Surviving Minnesota!

[Drea07]

I had an open door policy for my birds 4 seasons a year, 12 months, 7 days a week, closed up the coop pop door at night only. This winter however, a Fox trapsed into my run broad daylight and took two birds who did not free range in winter snow from the run and walked out. End of open doors in the winter. That's just me.

Oh no! I'm sorry that happened!
That is my worry with predators being even more determined since food sources are low in winter.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Oh no! I'm sorry that happened!
That is my worry with predators being even more determined since food sources are low in winter.

It took the fox 5 1/2 years to figure me out. It was a good deal for a while, though. I loved giving them their freedom like that. But they are essentially defenseless in the snow. It freaks them out too much. I'll open the doors when they don't need to contend with the snow. They like their lawns and bare ground. I also do not clip wings to give them half a chance as well. The ameraucanas and easter eggers have actually been pretty good flyers. I've watched them fly from the coop all the way to my deck. LOL. Low flying...but flying nonetheless.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I am having a day to make MdChickmom's look good.

I just went down to check on my eggs.

Everyone is dead, I am afraid. When I shut the door yesterday I did not notice the temp probe for the thermostat was in the door, taking a reading from just outside the door.

So the thermostat called for heat for the last 24 hours, Meaning I was around 110 inside the incubator....

I am not a happy boy with myself. I have always let the probe hang in front of the racks to about halfway down to get the best temps.

I guess that is over now I will be moving the probe further back and securing it inside the case....

Yes, I am ticked off at my own stupidity.....Coffee over, whiskey ahead!

I know how you feel! I did this the other day and also killed everything... I was scared to tell you as I figured you’d give me heck for it every chance you got... I was sick to my stomach... Needless to say I attach the probe to the wall of the incubator now..

 

[Cebarmlds]

Very sad news you guys sorry

 

[duluthralphie]

Sorry to hear this . What setup you got with a hanging probe ?

It is a 1202 but I put the electronic thermostat in it. This requires the limiter wafer to be disconnected.

The probe hangs in front of the egg trays. It will be moving now.

 

[Tfred1399]

Big egg today. Had to make sure a dux didn't sneak in my coop.

 

[Drea07]

It took the fox 5 1/2 years to figure me out. It was a good deal for a while, though. I loved giving them their freedom like that. But they are essentially defenseless in the snow. It freaks them out too much. I'll open the doors when they don't need to contend with the snow. They like their lawns and bare ground. I also do not clip wings to give them half a chance as well. The ameraucanas and easter eggers have actually been pretty good flyers. I've watched them fly from the coop all the way to my deck. LOL. Low flying...but flying nonetheless.

I had clipped wings at first when I wasn't free ranging, but now i don't at all. I've seen my Brahma hens fly across the run...but only if they see me coming with the bucket of treats.

 

[Cebarmlds]

I’ve been on and off all week about giving Bitsy a couple eggs to hatch.
Should I do it or not??!!! Ralphie? If you don’t have any then I don’t have to consider it anymore but if you do tomorrow is the only chance to get any.....

 

[duluthralphie]

I do.., what time would you be here?

 

[ejb3810]

Sorry to read about the incubation woes Ralphie and Holms. Live and learn as the old adage goes. The hens are still laying and so all is not lost.
This chicken keeping is a journey and not just a destination. Five years from now this incubation error will not be a factor of importance in all likelihood.
Nice calf Holms, and the chick pictures are nice too.