Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[fisherlady]

Thanks for the info.

Another one of my girl was taken today, sort of. She was killed, and I found her 3 feet in front of my coop, partially eaten. I think she may have gotten left outside somehow, because no one else was injured or looked upset. Her body was fairly cool, and it looks like I may have interrupted the “diner”. Is it bad to be upset that he took one of my great CCL layers, and not one of the old girls? Again, I don’t think they whole flock was attacked, because surely the old white Silkie would be an easier catch than a light CCL that could fly.

This weekend looks to be nice and warm, so I will try to redo my run, at least enough so that I can have them secure for the season. This spring it will get a total overhaul.

I am sorry, I can only imagine how upset, mad and frustrated you must be. Losing the CCL adds another level to the frustration.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

oh no, I'm so sorry Do you think it was the fox again?

I think so, but I can’t be sure. So glad the trapper is coming this weekend!

I am sorry, I can only imagine how upset, mad and frustrated you must be. Losing the CCL adds another level to the frustration.

Thanks Ladies, I do feel responsible. Next year will be different. Thankfully, most days either hubby or I can get home early to avoid this. I will be hanging my pajamas outside again tomorrow before I leave for work.

 

[gonehencrazy]

I think we fixed the starling problem. There were a couple of spots where the run meets the coop that were normal fence and not 1/4 inch hardwire. Some chicken wire over it made it so they can’t sneak in.

I’m really torn about wanting to replace the two girls I lost this winter. I also got rid of two boys sooo in theory I have to replace 4. But I’m thinking that 17 hens is enough.

Plus I may be moving in the spring and I don’t think my dad is really up for caring for that many.

Sigh. I may struggle in the spring.

 

[fangedknight]

Thanks for the info.

Another one of my girl was taken today, sort of. She was killed, and I found her 3 feet in front of my coop, partially eaten. I think she may have gotten left outside somehow, because no one else was injured or looked upset. Her body was fairly cool, and it looks like I may have interrupted the “diner”. Is it bad to be upset that he took one of my great CCL layers, and not one of the old girls? Again, I don’t think they whole flock was attacked, because surely the old white Silkie would be an easier catch than a light CCL that could fly.

This weekend looks to be nice and warm, so I will try to redo my run, at least enough so that I can have them secure for the season. This spring it will get a total overhaul.

Oh no! I'm so sorry hon, I hope they get that s.o.b. and take him out! I've been having to stalk the darn possum again, jerk keeps coming closer to my coop like he owns the place.

Nearly scared myself outta my wits when I was trying to stalk something in the bamboo and went to flush it out...I set off the neighbor's coon hound. Thankfully a couple pets and kisses later and he was fine. He got a little worried about the fact that I was carrying a big old spear though.

I think we fixed the starling problem. There were a couple of spots where the run meets the coop that were normal fence and not 1/4 inch hardwire. Some chicken wire over it made it so they can’t sneak in.

I’m really torn about wanting to replace the two girls I lost this winter. I also got rid of two boys sooo in theory I have to replace 4. But I’m thinking that 17 hens is enough.

Plus I may be moving in the spring and I don’t think my dad is really up for caring for that many.

Sigh. I may struggle in the spring.

Hey at least it won't be snowing, did you guys figure out where to you might be moving?

Also for both you guys since you lost hens, I still have my two golden laced wyandottes for sale. They're taking a break laying at the moment (I'm assuming because of the cold....I hope). but they're young enough that they'll start laying once it warms up. They also forage really well and @Lelanae can attest that their eggs are tasty, she has one of them lol.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Well, we had about 2"-3" of snow this morning, so no one came out of the coop. So I shut the door and kept them inside. Even if they get a little stir crazy, at least they will be safe until tomorrow, when I will be home at dusk.

 

[fangedknight]

Well, we had about 2"-3" of snow this morning, so no one came out of the coop. So I shut the door and kept them inside. Even if they get a little stir crazy, at least they will be safe until tomorrow, when I will be home at dusk.

Yeah, my crazies are outside right now since the snow stopped, but if this keeps up they may have to stay inside for a few days again. They hate me when I do it but sometimes it has to be done.

 

[chickachickayea]

That’s awesome! Do tell, what kind of setup do you have and how much did it cost please? I would love to do this, but I don’t get a WiFi signal out by my coop. Yet...

COOL! Details please? Would this work outside so I could get a picture of my digger?

I got the Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera on Amazon for about $40, and 2 day shipping with Prime. I have a cord running out from our garage to the coop for their heated water bowl, and have the camera plugged into that. Since the shed is about 50' away, we needed to get a WiFi booster because the signal was too weak - it is placed in our living room window pointed at the shed. Camera placement is currently like this:

I needed to make the aluminum covered cardboard for a better signal, it is pointed towards our house. It ain't pretty but it works!

Camera:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DDBT7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jn4xAbTWP1R0R

WiFi booster:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCQTPXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ss4xAbR5GTK2T

The camera has a microSD card slot (sold separately, but if you leave a review they will send you a 32g for free!) for recording. 3 devices can view the camera at one time, by downloading the free app. You can move the camera around just by dragging your finger on the screen (which does make a bit of noise that wakes my chickens, but what can ya do). There's 2 way audio that's very clear.

There's probably a better way of doing this, but right now it works for me.

@AnneInTheBurbs The wifi booster helps extend the signal to the coop!

@Lelanae I don't believe this will work outside, but there are other PTZ cameras that are advertised for outdoor use.


Last night's bed-check... A bunch of chicken puffballs/loafs!

 

[LadyBehir]

Dammit, Dupli died. He seemed perkier in the last few days, still doing the thing where he'd call the girls over for treats. Hadn't crowed though since well before Christmas that we remembered. I went out to let everyone out yesterday and he was just laying there, cold. So I guess he really was ill but no real symptoms, just....I don't know, off. Everyone else seems ok. I'm now down to 9 girls. Rory finally got the memo that she was supposed to take a break. The other girls haven't started back up yet, but I anticipate them doing that soon. This time last year, they had already resumed laying. When Niko goes broody this spring, I may be needing to buy some fertile eggs from someone here. What breeds will go with my odd assortment? I have 2 Ameraucana, one Speckled Sussex, one Delaware, one Buff Orp, one Marans, one New Hampshire, and 2 half Marans.

 

[BullChick]

Sorry about the roo. Maybe heart trouble?
California Grays seem to be the logical choice.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

Dammit, Dupli died. He seemed perkier in the last few days, still doing the thing where he'd call the girls over for treats. Hadn't crowed though since well before Christmas that we remembered. I went out to let everyone out yesterday and he was just laying there, cold. So I guess he really was ill but no real symptoms, just....I don't know, off. Everyone else seems ok. I'm now down to 9 girls. Rory finally got the memo that she was supposed to take a break. The other girls haven't started back up yet, but I anticipate them doing that soon. This time last year, they had already resumed laying. When Niko goes broody this spring, I may be needing to buy some fertile eggs from someone here. What breeds will go with my odd assortment? I have 2 Ameraucana, one Speckled Sussex, one Delaware, one Buff Orp, one Marans, one New Hampshire, and 2 half Marans.

I'm so sorry you lost Dupli I remember when he was a baby. How about a couple silkies or olive eggers?