Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[gfletch]

Quote:
Greetings from Bay Shore! Let me add my "welcome" to everyone else's. Being something of a newcomer here myself, I can vouch for what the rest of the folks have said ... everyone here is super friendly and super helpful, so ask any questions. I've asked plenty myself since starting up with chickens this past summer, and have learned a lot!

George

 

[smkchick]

Hi George!

Any hawk problems in your neck of the woods?

Suzanne

 

[stoopid]

I can't see how he would have any. I thought they were all at my house!

 

[gfletch]

Quote:
You know, it's funny you mention that. Yesterday morning, my neighbor and I were standing in our driveways talking, and saw a very large hawk circling around overhead, being bothered by a crow. We both commented that we hadn't ever before seen one flying around the neighborhood -- plenty of them nearby, as we're not far from the Southern State Parkway, and you see lots of them in the woodsy areas around there -- but it was a first in our immediate area. Since my one neighbor lets his chickens free range in his backyard during the day, it's definitely cause for concern.

 

[smkchick]

Maybe we should be raising hawks instead of chickens. What do you think the insurance companies would say to that?

 

[stoopid]

I have actually seen the crows and hawk fighting mid-air over the kill.
The crows actually try to steal the body from the hawk in the air.
It went on for quite a while. At least it was only a squirrel.

 

[goldeneggtees]

Hi all, how come none of you have the free BYC web page set up? It isn't too hard and it would be great to be able to see everyone's setup and some photos of your hens. I just updated mine. I always try and look at people's sites but probably 95% haven't set one up. I think it's such a cool function of BYC.

C'mon everyone, get those pages up!

 

[stoopid]

Donna, I have tried.
It has taken me months just to learn how to do links.
Will work on it!

 

[goldeneggtees]

Maybe it's easier for me as it is what I do for a living. I am a graphic designer, I design mostly print stuff but I am used to formatting type and photos in similar software. I am currently trying to get my own website up and running, that's been quite the chore, let me tell you.

 

[ChickenAl]

Quote:
So true, Al, so true!

I opened the back door to let the dog out this morning and there was Gladys, squawking away. I left the door to the nest box open all night!

Of course, I panicked, but everyone was present and accounted for. I left the door open yesterday to put fresh hay in the nesting boxes and then forgot to do it. While I was putting in the hay this morning, Gladys came up to me and squatted next to me. I reached down and scratched her back for a few minutes. She jumped up into the nesting boxes and poked around in the hay. I closed the door to give her privacy just in case.

Haven't been outside to check. Don't you admire my restraint??

You should be seeing an egg any day now. Has got to be one of the best feelings seeing that first one. You'll just stand there examining every tiny aspect of it. Don't let the neighbors see you or else they'll think you've gone loco.