The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Here's one Leah's Mom......

http://www.ztraps.com/ztrap-videos.asp#prettyPhoto[videos]/2/

Thanks. That's helpful. I had looked at one of their videos but couldn't see how it works as well as this one.

So...are we getting a live coon then? It looks to me that the trap won't kill it...am I correct?

 

[Leahs Mom]

FROSTBITE CHRONICLES:

Quick update:
-Had changed my feed setup and it didn't work correctly; have since returned it to the better setup which is restricted access so that they don't have wattles dragging through wet feed.

-Jan. 9 when things weren't working, Mister got frostbite on the wattles.

So...I'm taking photos and tracking how he does. I'm watching for any signs of infection, wetness/rotting, etc. If I see anything that looks like deterioration, inability to eat or drink, etc., I will change my MO. In the meantime:

-I have not treated or even touched it. I do not want to cause more trauma to the tissue by handling it.
-I have NOT brought him in to warmer temperatures that the outside hen house. It is not heated.
-I have kept the hen shed doors closed if there is an extreme wind chill to be sure none of the "lowers" get chased outside and stuck in those extremes.

*****************************

Just took updated photos for today. Posted at the bottom. You can see the progression. They look really good today. No interference so far.

January 9:
Day after he got it. -7ish ourside; -30s windchill.






January 15:
Temperatures in the 40s for a few days.




Today: January 26
Temperatures in the 20's

Look how nicely this is healing!

 

[hellbender]

I lost my dog a couple of years ago (age 21). I need to get another one, but having back surgery next month, I'm putting it off until I am able .

Predators are so bad around here, I use two 'shifts'... ACD's aka Heelers go with the flock during the day and when the birds and Heelers are locked up for the night, my Patterdale Terriers can go where they please and do a great job of 'search and destroy'.

The Terriers are my house dogs but they have access through a doggie door. If they hear/scent something or hear the dogs bark in one of the chicken houses...they are outa' there. They have brought back some interesting trophies.

The worst ever were two skunks...They are for certain chicken killers but I'd have rather they had let them pass unmolested since they were never getting into the cinder block/terracotta block buildings. Yes, these are old buildings and very secure but still need the recon. missions to clear away varmints that can strike during the day as well as night...

The Heelers get a few coons but more chucks than anything else...The chucks create their own hazards.

Hope you are feeling better soon. If your back hurts, everything hurts.

 

[Leahs Mom]

@hellbender

Are your healers with the chickens? If so, do they do okay with them?

 

[hellbender]

@hellbender

Are your healers with the chickens? If so, do they do okay with them?

Yes, they were raised with them from age 8 weeks. They each have a kennel, one inside each of the two larger houses.

At first, it was a toss up, which would kill more chickens...the dogs or predators but IMHO...Heelers are likely the smartest working dogs alive. They never killed any but not for lack of trying..I think they were more trying to play but chickens can't take too much play with those needle sharp teeth.

By the age of six months, they would allow chicks to sit on their backs and by 12 to 14 months..they know they aren't chickens but are very attached to them.

Left to their own devices, the Patterdales would kill chickens so long as the last one breathed, then rag their lifeless bodies.

What's more, The two breeds are never allowed to meet...blood bath for sure.

 

[Leahs Mom]

So then do the healers run with the chickens during the day if you turn them out to range?

Sounds like a good day/night shift crew

 

[nicole63021]

Love my Australian Shepherds with the chickens too, though the poop eating is a bit disturbing. The dogs are my pets though, not living with the flock, and they weren't raised with chickens. They are just herding trained, and have a great nature with other animals in general. Can't ever imagine living without an Aussie....when I need pests tended to though, it's my Mom's mini schnauzer that picks up the slack. He has killed more than a few critters in my yard, but I don't trust him at all to be around the chickens without a pinch and leash. It's great that you have a canine system to help you with the flock!

 

[SavageDestiny]

Yes, they were raised with them from age 8 weeks. They each have a kennel, one inside each of the two larger houses.

At first, it was a toss up, which would kill more chickens...the dogs or predators but IMHO...Heelers are likely the smartest working dogs alive. They never killed any but not for lack of trying..I think they were more trying to play but chickens can't take too much play with those needle sharp teeth.

By the age of six months, they would allow chicks to sit on their backs and by 12 to 14 months..they know they aren't chickens but are very attached to them.

Left to their own devices, the Patterdales would kill chickens so long as the last one breathed, then rag their lifeless bodies.

What's more, The two breeds are never allowed to meet...blood bath for sure.

You've got two of my very favorite breeds! ACDs are actually the only herding breed I care for at all. Patterdales are amazing working dogs too!

Not very likely I'll ever own either though. Can't imagine my life without an APBT and despite my current situation, I'm a one dog sorta person. And APBTs are often a one dog sorta breed!

 

[Scott H]

Quote: Yes, and unharmed but no way to release it without it getting all nasty on you! It must be killed in some manner. I will just shoot them. Did you see the last video in my post that had 3 vids linked? That one really shows how it works. Your roo is really coming along, BTW!

 

[Leahs Mom]

I missed the other links. I'll have to go back and check!