Michigan - Page 4357  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amy PT 

Hi Michigan thread.  I'm new to the board.  And to chickens.

 

We have three 2.5 week old chicks in a basement brooder.  It's looking like our BO is going to be a rooster: wattles sprouting already!  And we can't have a rooster (or... legally, hens).  I'd like our flock to be 3-4 hens.  Our original 3 were from Townline Hatchery, but I'd like to go smaller if we get more chicks.  Any suggestions for places near Grand Rapids?  Also, is anyone looking for a very young BO rooster-to-be? 

Welcome!

I can't help you with your questions but I will say stay away from Olive if you want to start small.  

(everything's broody Olive!  I'm going to have like 60 birds here next month!)

Amy, um, 2 months ago I had NO birds.  Just sayin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juise 

Bees. Looks like bees are going to have to be a long ways off.

Like so many hobbies, starting off is the biggest expense.  If you are looking to make a profit, I'd suggest another path.  If you are like me, you do it because you enjoy it. Like the chickens, I would be happy to break even. Even if I don't, I still like it.

Farmerboy Don't you dare post pics of those pigglets!

(I don't want pigs.I don't want pigs.I don't want pigs.I don't need pigs.I don't need pigs.I don't need pigs.I don't have room for pigs.I don't have room for pigs.I don't have room for pigs.)

I can't wait... for pics that is...

Raz & Eeyore - If one were to be suddenly overrun with honey bees when one never has been before should one assume there is a swarm nearby?  I opened the sliding door for about five minutes today, went out on the deck, was buzzed by probably ten honey bees in that time, and then when I came back in there were FIVE honeybees in the house.  We see the occasional honeybee around here, but nothing like this.  I have an uncle that keeps bees, if it's likely a swarm is nearby I might go for a walk and see if I see anything... could give him a call if I found it.  I know he's recovered swarms before. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackyardFarmMom 

Farmerboy Don't you dare post pics of those pigglets!

(I don't want a pig.I don't want a pig.I don't want a pig.I don't need a pig.I don't need a pig.I don't need a pig.I don't have room for a pig.I don't have room for a pig.I don't have room for a pig.)

 

I can't wait

Better go back and edit.  Pigs are highly social animals, they shouldn't be kept individually.  Do you have room for pigs??? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaZ 

Like so many hobbies, starting off is the biggest expense.  If you are looking to make a profit, I'd suggest another path.  If you are like me, you do it because you enjoy it. Like the chickens, I would be happy to break even. Even if I don't, I still like it.

This.

I got bees this year because I always thought it would be neat to keep bees.  I know at some point I'm going to be randomly leaving honey in malls and gas stations just to get rid of it.  But I will say this:  I've had my bees installed for just about 2 weeks.  I read tons of books and was fascinated.  Once I got them I'm even more so.  Maybe someday I'll try to put into words the feeling of working with and having (at this point) just a glimmer of understanding of this massive organism made up of individual parts that works and can be read more efficiently than a machine.  For now I just love to watch them.  And they seem totally fine with me doing so.  I'm going to stop before I gush.  I love them. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by EeyoreD 

 

Welcome!

 

I can't help you with your questions but I will say stay away from Olive if you want to start small.  

 

(everything's broody Olive!  I'm going to have like 60 birds here next month!)

 

Amy, um, 2 months ago I had NO birds.  Just sayin.

Whaaaaat???  I am sweet and innocent!  Why ever do you keep blaming little ole me? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olive Hill 

Raz & Eeyore - If one were to be suddenly overrun with honey bees when one never has been before should one assume there is a swarm nearby?  I opened the sliding door for about five minutes today, went out on the deck, was buzzed by probably ten honey bees in that time, and then when I came back in there were FIVE honeybees in the house.  We see the occasional honeybee around here, but nothing like this.  I have an uncle that keeps bees, if it's likely a swarm is nearby I might go for a walk and see if I see anything... could give him a call if I found it.  I know he's recovered swarms before. 

I'm new but from what I've read (Raz will likely be a better source) there is likely a swarm or a new hive around.  A swarm, generally speaking, doesn't remain a swarm for long - they find a home.  You could either be seeing a swarm desperately trying to find that or a newly established hive scouting things out.

But again, Raz probably has more accurate info.

Wouldn't hurt to take a walk though.  A swarm will try to find a home quickly but if it's early there may be something for your uncle to capture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olive Hill 

 

 

Whaaaaat???  I am sweet and innocent!  Why ever do you keep blaming little ole me? 

 

Because my ducks run away 

Quote:

Originally Posted by EeyoreD 

 I know at some point I'm going to be randomly leaving honey in malls and gas stations just to get rid of it. 

Eh hem, I may or may not (do!) know someone who has been trying to convince her husband to be a bee keeper for years, to no avail.  She has no interest in handling bees -- you know, who sting -- but uses no less than 18 lbs of raw honey per year.  She also has pork with which to barter.    *bats eyelashes*