Michigan

[KrisRose]

M.sue :

KrisRose......with the flat panel heater, how is it efficiency wise.....do you notice a increase in your electricity bill. I 'd love to do that but don't know what my DH would think. He belly aches sometimes to the kids about the lights being left on even though he's notorious himself for doing it.

Chicken Grandma....A thermo cube is a device that turns on & off at certain temps. I believe you can purchase them at Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, etc...

I dont know how efficient it is. I have about 5 dawg bowls and a heater for horse trough so nothing efficient at my place lol!! I am happy with how safe it seems to be. Niether myself or Chickflick have had problems.​

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Quote:
If its not gaping then I would clean it up and use neosporin.I would think that ag lime would burn ( Perhaps something old timers used on cattle?). Put her in dark area and let her calm down. She could have internal injuries. I would watch to see how she response tomorrow.

When my hen got hit by a hawk she could barely stand for a week and her body from wings up were swollen bad. I put aspirin in water to help but ended up using dropper to get down her throat. She didnt eat for about 3 days and then I spoon feed her. After a week she started to come around. Poor girl.

i'm going to clean w/warm water and a little salt - when it happened she would roll on her side - now (1.5 hrs) later she's laying on her tummy, and at least holding her head up a very tiny bit....she won't open her eyes...hmmmm - thanks Kristen - i'll keep you posted - N

 

[M.sue]

Oh my gosh.......All the posts of Hawk Attacks, not just on this thread but others too!! What's with it?? I was gonna let mine out extra early just for the fact that it's decent out and we won't have many days like this left but I'm second guessing the thought. Maybe I will and just stay out puttering around and keep the dog out too.

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

M.sue :

Oh my gosh.......All the posts of Hawk Attacks, not just on this thread but others too!! What's with it?? I was gonna let mine out extra early just for the fact that it's decent out and we won't have many days like this left but I'm second guessing the thought. Maybe I will and just stay out puttering around and keep the dog out too.

this is the time for hawks - I can attest to it - fall is prime hunting for them - we typically don't have any problems in the summer - yes, i'd keep the dog out and you too! Be safe!​

 

[1muttsfan]

Hawks are migrating right now, so lots are passing thru hungry.

Krisrose is very right about location. My yard is surrounded by dense cedar woods, so even when it is bitterly cold wind is les of a problem. I also insulated my coop with the insulation that looks like bubble wrap with foil on one side, covered by a layer of very thin plywood.

 

[KrisRose]

Huston's Happy Hens :

Quote:
If its not gaping then I would clean it up and use neosporin.I would think that ag lime would burn ( Perhaps something old timers used on cattle?). Put her in dark area and let her calm down. She could have internal injuries. I would watch to see how she response tomorrow.

When my hen got hit by a hawk she could barely stand for a week and her body from wings up were swollen bad. I put aspirin in water to help but ended up using dropper to get down her throat. She didnt eat for about 3 days and then I spoon feed her. After a week she started to come around. Poor girl.

i'm going to clean w/warm water and a little salt - when it happened she would roll on her side - now (1.5 hrs) later she's laying on her tummy, and at least holding her head up a very tiny bit....she won't open her eyes...hmmmm - thanks Kristen - i'll keep you posted - N​

They are probably swollen shut

. Its must be like getting hit by a car. Try to get her to take some aspirin water. Hugs and kisses to your hen.

 

[RaZ]

I saw lots of hawks coming home from picking up Shake and Bake.
Seemed like every half mile or so I saw one along the freeway.

I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I like seeing hawks around. It's a sign of a good ecosystem.
Of course I hope they don't get my chicks.

My Cooper's hawk visited the run a few weeks ago but my girls were well hidden.

 

[Olive Hill]

Besides hungry hawks migrating through there is a lot less cover right now. With most of the leaves off the trees and bushes hawks and other birds of prey have much better vantage points to choose and approach their prey. Add to that the fact that the wild prey has better camo this time of year with the brown leaves on the ground matching their fur -- wild rabbits, squirrels, etc. -- and the chickens just look that much tastier.

 

[dianaross77]

Scary stuff about the hawk attacks!

My DD went in to give some kitchen scraps to the 6 month old silkie everyone told me was a boy and found her first egg! Sorry to those of you who are still waiting on faster maturing breeds to lay. Theron and I both had an "I told you so!" moment when I emailed him to let him know that she had squatted for me the other day. Yay! Fred is a girl! Or I guess I should say Fredericka.

 

[Jenerva]

Hawks! Watched one chase 2 squirrels around the tree. Going out now to put the 2 lonely girls back in their covered run...