***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[NanaKat]

Last night I went out around 5:30 to lock my chickies up and found a hawk having thanksgiving dinner having served itself up one of my buff orpingtons It had eaten the head and neck when it flew off so I had thought it was a different critter than what had killed the last one

However I left the bird where it lay and tried to set a trap that if I caught it I could relocate the hawk but this morning when I went out the wily bird had avoided that and moved the dead chicken over several feet and eaten all but the intestines so it looks like it may very well be what was getting them all along,

So, The question is...
Now what to do about the bothersome creature?, I know I'm not supposed to shoot it or is that acceptable to protect my livestock?

I took a head count and am missing like 10 chickens it's hard to tell with them all crowded in the coop like they are now but the thing has been busier than I had thought in fact it's stepped up to the number two spot still way behind the neighbors dogs, I've had chickens for years and lived here for 14 and have always had hawks and owls here and never lost any to one of them that I am aware of, I'm gonna hang out some CD's and hope that helps.

On a funny note though, A couple days ago after I shut the birds in to protect them I went in and found a young rat snake freshly dead in the floor of the coop I can only assume I locked it in on a warm day and it didn't make it through the cold night LOL I think that speaks highly of how well built the coop is when a two foot rat snake can't find a way out  

Bill,I looked this up last fall...
OK ST T. 29 S 5-410.
Summary: Oklahoma law prohibits the knowing and willful killing or molestation of hawks, falcons, owls, or eagles, or their nests, eggs, or young. the only exceptions to this prohibition are the taking of a hawk or owl in the act of destroying domestic birds or fowl, or the use of hawks, owls, falcons, or eagles by licensed falconers.
Http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusok29_5_410.htm

So...if you see a hawk killing your bird, you can "take" it, meaning kill it, etc.

 

[katie1500]

Does the OKC swap start after 8 when the venders are set up? Trying to figure out what time would be good to go.

 

[Kyzmette]

Ok..have to ask...what are Olmec, Quechua, and Collonca? Are we talking Dr Who again if one rides a Pink Pony breathing sparkles? I need another cup of coffee!

You know how you get started with chickens and see a breed and think "OH, I want those!" So you make plans and eventually you have your dream chickens. I couldn't fixate on Longhorns or Rhode Island Reds, no. These are chickens from Chile, the breeds the Araucana sprang from, and apparently rare as hens' teeth in the states.

One of these days you guys will see a news story about a woman crossing into the states from our southern border with chickens stuffed into her bra and you can say "I know that crazy chicken lady!"

 

[mjgigax]

You know how you get started with chickens and see a breed and think "OH, I want those!" So you make plans and eventually you have your dream chickens. I couldn't fixate on Longhorns or Rhode Island Reds, no. These are chickens from Chile, the breeds the Araucana sprang from, and apparently rare as hens' teeth in the states.

One of these days you guys will see a news story about a woman crossing into the states from our southern border with chickens stuffed into her bra and you can say "I know that crazy chicken lady!"

 

[Kyzmette]

So, The question is...
Now what to do about the bothersome creature?, I know I'm not supposed to shoot it or is that acceptable to protect my livestock?

I've seen several people post swearing they've had good results from hanging old dvds/cds from tree branches. Something about the reflection is supposed to scare them off.

@Kassaundra, I'm sorry you're not going to Tahlequah. I was really hoping to meet you.

 

[mjgigax]

My Ameraucanas are laying again, finally! - Well, one is. I hope the other girls get the idea.

 

[Kyzmette]

Had a wonderful visit with Shelbydog today and showed her how to candle an egg. Cathie Sue, your EEs are looking really good so far! I wish the eggshells were lighter so we could have had a clearer view but one was light enough we could make out her little beak. So far we still have 11 potentially viable eggs.

 

[NanaKat]

I know it's a long shot, but sure would love to see a Cream Legbar or Isbar pullet or hen (or eggs) in Tahlequah. I'd REALLY love to see a real Araucana, Quechua, Olmec or Collonca, but one can only dream. Or the perfect pony. It would be pink and snort sparkles. The colloncas would be riding on its back.

Now that you explained the breeds, My dream breed is Golden Cuckoo Belgian Malines (Mechels). they are originally from Belgian/Flanders and were in the US before WWI. They can be found in Canada. Green Fire has imported the single comb Black Barred and are not yet selling to the public. I would prefer the pea combed Golden

 

[shelbydog]

^^^^ooooooohhhh. Pretty

 

[Kyzmette]

Now that you explained the breeds, My dream breed is Golden Cuckoo Belgian Malines (Mechels). they are originally from Belgian/Flanders and were in the US before WWI. They can be found in Canada. Green Fire has imported the single comb Black Barred and are not yet selling to the public. I would prefer the pea combed Golden

Very pretty! Have they been imported to the states other than Greenfire's?