What did your chickens do today?

[sherry1313]

We acquired a huge black cooper maran rooster with two hens the other day. He is beautiful but noisy! He crows like crazy when we come up to the coop to let everybody out for free ranging, etc. Thank god we don't have many neighbors and are 4.5 acres!

 

[iamjohn]

Today my chicks showed me how they react when 2 raccoons try to get to them. Nearly all of them ran to the coop for safety while a couple stood guard in front of the coop. It looked like something was wrong so I went to check on them and they all ran to me as if to tell me something was wrong. I walked them into their coop and they huddled together which was really out of place. Less than a minute later I had found what was scaring them. Now my chicks are happy and they can spend their 11th week birthday better than it could have ended.

 

[LittleBits]

Some of my chickens decided to lay in the doghouse today. My rooster also started to run at me and peck my foot. I got the last laugh after I grabbed him and held him (he hates that). He might have been mad because I told him we're getting 2 more roosters and these ones would actually be useful (he is a terrible flock defender).

Glad your dog didn't take a nap before you got the eggs!!

 

[LittleBits]

Yesterday morning, something got 2 of our chickens inside the coop and mauled another. I was so upset. So I cleaned up the mess and the chickens were all pretty subdued all day. They ate, rested a lot in the sun and shade, but generally were extremely wary all day. Mr Roo marched around his hens all day, more than usual.

Last night, when I went to close the coop door (we did further predator-proofing, etc., all day yesterday), they didn't want to go in. About 8-9 hens were huddled on top of the roof of the rain shelter of their food trough. I had to carry them in and put them on the roost.

Then one kept jumping off and running outside again. I think she did this 3 times before settling next to the rooster. Only got 6 eggs yesterday, too, and I was surprised at that.

After cleaning her up the best I could, I placed the injured one in a pet carrier with clean bedding, food and water, which she's eating by herself. She'll be OK, just needs to get some strength back now. I placed the carrier next to the fence and all her friends came periodically through the day and laid there, chatted w/ her, and seemed to try to cheer her up. It was so sweet...

So that's the activity of our yard.

 

[LittleBits]

Today my chicks showed me how they react when 2 raccoons try to get to them. Nearly all of them ran to the coop for safety while a couple stood guard in front of the coop. It looked like something was wrong so I went to check on them and they all ran to me as if to tell me something was wrong. I walked them into their coop and they huddled together which was really out of place. Less than a minute later I had found what was scaring them. Now my chicks are happy and they can spend their 11th week birthday better than it could have ended.

Did these raccoons coming during daylight?

 

[iamjohn]

Did these raccoons coming during daylight?

They came at sunset and there was still a decent amount of light. There was a third that I heard but didn't see. and a couple days ago I saw one about a few hundred feet from the coop. So that makes at least 4 that is too close to the coop. I took my doberman out last night to leave her scent around the coop and to get her used to flushing them out. She's such a docile dog that she won't do a thing if she sees one lol. She found a bunny, sniffed it and then turned and walked away much to the rabbit's surprise.

 

[LibRat]

They came at sunset and there was still a decent amount of light.  There was a third that I heard but didn't see. and a couple days ago I saw one about a few hundred feet from the coop.  So that makes at least 4 that is too close to the coop.  I took my doberman out last night to leave her scent around the coop and to get her used to flushing them out.  She's such a docile dog that she won't do a thing if she sees one lol.  She found a bunny, sniffed it and then turned and walked away much to the rabbit's surprise.

I know they call it "the chain of life" but my goodness why can't the chickens link be removed? They mind their business and don't bother anyone.... Not fair

 

[iamjohn]

I know they call it "the chain of life" but my goodness why can't the chickens link be removed? They mind their business and don't bother anyone.... Not fair

I agree and I am very sorry for your recent losses. I lost 4 chicks about 5 weeks ago and was devastated. I still feel bad for them and it has been one of the reasons I've gotten very security minded with my chicks. I know there is no way to never lose a chicken but it doesn't make the loss any easier.

 

[ChickenFox]

Don't know if it counts but everyone officially got named!

I've had a few named all along but couldn't figure out the rest. Now I've got them figured out!
Bantys: Bulldog (cornish Roo), Hellion (Roo), Ziva (pullet), Squeaker (Black tailed white Jap pullet) and Bilbette ( Tiny tiny pullet with little feathers on legs)
Easter Eggers: Mallow (pullet), Paige (pullet) and Sebastian (Roo)
Red Sexlinks: Lady, Amelia, Red, and Amber
SLW: Betty and Wilma

Woo! I feel accomplished now.

 

[AParmer]

Don't know if it counts but everyone officially got named!

I've had a few named all along but couldn't figure out the rest. Now I've got them figured out!
Bantys: Bulldog (cornish Roo), Hellion (Roo), Ziva (pullet), Squeaker (Black tailed white Jap pullet) and Bilbette ( Tiny tiny pullet with little feathers on legs)
Easter Eggers: Mallow (pullet), Paige (pullet) and Sebastian (Roo)
Red Sexlinks: Lady, Amelia, Red, and Amber
SLW: Betty and Wilma

Woo! I feel accomplished now.

Congrats on naming everybody! You're far ahead of me. I've got 26 chicks between the age of 4 and 8 weeks, and a five month old rooster. Our roo is Stevie and I have one 8 week old Black Lorp I've named Checker. I'm almost afraid of naming them all and not keeping up with them once they're mature. Since they change so much. I can pick Checker out because of the color of her beak and if all else fails, she's the only one with the crooked toes still.