I was trying to use the deep litter method but mom decided that my coop needed to be cleaned out. I just let her do it instead of arguing. I'll keep that in mind about the pile though. That might be a better option. :)
I just had the funniest experience. While I was keeping an eye on the chooks and ducks this evening, my mom took the opportunity to clean out my coop. She put a nice thick layer of new bedding in...and it has apparently ruined my chickens' lives.
I went out to collect the eggs at about 6:30 and...
I'm a dog lover (and canine handler at my job), yet I highly support the SSS method. Dogs killing livestock is bad news and if people can't keep them under control, they shouldn't have them in the first place.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was a coyote that got my ducks either because we do have them in the neighborhood. The only thing that gives me pause is the duck I found headless because a coyote would have just carried it off. Good luck on getting the bugger.
I know you had a Maleficent. :) I had originally named her Morticia, but my mom and I both decided that Morticia Addams was much nicer than this gal. She and her sisters used to harass the lavenders unmercifully. Thankfully, they have calmed down a lot.
So, since I haven't really introduced myself (and I'm still playing catch up. Currently on page 2036),I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of my flock to properly say Hi. :)
Lavender Brown and Luna, my lavender orps:
Roxy and Velma, my blue Plymouth rocks (and the youngest of the chooks...
Oh no! I lost five of my seven adult ducks when I was off in Georgia for job training so I feel your pain. Still don't know what got them either. Found several piles of feathers but no blood and 1 hen that didn't seem harmed at all aside from the fact that her head was gone. :(