was dismissed.
I hope your situation doesn't go that far, but good luck anyway.

 

[MrsChickendad]

Quote:
Thanks, Opa that's so generous of you. We still have a few Wheatens (2 pullets out of 7 escaped) and I'm now keeping 3 of last year's hens. The breeding cocks were locked up, so I'm in pretty good shape for wheatens. The BLRW are another matter. We had some sort of weasel get in the grow out pen a few weeks back and took out all the young stock, so all I have is some of my original breeders: 3 cocks, 2 hens, all but two injured. The rest of the "good" birds weren't bothered, they were in much more secure pens. The Ameraucana pen was covered with netting as a hawk deterrent, so dog just jumped the fence and went thru the netting. We got home to find her standing in our garage. She was a red Siberian Husky, abt 50 lbs. Couldn't catch her, but got off one shot before the .22 jammed. I'm keeping it handy. She'll be back.

 

[fifelakelooper]

Mom2 and Chickendad....I'm so very sorry about the loss of chickens to some predator...dog or whatever. What a darn shame. Good luck securing the pens and catching the varmits.
MalissaB....sorry for your city problems too. The more I read the happier I am that I live out in the boonies on a seasonal road. We just spread cow manure in our back yard last night. The odor is...well...you know. No one cares out here cause no one smells it but us and the chickens! Thank you Lord!

Malissab....I will email a protest letter.

ChickwannaB...I sure hope you are feeling better....we miss your comments here!

 

[ChicwannaB]

Stacykins, I have discovered a third of the Chante's is a ROO, Setting out in the barnyard this morning for a bit I heard three distinct crows from three different areas of the yard. It's the one with the orange band!!!!