- Apr 15, 2009
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We got our CXs about 2.5 weeks ago, and they were starting to grow out- with no losses at this point. I was very pleased. Things were looking good. We grow our meaties off-premises at a farm a couple miles down the road. Last year we had issues with the CXs over-heating, so this year the farmer had a new set-up ensured to be cooler. A different, older part of the barn was being utilized for housing the birds. I had my doubts about the security of the new set-up, but the owner worked hard to alleviate my concerns.
Unfortunately, it looks like I was right to be concerned. A weasel got into the barn 2 nights ago and wiped out our entire meat flock. All 62 birds were killed. We are still not certain how it got in, but it did its worst. We are out for the year. Then to add insult to injury, a couple hours later, I had (another) one of my free-ranging, laying hens disappear without a trace. A fisher cat, I am suspecting. It has been spotted a few times hanging around.
It's been a tough year for poultry keeping. So discouraging.
Unfortunately, it looks like I was right to be concerned. A weasel got into the barn 2 nights ago and wiped out our entire meat flock. All 62 birds were killed. We are still not certain how it got in, but it did its worst. We are out for the year. Then to add insult to injury, a couple hours later, I had (another) one of my free-ranging, laying hens disappear without a trace. A fisher cat, I am suspecting. It has been spotted a few times hanging around.
It's been a tough year for poultry keeping. So discouraging.
