Drstratton - My Backyard Journey Journal

[drstratton]

We finally got the fishing line strung today. Hubs wanted a thicker strand, so we had to pick it up in town yesterday. We did 3 areas that I felt were open too much. I hope it works.

I didn't want to share earlier, but when I checked to see which black hen was lost, I noticed I was short one more. Did another walk through, needed to also check for any openings and I found the feathers of one of my Cream Legbars. She might have been the first. I don't always do a head count and the way they buzz around their yard, it's hard to keep track.

They were very happy to be let back out today. I just hope they're safe now.

You probably have to zoom in, there is a spot that looks open, but the line is there. Thank you for that suggestion Jan. Too bad it wouldn't work like razor wire! Decided to just leave the ladders up for now.

 

[farmerjan]

We finally got the fishing line strung today. Hubs wanted a thicker strand, so we had to pick it up in town yesterday. We did 3 areas that I felt were open too much. I hope it works.

I didn't want to share earlier, but when I checked to see which black hen was lost, I noticed I was short one more. Did another walk through, needed to also check for any openings and I found the feathers of one of my Cream Legbars. She might have been the first. I don't always do a head count and the way they buzz around their yard, it's hard to keep track.

They were very happy to be let back out today. I just hope they're safe now.

You probably have to zoom in, there is a spot that looks open, but the line is there. Thank you for that suggestion Jan. Too bad it wouldn't work like razor wire! Decided to just leave the ladders up for now.
View attachment 123774

 

[Baymule]

It's hard to keep predators from the air out. I had a Great Pyrenees that leapt into the air trying to catch hawks. She never lost a chicken. She was free to me because she was a chicken killer. It took me 2 years but I got her turned around and she was fantastic. Loved that girl.

 

[SageHill]

Dang - that's a tough area to secure. At the old place mine went from free range to total lockdown with a large run. SO sad - but that's what we had to do as we became the fast food lane for the coyotes. We went 8 years with no problem, then bamm - neon sign "Coyotes Eat Free". When we got chickens here at the ranch we didn't even start with free ranging.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[drstratton]

It's hard to keep predators from the air out. I had a Great Pyrenees that leapt into the air trying to catch hawks. She never lost a chicken. She was free to me because she was a chicken killer. It took me 2 years but I got her turned around and she was fantastic. Loved that girl.

I miss my roosters, I think they did a good job of keeping watch. I'm glad she learned to protect them and became a good pet for you.

 

[drstratton]

Dang - that's a tough area to secure. At the old place mine went from free range to total lockdown with a large run. SO sad - but that's what we had to do as we became the fast food lane for the coyotes. We went 8 years with no problem, then bamm - neon sign "Coyotes Eat Free". When we got chickens here at the ranch we didn't even start with free ranging.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you. It's been such a nice area for them. I hate the idea of keeping them cooped up again. If this doesn't work that's what we will have to do. I wish I had ordered a rooster. Before 2020 I had decided that I didn't want more chickens because they couldn't safely free range. Then we saw that we needed to become more self sustainable again, so we built their big pen. Lost one girl to a hawk and then the roos learned what they had to do. Hoping this works. If it doesn't I have another idea but it will be mean more expense and labor, not sure when/if it would happen.

 

[fuzzi]

Thank you. It's been such a nice area for them. I hate the idea of keeping them cooped up again. If this doesn't work that's what we will have to do. I wish I had ordered a rooster. Before 2020 I had decided that I didn't want more chickens because they couldn't safely free range. Then we saw that we needed to become more self sustainable again, so we built their big pen. Lost one girl to a hawk and then the roos learned what they had to do. Hoping this works. If it doesn't I have another idea but it will be mean more expense and labor, not sure when/if it would happen.

Roos are plentiful, I've had to send cockerels to auction, gave a couple to a lady at BYC.

You're a little too far to share my cockerels...

 

[Mini Horses]

Same here...too far. Shame because they're young, trained, non aggressive, free & handsome

 

[drstratton]

Roos are plentiful, I've had to send cockerels to auction, gave a couple to a lady at BYC.

You're a little too far to share my cockerels...

Yeah, I don't think they'd enjoy being shipped...lol I wish I was closer!

 

[drstratton]

Dinner is on! Sourdough and pot roast. I was so busy with projects this morning that I forgot about putting the roast in the oven...again...Instant Pot to the rescue...