The Poultry Keeper

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2219 Location: North Cornwall

Do you want to have a go at my ducks? Is that NO, well it seems everything else does.

We've had an otter[we think], mink, rats, foxes, buzzards, crows, badgers and tonight a bl***y great owl going for the little call ducks.

Earlier in the year because of the AI scare I had a bit of a sort out leaving about 25 calls plus the biggies, so about 50 inall. I am now left with 6 calls and about 12 biggies, the fox jumping the electric netting and helping himself.

So not only have I probably fed any number of fox cubs, It looks as if I'll be feeding a load of owlets as well

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7336 Location: isle of lewis

i just found out that kinky who deb owns
his brother was taken by a sea eagle it's taken 3 lambs as well ,and another hen Sad

sorry to hear your news jan
suz

CP · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:52 am Post subject:

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2219 Location: North Cornwall

Crumbs suz, thats a big bird that can carry off a lamb. Makes my lot seem tame.

Until recently I've tried not to let any ducks sit but a week ago a Muscovy came off with a Silver Appleyard baby and I think a Buff Orpington X S,AY baby leaving the 1 egg that was hers in the nest-needed another 7 days- so Im up at 4.30 each day, sitting on a bench in my dressing gown and coat, stopping the crows from getting them, and Im not over confident that I shall win, they are really nasty. I think they may just be too big for them in another week.

I don't get to bed until 11.30 most nights and up at 4.30 you can see why Im getting a bit tetchy over these predators.
Perhaps tetchy's not the best word, neurotic is probably better Laughing

mojo · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:53 am Post subject:

probably heard this already but CDs hanging on string( from a long bamboo if got no trees) plus kids plastic windmills on sticks about 6 foot high area quite effective detterant

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7336 Location: isle of lewis

just found out how the sea eagles take lambs ,they pick them up ,and drop them from about 30 feet up to kill them and then carry them off ,everything has to eat ,and they are magnificant birds ,it's getting to the end of the time when they can take lambs Confused

,
suz

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2219 Location: North Cornwall

OH, I just could not bare that, even if they are wonderful birds to look at.

Im still doing the early morning shift and I still have my two ducklings Very Happy

A Buzzard almost had 1 of my Black Rocks last evening, right outside the french doors while we were sitting in the room. Should have heard the squawking, no wonder it flew off empty clawed Very Happy

But a little brightness in a very black week, I found today where the rabbits are getting into my veg garden.YES, YES, YES, Laughing

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7336 Location: isle of lewis

i'm glad there has been a tiny speck of light at the end of the tunnel ,i hope things get better soon for you jan
suz