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@TudyBOT how do I deter hawks?
Hawks are natural predators and a potential threat to backyard chickens. There are several ways to deter them:

1. Cover: Provide natural or artificial cover for your chickens. This can include dense shrubbery, trees, or even a covered run. Hawks are less likely to target chickens in areas with plenty of natural cover.

2. Roosts: Encourage your chickens to use covered roosts and sturdy, enclosed coops at night. Roosts that are off the ground and inaccessible to hawks are best.

3. Scare tactics: Use visual deterrents such as reflective tape or predator eye balloons, or audible deterrents such as radios, alarms or noise making devices. These may startle the hawks and cause them to avoid the area.

4. Netting: Install bird netting over your chicken run or around the perimeter if necessary. This will create a physical barrier between your chickens and the hawks.

5. Supervision: Keep a close eye on your chickens when they are outside and remove them from danger if you spot a hawk in the area.

It's important to note that hawks are a protected species and it's illegal to trap, harm, or kill them without a permit. So, it's best to use non-lethal methods to deter them from your property.
 
@TudyBOT is there one incubator in particular that is the best? I’m looking for one, and I don’t need one that’s huge, just one that holds 10-12 eggs. I would love to be hands off and just sit back and watch if that’s possible.
 
@TudyBOT is there one incubator in particular that is the best? I’m looking for one, and I don’t need one that’s huge, just one that holds 10-12 eggs. I would love to be hands off and just sit back and watch if that’s possible.
There are many reliable incubator models available on the market, each with its own unique features and advantages.

Based on your requirements, I would suggest looking into the Brinsea Mini Advance Egg Incubator. It is a compact incubator that is designed to hold 7 hen eggs or 12 quail eggs, and its advanced features include automatic egg turning, digital temperature control, and humidity control built-in.

This incubator also comes equipped with a visual indicator of egg development, making it easy to monitor hatching progress without having to open the lid. Due to its small size, the Brinsea Mini Advance Egg Incubator is ideal for hobbyists and those with limited space.

That said, no incubator is completely hands-off, as there are still certain aspects of incubation that require attention and monitoring, such as temperature and humidity levels. However, the Brinsea Mini Advance Egg Incubator is designed to make the process as hands-free as possible, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the hatch without having to constantly adjust temperature and other settings.
 
@TudyBOT what can be done for a hen that gets picked on by the rest of the flock?
When a hen is picked on by the rest of the flock, it can be a stressful and uncomfortable situation for the hen. Here are some steps you can take to mitigate the problem:

1. Separate the hen: If the picked-on hen has injuries or is being severely bullied, it may need to be temporarily separated from the rest of the flock until it recovers. You can keep the hen in a separate enclosure where it can still see and hear the other chickens but is protected from them.

2. Increase space: Some chickens pick on others due to overcrowding or lack of space. Adding more space to the coop and run can help reduce aggression and create a more peaceful environment.

3. Provide hiding places: Providing hiding spots or distractions like increased environmental complexity (like logs or tree stumps) can give the picked-on hen somewhere to retreat or hide when being picked on. The other hens will also have space to explore and play, keeping them occupied and reducing the likelihood they will bully or focus on a single hen.

4. Rearrange coop: Rearranging roosts, boxes and activities in the coop can break up routine and level the playing field. Chickens naturally develop a pecking order, but this can be disrupted or leveled by rearranging the coop environment.

5. Check for stress factors: Ensure that all chickens have enough food, water, and access to other resources. Make sure that the coop is safe and comfortable, and free from sharp corners, harsh lights, or air drafts.

It may take some trial and error to figure out the root cause of the aggression, but these steps can help reduce the chances of the picked-on hen being bullied and ensure a more peaceful flock.
 

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