Texas

[carikermoon]

I wasn't keeping them in the coop which I still need to work on. During the day I had then in a small area that could be moved around the back hard and then I would put them up in the garage at night (I've since learned that we have bobcats, foxes as well as the known raccoons and possums). When I first lost a rooster during the DAY, I assumed hawk because I could not find a trace on the ground. So I put a cover on. I forgot the cover and another disappeared. Then a neighbor called one afternoon yelling about a raccoon getting my last rooster (my poor brave boy). I had only assumed aerial threats during the day.

So have been trying to trap the raccoon, working on predator-proofing the yard, and have also gotten a Rottweiler rescue to deter any more attacks. And I still move the chickens inside the garage at night.

Sorry, for the abbreviations:
EE = Easter Egger
BCM = Black Copper Marans
CL = Cream Legbar

I'm going for a colorful egg basket.

 

[katiec1824]

I have an extra varmint trap if you need one...they work great.

 

[katiec1824]

What color Silkie hens do you have?

 

[carikermoon]

I'm on my second trap from Animal Control (the first one was too small) but I think that the raccoon is avoiding the backyard because of the Rottweiler--I've been keeping her indoors until the fence is upgraded to 6' so I don't know if the raccoon is staying away from the trap for that reason. Last week the neighbor behind me called to say that there was a fox in his yard. I have the best neighbors trying to help my chickens stay alive but I never knew we had so many varmints in this area until I tried to keep chicks.

The two I have left are in my profile pic. A buff hen named King (we thought she was a rooster) and a white one named Angel (she has always been a girly girl). They are more pets thN livestock.

 

[carikermoon]

(snipping for brevity) I currently have 12 of my hens eggs in my incubator and I have some eggs I bought online that will be here this week. (more snipping)

I've never tried hatching before...but it looks like fun--and addicting! What is your hatch rate? Isn't it nerve-racking that whole three weeks? What are you planning to do with the chicks? Are you going to show them? Do you know Paige? I met her at the Fort Worth Stock Show this year and her silkies were positively gorgeous!

 

[katiec1824]

No this is my 1st attempt at hatching. .
who is Paige?

 

[carikermoon]

What kind of incubator did you choose? I haven't let myself research them because I'm afraid I'll be hooked for good.

Paige is a silkie breeder out in Aledo. Our silkies came from the feedstore so it was amazing to see how different the show quality birds looked. I thought maybe you were lucky enough to start your flock with some of her lines. She is very friendly, helpful, and patient with newbies like me (and my young sons).

 

[RustedOak]

I just posted a pic/post on Facebook. I had 7-8 dozen sold in a matter of minutes. I could have sold many more but but that's all I had.

 

[RustedOak]

How are y'all selling them? You put a sign in the front yard or what?

I just posted on Facebook with a pic of my eggs and within a matter of minutes, had sold 7-8 dozen. I could have sold so much more if I would have had them.

 

[katiec1824]

Is Paige on BYC ? I have a hova bator