OHio ~ Come on Buckeyes, let me know your out there!

[baseballchick]

Ugh.

My husband told me about 20 min ago that the hawk (that we used to see regularly but haven't for a while) was back, that he saw him earlier today. I immediately went outside. I heard the chickens having a FIT. I ran down (barefoot) and one if our polish girls was ON TOP of the coop! No idea how she got up there, I have never seen her so much as flap more than to just stretch everything out...
2 silkies one our rooster, are now missing, and our huge brown leghorn! UGH.

I saw the silkie rooster running as I was running down... Surely trying to protect his girls.....

Hubby is now down looking in the woods, (I have to sit with the kiddos) we are right behind him but probably too late :'( UGH

The female silkie that's missing was the roosters FAVORITE!

 

[Rnbwbrite1207]

I am constantly on the search too. I am ordering some soon to hatch here at my house. I can keep you updated of you'd like!

That would be fantastic! I haven't incubated anything yet, maybe if someone gets broody next spring. Let me know how your hatch goes. If you order eggs and they are all blue does that likely indicate the chicks (if pure bred) will grow to lay blue eggs?

 

[Rnbwbrite1207]

Thanks Loveourbirds and minihorse927! I am not picky about breed just want some healthy girls with blue eggs.

 

[Rnbwbrite1207]

Baseball chic that is terrible I am so sorry to hear that, I hope you find some of them in the woods.

 

[loveourbirds]

sorry to hear about the chickens baseballchick. I hope you find them.

 

[mlaff]

Ugh.

My husband told me about 20 min ago that the hawk (that we used to see regularly but haven't for a while) was back, that he saw him earlier today. I immediately went outside. I heard the chickens having a FIT. I ran down (barefoot) and one if our polish girls was ON TOP of the coop! No idea how she got up there, I have never seen her so much as flap more than to just stretch everything out...
2 silkies one our rooster, are now missing, and our huge brown leghorn! UGH.

I saw the silkie rooster running as I was running down... Surely trying to protect his girls.....

Hubby is now down looking in the woods, (I have to sit with the kiddos) we are right behind him but probably too late :'( UGH

The female silkie that's missing was the roosters FAVORITE!

That is horrible. So sorry to hear.

 

[Rnbwbrite1207]

Is anyone familiar with seabrights? I adopted a couple of hens. The definetly have mites which I am coating them in wood ash to help with although other suggestions are welcome. I am feeding them fresh garlic, adding DE to their food and Apple Cider Vinegar to their water. My question refers to one hen that has no feathers on her abdomen. They are not laying yet so while I know some broodies pick out their feathers I don't think that is the case here. There is no redness or swelling, no cuts or scratches just no feathers. Can this be indicative of something or is this something that happens with mites? I am basing mite diagnosis on white clumps at bases of feathers and tiny scabs on the comb and other exposed areas like around eyes. I am newish to this and certainly may have overlooked other possibilities in my research. Also these guys were not well cared for previously and if anyone knows of other things I should be watching for that would also be helpful. Thank you all for any insight or knowledge you can offer. Hope these pics help.

 

[loveourbirds]

mites have been awful this year. several people say seven dust and wood ash works, I also hear of people painting their coops with lime and water whitewash. you cant just treat the birds and get rid of them unfortunately.

clean your coop thoroughly, if your using straw- switch to wood chips. the mites can hide in the shafts of straw an in all cracks. when I replace the bedding I add a little 7 dust and a little DE to the mix just to aid in keeping them away.

when you take your chickens out of the coop to treat them, spray the coop completely with your choice of insect sprays or whitewash.

treat your chickens by your chosen method, keep in mind sometimes its better to go ahead and use a stronger poison than to keep using a weak one. some methods of treatment for you to consider: VetRx may aid in getting rid of them its available at most feed stores. dog shampoo seems to work well. Spinosad may also work well, I hear it mentioned but haven't used it on chickens. 7 dust does help some, if you can stay with the reapplications it will get rid of them. pyretherins sprays will work, they are organic, but remember organic does not always mean safe. personally I use ivomec - I have to many birds to be organic. it works well for me, but im not sure if its something you would want to use. on the plus side of it, it gets rid of lice, mites and intestinal worms.

every thing you try will take at least 2 applications. good luck!

 

[baseballchick]

So far no luck finding the three missing chickens

I will be checking many times to see if they come back, hoping they may be hiding somewhere.

The other girls have been following me everywhere

Ugh. Stupid Hawk.

 

[mlaff]

Does anyone know where I could get a frizzled lf polish? I don't care about colors but wanted a pullet to add with the two smooth I will have soon