Lazy Gardener's Little Town Farm

[Britesea]

 

[sumi]

Your hubby's funny! I miss hearing and seeing owls. They are scarce here, but in S.A. we used to see loads. Such beautiful birds!

 

[Lazy Gardener]

When I worked the 3 - 11 shift, there was one stretch of road where huge owls were often present. They would swoop down in front of my car, and I would often have to stop b/c there would be an owl standing in the middle of the road.

 

[NH Homesteader]

So cool! We have a few here, we've been seeing them a lot lately, during the day even. They must be hungry. Luckily they can't get to my chickens. Eat those mice! We love our owls.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I love the sound of owls also

 

[Lazy Gardener]

GD and I arrived home this afternoon to interrupt a fox attack. So far 3 hens dead, one more most likely mortally wounded. I have not done a head count to see how many are missing. Crows have been screeching and fighting in the woods, so most likely there is fox activity or dead bodies. GD saw the fox, but was not able to give any details. Feathers everywhere. As one would expect, the fox took my favorite hen. She died in my arms. She was a gorgeous EE, daughter of a self blue Am. She had overall red body, and blue tail and wings. Excellent muff and beard. Blue egg layer. I was hoping to get some chicks from her.

Bodies are placed in lower yard, within rifle range of bedroom window.

 

[Britesea]

You need an LGD. Ever since we got ours, no losses from air or ground attacks (knock on wood).

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Final count: 1 completely missing. 3 dead. 2 with wounds that are likely lethal. I have treated with H202 and triple antibiotic. They are standing, not moving, locked into a broody pen. Condition in the morning will be the determining factor re: continue to treat vs. cull.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

We don't live in an area big enough for a true LGD. My dog was out all day long yesterday. This attack happened when I was gone for the afternoon. I work tomorrow, and will leave them in covered run/coop. Hope fox does not breach that. Neighbor 1/4 mile away in one direction has a vixen and 3 kits in her immediate area. neighbor 1/4 mile the other direction has a fox frequenting her yard. Looks like free range days are over for my flock.

In the mean time, I'll not be selling any eggs tomorrow. Need to keep a supply of hatching eggs at the ready.

 

[CrealCritter]