Brought home the new guy today. He's not perfect but not bad either. No clue on his lineage though. Once his quarentine is up, he'll be going in with my best colored and best crested hens to see what he produces. It looks like he's dealing with some scaly leg mites :/ I scrubbed his legs with soapy water, an old toothbrush, and covered them in Vaseline. I'll be treating him with safeguard and ivermectin pour on too to try to make sure he's totally clean before he joins my flock. I had to trim his nails too. They were long, filthy, and starting to twist :/
I had my first loss tonight, I think.I didn't get home until later because I was trying to help a family with their aggressive dog (unfortunately they need professional help).
When I got home, I only found 11 of my chicks. DH and I went out with flashlights and we found one more. Just maybe the other two are hiding and will show in the morning, but chances are not good. Of course the Roo was still there though lol. I just cannot come home late anymore until I get my coop setup. Hopefully, that will be early next week. We have to clear a couple small fallen trees to make room for the flat bed. That will be my project this weekend. Project Clearpath...
I also think I may have found a fox/critter den near where I am going to place my coop. How would you all describe a den that you have seen?
Anne:
Foxes always place the den opening facing south...usually on a hill....the opening would be about 6" wide,,,,,,if you find one,,,here's my solution.....1gal ammonia, 1 gal bleach....15' garden hose, one funnel...place the hose as far into the hole as possible...with funnel pour the ammonia down the hole....wipe down the funnel with a rag then pour the bleach down...be very careful...you are creating mustard gas...hope this helps.....
. The Roo is still alive, and I have named him Rusty Shackleford. 
Hopefully I can keep him.
The turkeys seem to enjoy eating the grass as much as the chickens do. What a happy group! After I get my shed/coop setup, I will integrate everyone. The "chicks" are huge already!
I love the rooster pedicure pics! Do you trim a roosters Spurs? Are they just like an extra nail?
That's great! The other have give great advice so I don't need to chic me in, but I'm glad she's making a comeback.
Thanks Stake. I will be there at dusk to make sure they are safe. I think we will be in the clear as soon as I get my new coop. Don't think I'm comfortable with mustard gas route, but I can play music and keep some lights on for now... One of the chicks that got eaten was one of yours.
As I said above, I'm hoping to keep one rooster to keep my girls safe. Maybe my husband won't notice...
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