Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[TerrorBird]

Quote:
Killing a hawk is against the law. I don't think it is good advice to suggest to someone that they do something illegal.

I would not actually suggest that someone do that. I just didn't think much before saying it. That being said, let's all forget about it.

For those who didn't already know, the three Ss are shoot, shovel, and shut up. Again, it's a bad idea and I don't recommend it. Sorry.

 

[LaughingFeather]

Is there a way to bait and net the thing and take it elsewhere? Or is that also against the law?

 

[Mumsy]

Yes, we understand that. But is there a way to get a permit? Or contact ODFW to do something? We will not do anything to the hawk of course until we figure out a way to do something legal about it.

Hawks are protected by law and killing them can be punished with hefty fines. As managers of livestock it is our responsibility to keep them protected. You are learning very fast what doesn't work. That is a hard lesson some times.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Quote: I know I have 3lbs of crumbles and 2 cups of wild bird feed in each of my 2 buckets fermenting. When I take out the feed(1 cup for the chicks and about 6 cups for LF) I replace the crumbles with about 4 cups total and 1 cup bird feed. When I stir it I can feel if there is enough crumbles in there. You might want to offer oyster shell free choice if you don't already. They may not get enough calcium otherwise. Just a suggestion.

Quote: Maybe try keeping them locked up in your main coop for 2 days to re-train them where to lay.

Yes, we understand that. But is there a way to get a permit? Or contact ODFW to do something? We will not do anything to the hawk of course until we figure out a way to do something legal about it.

It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to get the permit. You have to exhaust ALL other options, including keeping them cooped up.

Is there a way to bait and net the thing and take it elsewhere? Or is that also against the law?

That is also illegal. Chasing them away is too. ANY interference to their way of life is considered illegal. Best to find a way to keep them from your chickens.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Jess, here is a pic from my phone of the temp covered enclosed run.

it has orange safety netting on one side and ret is wrapped with 45' of poultry netting. It is not ground predator proof, but my dog keeps them away. This is the only way I can keep them safe from the hawks in the area. I have many and they know where to find dinner. Haha, not now.

 

[CarolynF]

Is there a way to bait and net the thing and take it elsewhere? Or is that also against the law?

First..... HI!

yes.... let's try to get together for coffee?

I believe you have to have a permit to do that.


I just saw this written in a different conversation about hawks & chickens. It sounded interesting so I thought I'd share it.
Quote:

 

[hallerlake]

I've posted about this gizmo on the https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...keeping-thread-ots-welcome/3610#post_10265558

It's called a Thermo Cube. I bought mine for $13 at Home Depot. On the same city street in Oak Harbor I found them at Cenex and a pet store for $23 and $18 at Ace hardware.

I put one in my barn and plugged a light into it to come on in my Silkie breeding pen. It turns on at 35 degrees and off at 43 or so. I feed FF and have a pop bottle waterer hanging in that pen and this gizmo goes on in time to prevent them from freezing. It has two outlets. Works like a charm.

I have one of those attached to two heat lamps in my mini greenhouse. I'm very happy with it. I don't have to remember to turn it on or off.

 

[hallerlake]

Quote:
So you'll bring the waterers inside, or you'll bring the chickens inside? I don't see ever bringing the chickens in. They have shelter and they're chickens. I could see taking the waterer into the basement just so I don't have to muck ice out of it in the morning. Hadn't thought of that LOL! I suck. That's a great idea though, then I wouldn't need the pitcher of hot water, I can just take the waterer back to the coop first thing. WAY less time spent!
I used to bring the water in at night. Then, I got a heated dog bowl that comes on at 35 degree and off at 45.

 

[CarolynF]

Lol! Yes I mean bring the waterers into the garage. I have too many chickens to bring them all inside. I have good coops and covered runs. They are fine outside. But I have bucket nipple waterers and they will need to be brought in until the temps get a little warmer.

Hi Kim,
I'm glad you mentioned your bucket nipple waterers freezing. Does the water inside the bucket freeze, or it just the nipples? I know the nipples on my watering system freeze but I wasn't sure about the bucket design. Now I know, thank you. The remodel we're going to do to enlarge my coop will require me to revamp the watering system. I think I'm going to go to the bucket. The pvc pipe I have works ok but I can't clean inside the pipe the way I'd like to. Using a bucket would totally eliminate that issue. Is your bucket hung by a handle or does it sit on a framework? I don't think I'd trust the plastic handle on mine to bear that much weight 24/7 for very long, and I don't want a smooshed bird when it breaks.

 

[hallerlake]

Quote: I know I have 3lbs of crumbles and 2 cups of wild bird feed in each of my 2 buckets fermenting. When I take out the feed(1 cup for the chicks and about 6 cups for LF) I replace the crumbles with about 4 cups total and 1 cup bird feed. When I stir it I can feel if there is enough crumbles in there. You might want to offer oyster shell free choice if you don't already. They may not get enough calcium otherwise. Just a suggestion.

Quote: Maybe try keeping them locked up in your main coop for 2 days to re-train them where to lay.

Yes, we understand that. But is there a way to get a permit? Or contact ODFW to do something? We will not do anything to the hawk of course until we figure out a way to do something legal about it.

It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to get the permit. You have to exhaust ALL other options, including keeping them cooped up.

Is there a way to bait and net the thing and take it elsewhere? Or is that also against the law?

That is also illegal. Chasing them away is too. ANY interference to their way of life is considered illegal. Best to find a way to keep them from your chickens.
If you have a large property, you could try setting up a bird feeder somewhere away from the chickens. Hawks consider bird feeders as buffets.If you're lucky, it will hunt the wild birds there.