Megan Barrett started having suspicions about the yellow chick when it was 3 weeks old. While the others she’d purchased for her first flock of egg-laying hens were docile, this one was inquisitive and bold, and soon it developed a gorgeous, swooshing tail. Barrett’s three kids loved the bird, but she had a feeling local […]
chickens
Posted inPets
Protect livestock in extreme weather
Extreme weather is seldom fun for anyone. Although people often have the means to escape inclement weather, animals are at the mercy of their caregivers. Protecting animals during extreme weather is not restricted to domesticated pets. Those who have livestock on their properties must recognize that these animals will need various levels of care as […]
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Posted inBusiness
Maine chicken auction to resume after health scare averted
The state has told Maine’s only livestock auction house that it can resume poultry auctions next week after having shut it down out of caution over a potential chicken health scare. John Bott, spokesman for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, said that on May 11 birds from Maine sold in Massachusetts tested positive […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston sets path for urban chickens
LEWISTON — Chickens could be welcome in city residential lots larger than half an acre, if their owners get a one-time $40 permit, councilors said Tuesday. Councilors grappled with easing city rules related to letting residents keep hens at a workshop meeting, a prelude to a potential vote later this summer. City Planner Dave Hediger said […]
Posted inMaine
State says eggs at Turner farm safe for consumption
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said in a statement Wednesday that the eggs from a Turner farm are safe for consumption. The statement confirmed that the department was investigating an undercover video released Tuesday by the Humane Society of the United States that claims to show animal abuse at the […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Turner egg farm subject of U.S. Humane Society undercover sting
Paul Shapiro, vice president for farm animal protection with the society, described the footage as part of a Humane Society of the United States investigation and “whistle-blowing operation.” The society called on state and federal agencies to investigate the farm and said it had contacted officials within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the U.S. […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine monitoring avian flu viruses, preparing for outbreak
AUGUSTA — Maine’s governor and other officials say the state is preparing for the possibility of an avian flu outbreak and readying residents about how to minimize any impact on domestic poultry. Gov. Paul LePage says the state is being “proactive” about its precautions about the disease. The disease has not been detected in Maine. […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Dogs, chickens perish in Carthage fire
CARTHAGE — Two dogs and two chickens died in a garage fire on Route 2 early Thursday morning, East Dixfield fire Chief Randy Hall said. Homeowner Bruce Mcleod was staying at his girlfriend’s house in Canton and no one was at his home at 1917 Route 2 when the fire erupted, Hall said. “I know […]
Posted inbPlus
Lots to be done as planting season nears
Snow still surrounds our house, but many, many signs of life are popping up everywhere. April is a wonderful month for gardeners, and for those who just like to wander around their property, checking things out. The black flies have not appeared yet and, hopefully, they won’t make their debut before the end of May. […]