Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[junebuggena]

where the heck is everyone

Been busy with end of the year field trips, doctor checkups for next year, art show, school concert, choir performance for the oldest, band sign ups...
The list is endless. So much jammed into the last few weeks of the school year. Hubby is transferring to a new unit in a few weeks so getting ready for that as well. And trying to get all three dogs to the vet for their annual checkups.
Had a hen go broody out in the blackberries, and she got taken by a coyote. Managed to fight my way through the brambles to get to her eggs. Two days later, my best broody hen decided it was time for her to sit, so she got the deceased hen's eggs. All 9 are developing beautifully.

 

[Birdinhand]

I keep everything covered with a roof and secured with hardware cloth and so far, fingers crossed, no problems with mites/lice. I expanded this year by adding another run with lots of natural light. every time I see an uncovered run around here, unless it's basically a large free ranging situation, it's a mud pie and I mean virtually a cesspool. I do allow the hens out every once in a while if someone is out there to watch them, they do love the chance to scratch around but the reality is that between the coyotes, bald eagles and coons, they'd be a meal in no time. surprisingly, I live in the Seattle metro area and still have to contend with all of these critters. I can't complain though, I'd rather live in a vibrant natural area than a "safe" and lifeless one.

BUGS: as a new chicken guy I want to ask my fellow Western Wa people about what I am hearing in regards to the wet runs we all have 6 months or more a year and bugs that get the chickens like mites. My girls are 10 weeks old now and I want to do it right. I have a nice big dry coup with a covered patioesque front of the run so they can at least sit outside and watch the rain, then another large open fenced run attaching to that.

Is there anything I should be aware of and do? I don't even know what a chicken mite is but it doesn't sound good and I hear they live in the wet run areas.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Been busy with end of the year field trips, doctor checkups for next year, art show, school concert, choir performance for the oldest, band sign ups...
The list is endless. So much jammed into the last few weeks of the school year. Hubby is transferring to a new unit in a few weeks so getting ready for that as well. And trying to get all three dogs to the vet for their annual checkups.
Had a hen go broody out in the blackberries, and she got taken by a coyote. Managed to fight my way through the brambles to get to her eggs. Two days later, my best broody hen decided it was time for her to sit, so she got the deceased hen's eggs. All 9 are developing beautifully.

Busy out here but wow sorry one did get lost My first loss was much closer no brambles Moose somehow got in greenhouse 2 weeks ago came trotting to the house with a silkie I had bought from a gal of course it was dead and him thinking "I am good bird dog Mom"

 

[pennyJo1960]

@Birdinhand I think our little is quite vibrant, We have star's at night, no stop lights
most houses owner occupied exceptionally low crime rate.. we have keys to the house but have never used them

 

[Birdinhand]

@Birdinhand I think our little is quite vibrant, We have star's at night, no stop lights
most houses owner occupied exceptionally low crime rate.. we have keys to the house but have never used them

sounds wonderful!

 

[Hinotori]

@Chickielady I hope that it gets better soon. Jaw pain sucks so much

 

[Hinotori]

My internet is sucky right now. I'll try and get the other pictures up later.

 

[gimmie birdies]

just drove to MT 9 hrs away, got goose and chicken eggs (mystery eggs, mixes) will let hens hatch.

 

[Chickielady]

Been busy with end of the year field trips, doctor checkups for next year, art show, school concert, choir performance for the oldest, band sign ups...
The list is endless. So much jammed into the last few weeks of the school year. Hubby is transferring to a new unit in a few weeks so getting ready for that as well. And trying to get all three dogs to the vet for their annual checkups.
Had a hen go broody out in the blackberries, and she got taken by a coyote. Managed to fight my way through the brambles to get to her eggs. Two days later, my best broody hen decided it was time for her to sit, so she got the deceased hen's eggs. All 9 are developing beautifully.

WOW.....just reading that tuckered me all out !

 

[Chickielady]

Busy out here but wow sorry one did get lost My first loss was much closer no brambles Moose somehow got in greenhouse 2 weeks ago came trotting to the house with a silkie I had bought from a gal of course it was dead and him thinking "I am good bird dog Mom"

And how old is Moose again ? he is the old Lab ?