The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[Fentress]

Awww, thank you, Fentress. But right? I mean, it's fun learning new thing, yet kind of blarghety when it comes to being a newbie-beginner.

I looked into electro-netting; what do you use for a shelter for them? Would a dog house or some small box-like thing be enough for them? I just get worried with predators at night time.

At the moment I also have 2 cockerels (cocks? what constitutes a cock--their first birthday? hatchday?) However the one cock will move to the freezer this weekend. Yeah, lots to think about *sheesh*

In 3 three years I have never lost a bird to a four legged predator, because of the electro-net. Hawks take their share, but it's never a big hit. You can use any shelter that moves. I started with an 8 by 9 A frame and now have a 10 by 16 stick built, open front coop, that I move with the truck. And yes it is fun to learn something new, especially when it is a new set of skills that you know will benefit you for the rest of your life.

"Blarghety" what's that?

 

[alana124]

In 3 three years I have never lost a bird to a four legged predator, because of the electro-net. Hawks take their share, but it's never a big hit. You can use any shelter that moves. I started with an 8 by 9 A frame and now have a 10 by 16 stick built, open front coop, that I move with the truck. And yes it is fun to learn something new, especially when it is a new set of skills that you know will benefit you for the rest of your life.

"Blarghety" what's that?

HAHA! Blarghety is a made up word that takes the place of expletives; it's used specifically around proper and classy company. My son claims he made the word up.

I'm surprised to hear that hawks take their share, because our hawks so far haven't bothered mine, and I have 6 3yr-old RIRs that prowl the premises and no hawk attacks. But then again, when the red winged blackbirds sound the alarm the girls go running for cover. AND WOW! I'm looking at that electro-netting and its quite expensive.

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

HAHA! Blarghety is a made up word that takes the place of expletives; it's used specifically around proper and classy company. My son claims he made the word up.

I'm surprised to hear that hawks take their share, because our hawks so far haven't bothered mine, and I have 6 3yr-old RIRs that prowl the premises and no hawk attacks. But then again, when the red winged blackbirds sound the alarm the girls go running for cover. AND WOW! I'm looking at that electro-netting and its quite expensive.

I find that the red-tailed hawks do not bother the birds....much. A full grown Rock is not much difference in size than the hawk. What I find is that the smaller Coopers Hawk and Sharp Shinned Hawks are the problem, especially with young birds and I see them especially early Spring and late Fall....i have lost several every yr to these birds of prey

 

[Fentress]

yeah, I met the Coopers Hawk last year. He is one quick persistent little Blarghety, gets right in there and stays after them, but ultimately I think the birds adjusted to his tactics and my losses were minimal. Well worth the advantages of keeping the birds on fresh grass. Pastured poultry is cleaner, I have never medicated the birds so you save a little on that and you have peace of mind that they are healthy and safe.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Partners are a god-send when catastrophic events hit. Heaven forbid something should happen, but it is a relief to know that you can rebound much quicker. As soon as I can, I like to have stuff spread among a partner or two. Sort of like hiding the diamonds under more than one rock I suppose.

Had a horrible spring, last year for catastrophic incidences. Still doesn't feel good to remember them. Not the brightest penny in the pond, but I do learn quick. Spread your bloodlines among a few folks. Be a giver, not a hoarder. It can come back to you if you give it away. A wise man taught me that once, God rest his soul.

 

[alana124]

yeah, I met the Coopers Hawk last year. He is one quick persistent little Blarghety, gets right in there and stays after them, but ultimately I think the birds adjusted to his tactics and my losses were minimal. Well worth the advantages of keeping the birds on fresh grass. Pastured poultry is cleaner, I have never medicated the birds so you save a little on that and you have peace of mind that they are healthy and safe.

LOL @ BLARGHETY ...It's also proper to say, BLARG!

I don't medicate my birds either. I add Braggs organic apple cider vinegar to their water to prevent coccidia and other pesky problems. The kids do really great on it.

The Coopers hawk, red tailed, and rough leg hawks that we have here (owls and a bald eagle now and then) just move on by. But as Yard Full of Rocks stated, mine are not small or young birds. So I would agree it's the reason why mine are left alone.

 

[uphilljill]

My first batch of BR chicks (6) will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. I will be evaluating them closer this weekend, but thought I'd share a few quick pics I took tonight.

@Fred's Hens: One thing I did notice looking back at my notes and photos, is that this generation seems to be feathering slightly faster than their parents by about 2 weeks. These would be from a GS/XW cock over a F1 hen.

 

[Fred's Hens]

That's good data, Jill. Very happy for you.

 

[uphilljill]

And for comparison, here's a few pics from my 5 week old group:

 

[Fred's Hens]

And for comparison, here's a few pics from my 5 week old group:

Jill, are any of these "75" birds?