New Mexico

[Bigfish502]

Once the weather warms up there's a poultry swap in Belen. It's across the road from the Wal-Mart, I believe. I've gone down there a few times with Marans chicks once my flock starts laying again. (BTW, Marans are NOT production layers, so my chicks are not at the early-season-ones)

@Peep_Show when and where is the next poultry swap? I would be curious to see and potentially hatch out some chicks for it (do people mind mixed breeds)?

 

[Peep_Show]

I haven't seen it advertised lately. There's also one out in Edgewood on Saturday's at County Line feed 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If on Facebook, check out the New Mexico Poultry Swap group for details on what's available and where.

 

[Bigfish502]

I haven't seen it advertised lately. There's also one out in Edgewood on Saturday's at County Line feed 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If on Facebook, check out the New Mexico Poultry Swap group for details on what's available and where.

Is that every Saturday?

 

[Peep_Show]

Some weeks not, and definitely not when the weather is bad. Better turnout in the summer months and that's when the two swaps near me seem to alternate (plus Millers Feed in ABQ will host swaps now and again)

 

[MPJ]

Hi All! I am in Rio Rancho NM and starting my chicken adventure. Been super fun so far! I have 8 4 week old hopefully pullets. I got them from Meyer Hatchery and they are all healthy wonderful girls. Will be giving 2 to my Friend/boss since I can only have 6. If I end up with a rooster I will need to re home. Curious what predators you guys have had to deal with here in NM? I am not concerned about coyotes as my yard is very secure but do we have weasels or anything else that can climb higher than the 4 feet of HWC I have wrapped around the bottom of my run?

 

[Bigfish502]

Hi All! I am in Rio Rancho NM and starting my chicken adventure. Been super fun so far! I have 8 4 week old hopefully pullets. I got them from Meyer Hatchery and they are all healthy wonderful girls. Will be giving 2 to my Friend/boss since I can only have 6. If I end up with a rooster I will need to re home. Curious what predators you guys have had to deal with here in NM? I am not concerned about coyotes as my yard is very secure but do we have weasels or anything else that can climb higher than the 4 feet of HWC I have wrapped around the bottom of my run?

Hey MPJ as far as I am aware from my own experience and the experience of others the main predators in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area is coyotes (don't underestimate them they're tenacious and clever and will find any gaps in your fence or other areas that will allow them into your yard), hawks, owls, raccoons, cats, and dogs. If you can tolerate a rooster he will do an excellent job looking out for hawks if they're free ranging.

 

[CSAchook]

Hey MPJ as far as I am aware from my own experience and the experience of others the main predators in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area is coyotes (don't underestimate them they're tenacious and clever and will find any gaps in your fence or other areas that will allow them into your yard), hawks, owls, raccoons, cats, and dogs. If you can tolerate a rooster he will do an excellent job looking out for hawks if they're free ranging.

I agree about the coyotes. My brother has seen them in his yard in Albuquerque, and he lives in town with a 6ft high cinderblock fence around the entire property.


I am a bit farther south, but skunks are another major predator to be aware of. Not as agile as raccoons but they can be very determined.

 

[Peep_Show]

Coyotes, hawks, owls, raccoons, bobcats, dogs. Here in Corrales we have an occasional mountain lion and whereas we don't have weasels, a badger was seen on night cam. Always defend against what's the biggest threat and be grateful there are no bear in RR (yet).

 

[MPJ]

Thanks for the tips all. I have done a 2 foot HWC apron around all perimeters and 4 feet up the sides. Probably will go all the way up now though. Coyotes are very present here so I will be cautious. I could tolerate a rooster but am sure my neighbors couldn't and they are not allowed where I am. I appreciate all your responses

 

[Bigfish502]

Thanks for the tips all. I have done a 2 foot HWC apron around all perimeters and 4 feet up the sides. Probably will go all the way up now though. Coyotes are very present here so I will be cautious. I could tolerate a rooster but am sure my neighbors couldn't and they are not allowed where I am. I appreciate all your responses

See if they allow geese. A single goose raised up with chickens will also act as a good sentry against hawks.