NY chicken lover!!!!

[featherz]

if you don't sell the mix coop, I may like to get them!!! let me know what kinds of birds you are selling !!!!

Well, they are kinda sold. Someone paid for them but they haven't shown up to get them - I've got them all freaked out in my sunroom. I assume they will come as I have their money and a poultry crate, but I hope it's soon!

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

Good morning, and thank you to those who sent comfort. And especially VM with the info about the electric poultry netting.
I will ask you all for input tp keep the girls safe. (gotta say, Rancher, I am smarting a bIt from your concern) we have a very strong well built and predator proof coop inside a 4foot chain link fenced area that is 30x50.
Is 48 inches high enough? The chickens were not in the pen, they like to range around in the yard, and I had never had any concerns for their safety, other than hawks which have not been around lately.
Do I need an additional electrified area, or a perimeter ? Or are they safe enough if they stay in the fenced area? I guess their days of having the freedom of the yard are over.
The attack occurred in daylight hours. At night they are locked in the coop. I have a large dog who liberally scents the area, but who spends her time with me, so if Im inside, so is she. We were inside. When the fox or another one came back an hour and a half later, we sent the dog out to chase.
I have been thinking of ways to protect from hawks, and am adding some shrubs for additional cover.
So what am I missing?

Glass--I dont think Rancher meant any harm. Its just that when you freerange without supervision (or even with), there is the implied risk that a predator is around and looking to score a free meal. An electric poulty net or fence is a good idea if you cant be out there with them while they are freeranging. I freerange my flocks only when I can be out there with them, with my dog. I have a pair of peregrine falcons who like to cruise over to see whats available as well as a few hawks. They all generally stay clear as they see me out there with the chickens. Additional cover is nice if you have it. We live in a woodsy area so the cheeps either run under the porches, cars, trees or me if they feel threatened. Your foxes will continue to return now that they have found an easy source of food. If you cant deter them, then you will have to dispose of them. I had to do that with a weasel last year. I do have foxes, coyotes, bears, possums, neighbors dogs, etc living in the area but have had no problems so far as I only freerange when I am outside. Otherwise, they are in their coop/run at all times. You are the only one who can determine how much of a risk you are willing to take with your cheeps. I have a coworker who lets his out to freerange all day every day and lives with any loss he might get. I know that I could lose some even being out there with them. I hope everyones advice gives you the help you are looking for.

 

[Glasshen]

Lynzi, I have one barred rock, three RIR, and two five and a half week buff Orpingtons. I started out last April with six chicks, four and two. You heard about Claire, and Irene had to be rehomed. She was very beautiful, with thin lines of maroon on her shoulder feathers...and sweet to me, but she wanted to killllll Stewie, the now lone BR. She lives in a lovely coop in Caz now, with roosters and other nice hens.

Welcome to the area. There are other chicken folk around, but I haven't met them personally, my husband has talked chicken with the neighbor across the street from our shop building. I think you will be very happy here, it is a great place! Come see me when you're up, or after you move in. Btw, I was born in Albany! A long time ago...

 

[Lynzi777]

Did you have to contact the town at all before you got your chickens? I'm going to be doing that today. Not sure what any rules would be but I'm sure I won't have problems. I have more animal neighbors than human neighbors. LOL

 

[Glasshen]

Pharm...mom, thank you, I know from reading Rancher's posts that he has a kind heart, and cares about all his acquaintances, and his post also shows the depth of his concern for chickens and animals. It is the problem with email and this sort of communication. His sentiments are right on, what smarted is that I would be judged as so inept, shallow, unconcerned or something that I would not take steps to increase security for my birds.

My husband reminded me that the fence is five feet, and I think I will look into getting a way to extend at least a wire above the top of the fence to keep the girls from flying up to the top and going over. That will keep the birds in and give an extra bit of height to keep the bad guys out.

Also, we have a neighbor who used to compete. In gun sports, I may invite her over to practice her art....

Sorry to run on, but you all will set me straight, and when there is a problem I tend to mull it quite a bit. Regular (non chicken) people wouldn't understand. So, please educate me, but know that my heart is in the right place for my charges.

 

[Glasshen]

L, I was at LaFayette town hall this week, and without admitting I had chickens, asked if there were laws about chickens. They said if there were, it would be in the village, and there were no restrictions. I don't know about Tully or Fabius where our shop is. But I guess I'm legal! So if I have to get a rooster, I won't have to feel so guilty.

 

[Lynzi777]

I'm thinking because of where I'm located, I wont have any issues. I don't have any neighbors, besides the one across the street and they a very friendly and have chickens of their own that are always wandering around. The rest of the neighbors are up the street a ways. I can't wait to be up there permanently. We've been moving around a bit for the past 5 years because of my husbands job. We're hoping this is the last one for a while! He's finally in the position of his career that he was hoping to be in. Only he didn't expect to move up this quickly. We are originally from CT, been living in Albany for the past 3.5 years.

 

[Lynzi777]

Has anyone ever ordered from AJ Farms in Seneca Fall, NY? They just contacted me, I must have put in an inquiry and left my cell phone number. They said they will have Silkies for June. I'd have to drive out there (1hr 15min drive there) if I wanted just 3-4, otherwise they can ship 15 and I can find others to go in on the batch with me. But again, this is a hatchery not a breeder. So I was curious as to what the quality of the silkies was if anyone has ever gotten them from there.

 

[greymane]

Lynzi, in full disclosure, I have never purchased from them, but I live about 15 minutes away and have not heard good things about them. We did contact them when we first got into chickens, but their representation of their farm was...shall we say, less than accurate (we felt). JMHO.

 

[Lynzi777]

Lynzi, in full disclosure, I have never purchased from them, but I live about 15 minutes away and have not heard good things about them. We did contact them when we first got into chickens, but their representation of their farm was...shall we say, less than accurate (we felt). JMHO.

Thanks! And thanks for being honest. I'd rather honesty than disappointment after the fact. I appreciate it.