This year had another ok turnout. First year the clutch numbers were higher. Looks like there will only be a total of about 11. I had snake issues which may be why the clutch numbers were so small. I have only 6 gourds. My colony was around 5 pairs.
Things I take from this year: More nest checks, and better notes. I should have foreseen the rat snake problem as this is a rural area and those with chickens have been having problems. Put up 1/2” netting stopped the snakes, caught one last week completely entangled. Netting has stopped them. Don’t under estimate the snakes. Even some of the so called “predator” guards can be bypassed.
