Washingtonians

[TheReidHomestead]

I tried to let my chickens free range. My neighbors did for a few hours a day when they were home. We did fine for a while and then the coyotes discovered my chickens and they got 3 with in a week. I now let them out in a temporary electric fenced area with a kit that I bought from Ken cove. It keeps them from going too far, the dogs from chasing them and if I am home the preditors from grabbing a quick meal. I dont let them out unless I am home. If they fly over the fence then they are fair game and I have lost 1 hen and 2 roos in the year since I started this system. My neighbors and I have seen bobcats and coyotes in broad daylight so don't think they wont be checking out your flock.



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I agree with cflaming. It is wise to have a secure run to put them in, especially AFTER you lose one to a 4 legged predator, because if they are successful at getting one, they WILL be back. And it's not always the wild predators you have to worry about. Do any of your neighbors have dogs that run? Because they will wipe out your whole flock just for fun. Coyotes and Bobcats will take one at a time. And they will take them at some point. As long as you are ok with that, then let them run! When we lose one, and we just did this past weekend, we will keep them in their secured run for a week or so at least, in the hopes that the predator who got lucky, will get bored with them and move on.

 

[TheReidHomestead]

Oggress, good to see you back!!! Glad you are on the mend!!! So sorry about your birds....

 

[TheReidHomestead]

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X2!!!!!

 

[TheReidHomestead]

Ogress, what an ordeal you've been through! Glad you are on the mend and hopefully back up on both feet for good soon.

I'm supposed to be at work in 10 minutes but am having trouble pulling myself away from the incubator. So far I've got the Ameraucana chick who hatched yesterday and am up to 4 wheaten Marans, one zipping and I think one pipping. Fingers crossed by the end of today I'll have all 6 out. Thank you zgoatlady - these were some good eggs!

Going over to my gf's this afternoon to candle the eggs under her broody and dose her birds with the Eprinex. I forwarded her the information you all suggested and she's going ahead and following your advice. Next week we'll do my birds.

Happy spring everyone - keep those babies coming!

YEAH!!! Congrats on your hatch!!!

It's hatch day here too. So far I've got two bantam faverolle's out, and one more pipped! 6 went in to lockdown, hoping for some girls to go with our roo we hatched out from Cloverleaf!!!

 

[Totalcolour]

Welcome back Ogress - sooo glad you are on the mend, just don't overdo it, oh what a silly thing to say, you are female after all

 

[Chickerchalk]

I live in Duvall

 

[EricaD]

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. I may opt to use an electric fence after all, and will also build a secure run to use as needed, so that it's on standby.

Anyone local know who I can contact to butcher and process chickens when the time comes? We won't be able to do it ourselves, no way no how. I'd love recommendations if you know of anyone offering this service - I'd much rather write a check than wring a neck, lol.

 

[Totalcolour]

Uh OH!​

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[Zgoatlady]

Hi all, I miss ya!
Recuperating and hope to be back soon. Neighbor dogs got in my yard last week and killed 3 hens. Shasta jumped her enclosure and fought the other dogs off. Sad Day

Im so sorry about your hens. Im glad to know your out of the hospital was really getting worried about you. Until I talked to CL.
Cheri

 

[Zgoatlady]

Ogress, what an ordeal you've been through! Glad you are on the mend and hopefully back up on both feet for good soon.

I'm supposed to be at work in 10 minutes but am having trouble pulling myself away from the incubator. So far I've got the Ameraucana chick who hatched yesterday and am up to 4 wheaten Marans, one zipping and I think one pipping. Fingers crossed by the end of today I'll have all 6 out. Thank you zgoatlady - these were some good eggs!

Going over to my gf's this afternoon to candle the eggs under her broody and dose her birds with the Eprinex. I forwarded her the information you all suggested and she's going ahead and following your advice. Next week we'll do my birds.

Happy spring everyone - keep those babies coming!

Thats great, told ya washed eggs can hatch..