Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[Duck Drover]

We had a Coopers hawk run into our plum tree and then land on a bush before it flew off. The Silkies are partially covered and the rooster sounded an alarm so I think they have enough cover to be safe from attack. We have not lost any so far. We do have a bunch of small wild birds now that we have more tree cover for them so I wonder if that is what the hawk was after. My daughter has seen a crow grab one before so I guess they are prey for bigger birds. I could not tell if it had one when it flew off. The chickens are too big and I think the ducks are watchful enough to stay safe.

We keep poison out for rats but I think the bait bar is not as effective as the pellets we used in the past because I have seen evidence of a recent visitor. I am not sure how well the hawks can go after rats with the tree cover either but if it gets a poisoned one it could poison the hawk too. It has been a few years since I have seen one in our yard but they could be around when I am not outside.

 

[Duck Drover]

This is what I found about the Cooper's Hawk: "If you put out seed for birds in your backyard, there’s a chance you’ll also attract the attention of a Cooper’s Hawk. While catching smaller birds is just doing what comes naturally for a Cooper’s Hawk, many of us would prefer not to share the responsibility for the deaths. If a Cooper’s Hawk takes up residence in your yard, you can take your feeders down for a few days and the hawk will move on."

I am thinking it was after the small wild birds and not our birds. I don't imagine it will leave with an abundance of wild birds in our yard but hopefully it will be content with chasing them and leave our birds alone. The hawk's crashing through the tree branches matches the online description of the way it hunts, lol.

 

[Duck Drover]

I also found this about the Cooper's Hawk: "They can be a problem around poultry farms where they may help themselves to unwary chickens, but by preying on wild birds, and rodents, they help keep populations of wild birds and rodents in check."

I am hoping our roosters and drakes are effective enough flock protectors that our birds stay safe. There is enough tree cover that it is hard for anything to swoop down without warning and it seems the Cooper's Hawk will find plenty of wild birds that it will hopefully not bother our birds. We still have crows that drive off the hawks but they are not hanging out in our yard as much with the increased tree cover.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hi finally found the Wa thread is there only one Wa thread sorry I'm a newbe

Hey there @Mixbreed s caught is in the middle of dinner I guess all
done dishes done compost out

 

[mixedbreeds]

Hi compost out that's a good one I have 3 large bins going for the garden picked up about 30 gallons of coffee grounds today for the composting.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hi compost out that's a good one I have 3 large bins going for the garden picked up about 30 gallons of coffee grounds today for the composting.

Just on the second cup of coffee here my caregiver comes
in 3 day's a week at 8 those are the days we wake early but not alive

 

[junebuggena]

Good thing my eggs finished hatching this morning. We're in for some rough weather over the next 48 hours. 8 inches of rain predicted!

 

[theceltichorse]

Hey all! I am now on day 15 for my starting batch of 8 eggs that I got from Penny1960. Candled last night (day 14). One had blood ring, the other 7 seem to be progressing! Keeping my fingers crossed that I have 7 healthy chicks next week- boy, I can't believe how fast this has gone!

I am going to get my brooder all set up (hope I am not jinxing myself!) this weekend. I am so excited!

Thank you Penny1960 for all of your help and advice on this new journey of mine!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hey all! I am now on day 15 for my starting batch of 8 eggs that I got from Penny1960. Candled last night (day 14). One had blood ring, the other 7 seem to be progressing! Keeping my fingers crossed that I have 7 healthy chicks next week- boy, I can't believe how fast this has gone!

I am going to get my brooder all set up (hope I am not jinxing myself!) this weekend. I am so excited!

Thank you Penny1960 for all of your help and advice on this new journey of mine!

Happy I was able to help

 

[theceltichorse]

Here are the air cells marked. Will increase the humidity to 65%-75% when I place them in lock down. Do the air cells look like they are where they need to be?