R.I.P most of my coop R.I.P Cheepers 11/28/10

[theFox]

Exactly how close are you to the Franklin Mountain State Park boundary?

 

[WriterofWords]

Well,, there are several areas of the Franklin Mountain State Park. The East side is about 12 miles as the crow flies in El Paso, the West side another couple of miles. In between is the Blythe Ranch, the Triple B Ranch, and several housing areas and a good chunk of Ft. Bliss property.

 

[theFox]

That is close enough for a wandering black bear to pay you a visit.

Their normal home range is 25 square miles when they have no reason to wander, a young male bear has reason to wander after mother bear says get lost.

I'm not saying it is a black bear but you are definitely in wandering range of one, there is even one species of black bear that is at home in desert/scrub areas.

One of the animals in the Franklin Mountains and the state park are black bear.

Luckily you are out of range for the released Mexican Wolves along the New Mexico/Arizona border as they really haven't moved very far yet.

There is also the possibility that there are other sizable animals at various sanctuaries or animal rehab facilities that are close to you.

Have you seen any tracks or scat around your pens?

Glad you have gotten a bit of food into Cheepers, is he drinking?

 

[WriterofWords]

There are no black bears in the Franklin Mountains. The last black bear seen in the Franklin Mountains was caught in Ruidoso and smuggled back here by some idiots who let it loose because they were afraid to be caught with it. Bears don't like the hot desert environment here and there is no where for them to hibernate in the Winter. Cheeps isn't doing real well, I'm just hoping he makes it through the night and we will take it one day at a time. I appreciate you asking very much.

ETA: I know online it says black bears in the Franklin Mt. State Park, but trust me, it ain't so.

No tracks or scat of any sort, and remember it got over a 6 foot fence and left no fur or feathers in it and got back over that same fence more than once or there more than one of them because the ducks and a couple of chickens were taken OUT of the pen and eaten right next to it. The fence wasn't damaged at all.

 

[FourPawz]

I just ran across this thread. My heart goes out to you and to all of the lost birds. It's hard enough to lose one here and there, but to have your flock decimated in this manner is far worse.

Here's hoping the rest recover.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Kate, what about scattering powder or baking soda on the ground around the coop, it might let you pick up a print if it is coming around scoping things out at night. At least then you will know what you are delaing with.

 

[WriterofWords]

Our windy season is starting and it's blowing even the birds tracks away fast. That's why I couldn't find any tracks I think, the night winds really sweep it clean. I thought about using flour but it's too lightweight, then I thought of lime but I don't want to hurt the birds.
Cheeps is suddenly wanting a lot of water, do you think I should limit what he drinks? He is having trouble getting to it, I have to hold the cup for him and he dips his head and I know he doesn't get a lot. I just spent 45 minutes with him just drinking a little at a time.

 

[theFox]

Quote:
Hope you have some electrolytes in that water. Free choice on the water. I'd even try some crumbles or pellets in it. You never know, he may be coming around.

 

[WriterofWords]

I'm hoping he is. I have to hold the water for him, he can't dip down too far to get it. I'll give him another few minutes before we hit the sack. I have to get electrolytes tomorrow,, what do you suggest for him? He's had some more banana and yogurt but has no interest at all in anything else. He ate a bit of egg but now won't touch it, he has hard time eating.

 

[theFox]

The commercial chicken feed will dissolve in the water and that should help get some of the things Cheepers needs in him.

So electrolytes and chicken feed in his water.

Nothing like trying to fake him out. Then I'd be tempted to give him his favorite treat.