How to raise Backyard Chickens: RE: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions

Monday, May 28, 2012

RE: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions

Names that go good with Dixie: Damsel? Dina? Donna? Pixie –LOL! Daisy Delilah Delia Diva

Send piX!

Laura Roberts

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA

From: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of CathrynTherese Fitch Walden
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 11:51 AM
To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions

Laura, My Great Pyrenees is getting fixed Tuesday. My friend picked her up for me and I'll go get her after school is out. Fleur is leash, chicken, goat, llama, house, and cat trained. Her name has to be changed though. Any ideas? Can you see me in the City yelling come on Dixie and Fleur?

Cathryn rainbowsilkiesTM Michigan

From: Laura A. Roberts <laura0554@hughes.net>
To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2012 9:55 AM
Subject: RE: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions

I lost chickens to hawks prior to putting our Great Pyrenees out with the poultry. Not only does she deter four legged predators, she patrols the sky, as well! She will race around, head towards the sky, barking at any perceived threat, including hawks, eagles, vultures, crows and airplanes. None have landed with her warnings! We have had no problems since she has been an ever vigilant poultry guardian. She is also wonderful with the goats, but we use her primarily for the poultry and her brother is in with the female alpacas and babies.

Laura

Laura Roberts

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA

From: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com [mailto: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Kristen Langlais
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2012 6:24 AM
To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions

I had a lovely speckled sussex die last night. She seemed a bit out of sorts two days ago; usually she's a wanderer, searching for bugs all day long and that day she stuck close to other hens. Yesterday morning, she was laying down in the coop, wouldn't eat, a bit fluffed up, healthy comb, definitely skinny.... so I separated her and gave her sulmet in her water and made sure she was staying hydrated. Usually when I have a sick hen, they are fluffed for several days, their combs are pale, and I think they're goners for sure. But I've had luck with the sulmet; it's saved probably 4 out of 5 hens in similar circumstances. I always assume coccidiosis is to blame, even though there's never been bloody poo. What could have caused this gal to decline so fast? She's 5 yrs old; could it be cancer or something weird? My chickens have been getting weekly herbal wormer from Hoegger's (perhaps not strong enough?) and there's no sign of mites or lice.

Second question: I have a broad winged hawk that's scoping out my yard lately. Any way to deter hawks? I wish my flock was enclosed in a cage all the time but I do spoil them and let them wander about. Are we doomed?! We've been so lucky for 5 yrs now without any predators striking!

Many thanks!
Kristen in Vermont