North Carolina

[vfem]

Rain day for the kids, so darn fun! Needed a break



And yes, the neighbor's duck has moved in and was playing with the girls chasing each other in circles.

 

[NewHomesteader2010]

I am 99% sure we just experienced our first predator attack. I was inside need deep in shredded meat when I heard this awful sound - at first I thought it was because a few chickens (and our "manly" rooster/protector) were on the deck and trying to steal cat food from mama kitty & her babies (the runt always hisses at them and they squawk up a storm and run for the hills) so I peaked out the window. I saw ALL of my chickens fluffed up and staring in one direction, so I looked to see what they were looking at. So much for our mighty protector/alpha rooster, he was too busy stuffing his face full of cat food to notice anything but I saw this bird (not all that big but big enough) swoop down towards the grass and then head into the trees. I didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't tell IF it attacked anything or not, but all of the chickens were making such a ruckus that I had to grab everything and go outside to see. Well, I called all the chickens and they flocked around me, even the babies and that's when I noticed it. We had only 10 chicks...one was missing. I'm not sure which one it is as they ran to me, then ran back into the cover of the bushes/holly tree but it was long enough for me to count 10.

I can tell you it isn't one of my BLRW, but aside from that, the rest are all black or black laced and I haven't been able to identify them specifically... I did notice one looks like it is partially naked necked as the feathering on the neck are very thin and there looks to be a bald spot - it has a very long neck...I think its a rooster...but that sums up my identification ability!!

I knew this was a risk we were taking because we choose to free range, but since this is our first loss to a predator (I don't count Susan as a predator loss, because she was already ill and therefore isn't fully the opossum's fault) it isn't an easy thing...especially since I think I might have seen it. I am thankful however that I did not have my glasses on and that DD1 was in her room "resting" for those chicks are so dear to her!! <sigh> Sad day!!

 

[BHep]

predator !!

 

[MaryRuthLangdon]

So sorry for your loss of a chickadee NH... and...
To your DD#1 ! I hope she has a wonderful day!

 

[CandleGal]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your big girl!!
I know how your feeling my youngest just turned 4 and I am really wanting a baby to cuddle

Good luck with the horse thing, I have asked for a pony for my birthday for all of my 32 years, according to my mother I did ask for one for my first bday. I had a pony for about 6 months in college and other than that no one has brought me a pony

I keep telling myself one of these days......



Sorry about everyone's losses. We finally got about 5 min of heavy rain but that was it really hoping for more soon. Every time I pull the hose out to water the gardens it turns into water fights with the kids and dogs

Have a good evening everyone. Amy

 

[audra72]

I've been such a slacker posting here so I wanted to post some newer pics of the crew. We have 10 girls and a roo that was bought as a pullet. Oh well. We've named him Charlie. Only our Silkie lays. The others are coming up on 17 weeks old and 14 weeks.

 

[audra72]

 

[scottcaddy]

Good Morning Everyone!

Welcome to all the new folks! This is the best forum on the internet, and the best group in the forum! Glad you found it, too!

With it being overcast I ended up sleeping in, to the disgust of the livestock who were waiting on breakfast. Everyone is now fed and watered, except the Boys, and their breakfast is cooked and cooling. (Yes, I cook breakfast for my dogs every morning. I occasionally even cook breakfast for my husband!) Reilly will come tell me when it's had enough time to have cooled properly.

The foxes have been quiet during this heat wave. Since we're coming down in temps, I'm wondering if they are n't going to have more energy, too. And be hungry. Keep an eye out for hungry foxes!

Didn't quite finish my cardigan last night, but I'll finish it up this morning. Yay! Then to finish what's on the loom. I'm trying to get all the in-progress stuff done this summer! Only five weeks until I have to go back to work. It's closing in fast.

Hope everyone has a lovely cool day. Scott, aren't you glad the tree waited until the temps got down to 80's-low 90's instead of coming down at 105? Small things, eh?

YES!

For that thought alone, I Thank you MUCH

. It is the small things that make or break a day.
Scott

 

[scottcaddy]

My storm cellar has been cleaned and scrubbed and every extra kennel and cage have been moved down there, along with a cabinet full of meds, needles, vitimans, and wound treatments and dressings. The sink was hooked back up, and we moved an old table down there. I now have a mash unit for my animals

and my cellar is usually 20-25 degrees cooler than outside.

You are SO very LUCKY!! You can have a strom celler! The water table here is only 2 ft in a normal year

Scott

 

[scottcaddy]

Quote: Weeeeeelllll, I don't know about that "just a phase" thang. My DW is still into horses and might I menthion RF is a mother of 3 and both her and her youngest are hooked on riding horses

Good luck with the phase

Scott