North Carolina

[yonder]

Oh my....

The pullets were making an awful noise back in the run. They've only been out there a few days. A big hawk was sitting by the run, inches from the wire. Ran out and shooed him off. Found one of our girls dead by the wire. The hawk had gotten its beak through the chicken wire and apparently pecked an inquisitive pullet. I usually like telling my wife "I told you so", but in this case, I didn't much care for the job. But now she's taking seriously my original suggestion to wrap the bottom two or three feet of the run in hardware cloth.

 

[NewHomesteader2010]

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so sorry for your loss!!

 

[BHep]

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Sorry to hear that

I have come out in the morning and found headless chickens in the run. Apparently a racoon snatched their heads right off. Yup, you need to add some hardware cloth. I would go with the 3ft. and use the first foot as an apron around the run to prevent anything from digging under.

 

[HenThymes]

Hey Beth, I figure you'll really enjoy these shots I took just this evening. They are coming along nicely and I think one of the pullets laid her first egg today. Sad to say that if it is hers they are not much darker than my orps.

Guess I'll have to work on that! The pullets are just starting to show a bit of gold around the neck, figure that will really come in after their first molt Though you can see it in the pic this girl has some awesome leg feathering.

 

[Bird Collector]

I have empty nest syndrome tonight. I put Wilma to bed with the big girls tonight. One of my silkies went broody and she raised some other babies for a friend so I am hoping she will look after Wlima. I will be out there at day light to make sure she does okay. Her empty bin sits less than 3 feet from my seat. I miss her night time cherping.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[HenThymes]

ML, here is a picture for you, figured you would really enjoy this one!! He is such a proud flock leader looking over his ladies.

 

[EFudd]

suburbanchickymama and BHep, funny y'all should say that cause I have 2 more that a neighbor hatched and we are waiting on some feathers and warmer nights to put them in my 2nd coop... They are Barred Rocks and I know they wont be laying for several weeks. Now I just need to figure out how to sex the rocks so I will know if I need to get some more hens.....btw if they are roosters, I may be having a free to good home sale....

 

[benjoycei]

MONKEY JUNCTION, NC
(halfway between Wilmington and Carolina Beach)

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

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I am so sorry yonder.

I think you have a good idea to add the hardware wire. Mother nature has a way of keeping us on our toes