Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[ChickenAl]

Hey Al, I have a 10 foot long roost for our girls and they still all smush up close to each other leaving 3/4 of the roost empty. There always seems to be 1 chicken that gets some sort of abuse from the others. So I'm not sure if a larger roost will help much

Rich, we got another four feet of roost up today, even higher than the others, and figure they may use two of the three now. It's mostly the Amberlinks doing the picking on the Golden Comets. Might just be an aggression issue.

 

[ChickenAl]

We had some sort of attack today. I ventured out for a few hours of work (10-2) and when I came home I went out to see the girls. Shirley, the Golden Comet, was missing a whole patch of feathers from her back. They were blowing all around the yard, with one big clump in one place. I checked her over and couldn't see any scratches or cuts or anything. Agatha and Rhonda were hiding, and the others were huddled under a table in the corner.

We're sort of at a loss to figure out what happened. They were outside, free-ranging, so it couldn't have been a boredom issue. They've all been getting along fine - no pecking of any sort. The only thing we can figure is that it may have been an unsuccessful hawk attack - grabbed by the feathers instead of the skin? I thought maybe she got caught under something and pulled the feathers out trying to get free, but that wouldn't account for the others' panic.

Very disturbing. Bobby's very upset that something attacked his girls!

On a happier note, Wanda laid another monster egg. Just as big as her last ostrich egg. Ouch.

Suzanne, sorry you are having problems with something attacking your girls. I know how much you worry about the ladies. It is not as easy as some think to keep chickens. I saw you posted you were feeling better. Hope that continues.

 

[smkchick]

Tried to get a better look at Shirley. Ever try to hold a chicken with one hand? Next time I'll get video. But seriously, she looks okay.

(my shoulder hurts looking at this icon...)

 

[chickendude]

Glad to hear you are feeling better Suzanne.

Al , I hope the extra roost works for ya. Keep us posted.

 

[ChickenAl]

Well, the extra roost may have helped. Last night the girls split up and four went on the new roost and two stayed on the old. They still stood close together but not rammed in beside each other like before. This morning I let them out to a bloodless morning. No signs of any overnight pecking. We'll see how the day goes. I still have to get them a treat ball.

Suzanne, hope your ladies are doing well today and have not gotten traumatized by yesterday's attack. I'm sure letting them out to range now is going to be nerve wracking.

Just heard the egg song. Have to check the boxes in a few minutes. You all have a great day.

 

[stoopid]

Yay! They can be so fickle!

 

[goldeneggtees]

Hi all, just got back from staying in Lake Placid in an old farmhouse! What a fantastic vacation in my favorite place, the Adirondacks! The farm we stayed at had this most adorable donkey. I love horses but never realized how cute donkeys can be. He would call us (bray) every time he saw us and was happy for a cuddle and pet regardless if we had treats or not. Oh man, wish we had more property! I'd have a horse, a donkey, chickens, and at least a few dairy cows. Ahhhh, to dream…

 

[smkchick]

When I let the girls out this morning, they all stretched a little and then hid out under the table. Later, they were taking dirt baths under the stacked up lawn chairs. Playing it close to the vest, I guess. I feel the need to get the flying monkeys out again...



Visited my favorite BMW dealer/chicken adoption center this morning. The girls were delivered safe and sound to their new home!

 

[stoopid]

Let me know how Joanie works out, I have a backup girl just in case...

 

[Toxic Chicken]

My chicks hatched!!
My light brahma didn't tho so they are substituting a white Cochin. I hope those are good.
I will get them either tomorrow or Wednesday prolly Wednesday cause the substitution
they might not ship today but they will have grow gel food in the shipping box.
Time to go turn on my brooder light and get the temp set right.

OMG !!!!!!!!!!!