We grew up with a pet Banty hen that was just the queen of our large backyard and my dad's garden. Sweet little Matilda ~ one night the coyotes got her and we were heart broken! Sometimes I still feel a heart twinge for her and I'm 57 years old now. I'd get another little "Banty" yard mascot in a heart beat but no joke...the Bald Eagles fly right down the road looking for unsuspecting cats all the time. I live just a few feet off a 200' cliff...and face Canada. The eagles teach their young how to fly RIGHT HERE every year. It's so magic to watch...but their predator flip side is ruthless.
One only has to VIEW the talons on that photo you posted to KNOW those are birds not to be challenged or messed with. Majestic...yes... LETHAL.. double yes.
I also have friend's who also live on the water and often have one or two Bald eagles that roost right on top their house waiting for the river otters to make a run for the ocean. They have TWO little Pomeranians and I'm constantly warning them about what could happen if they are not careful. They think I'm paranoid... but.. I know I'm just being CAUTIOUS and realistic. I have told them to make them a covered cage just like you described. They LOVE their little dogs and it would just kill them to lose one in that manner.
This message was edited Mar 2, 2009 7:36 AM
Chickens and Gardens,,,,, it it only a dream?
We have bald eagles that nest at the back of our property in the trees of the green belt each year, now. That is why I won't have any more chickens.
The golden eagle that killed my frizzle was migratory, and was just passing through.
It always frustrates me, too, when people don't think they can do that to dogs. I saved this picture to show people, that they can even take down a fox, and we all know how sly, and fast, foxes are.
Those eagles are just huge...they look so small in the air, but a few feet away, and they are scary
The hawks like my pigeons..But they to are protected.Drats.If the dogs see the hawk they run out and chase under it..Thankfully they are small and the dogs are big..There are bald eagles by the river..Never seen them around here.Hope they have enough food there to satisfy there needs...The river is only about 3 miles away..Crossing my fingers ..
Tubby
Seedpicker, What a great chicken story! Today, a neighbor came by to take the chickens off my hands that I had offered him..... but I found myself backing out of the offer. I have had this flock now for many months and have grown so fond of them and their funny little ways, I am reluctant to part with them! We don't have any predators from the sky and soon the place will be full of ticks and hoppers and all manner of creepy crawlers and then I will probably be grateful to have the chick chicks in the garden!
good morning-
Yes, you probably will be grateful. I'm positive of it :0)
You could designate a dirt area for them, or even find a garage sale sandbox? In a pinch I even used a plastic boot tray with some play sand.
You are going to fully realize why chickens are responsible for so many old sayings, and you are going to relate to why those sayings came about. You'll see it first hand.
For example: "all cooped up"(the stir-crazy cabin fever they get when not allowed to roam free)
"Mother hen"(there is always one boss :0)....and then the entire ''pecking order" that follows.
"Chicken feed"(referring to the cheap price of feeding them, because chicken feed is so cheap, and mainly they can feed themselves off the bugs.)
etc., etc
Do they have a safe place to sleep in at night? Most everyone has raccoons, and they love to get chickens at night. We had a cage similar to this one, but I like this one better. You just have to remember to lock it at night, and they'll be anxious to get out in the mornings.
One thing I would pass along from an old chicken book...don't let them out when it is raining, or when there is a lot of dew on the ground. They get sick easily in these conditions. They need it dry.
Also, they need to feed in the early part of the day. If they eat too late at night, and eat a lot, it can sour in their belly and cause them problems. If they are low on feed, wait til morning to fill it. :0)
I'm glad you kept them. Enjoy them :0)
This cage could easily be made into a portable "chicken tractor", with very little adjustments. Also, if you are looking for a cage, or you build one, be sure to use rabbit wire, instead of chicken wire. Rat snakes can get into the cage through chicken wire, but not rabbit wire(also called hardware cloth)
