Colorado ChickenFest 2013

[Pozees]

I can't believe we forgot to pick up napkins! LOL

I am also planning on putting in a few more trees, that would give a little shade, though not much for a couple of years.

You're right. Now that we have one under our belt, and know a little more about what to expect, I think we can go from there. I think that if everyone who planned on selling or just exhibiting their poultry would bring a pop-up, a table of some sort, and chairs , then come early, we would be good too. As we were cleaning up, I remembered that I had 5 old interior doors leaning against the side fence that could have been used as tables. All we had to do is put them on some wood crates I have in the garage.....

Do we want this to rotate or stick with my place? And no, don't look for the road to be graded any time soon......

I don't mind it being at Windy Ridge Dominiques. the only thing is that I need to be less busy, (somebody else will be delegated the hot dog burning duty) so I can maintain a little better control on access to my chicken area. I got concerned (translated that means I was a little stressed out) a few times with the free access. Beth had to get after a few kids because they were running in to see the chicks, then leaving the brooder door open..... Also, my chickens don't get picked up on a regular basis like very small backyard flocks are sometimes, so they got a little stressed. Yesterday's egg lay totals were much better than Saturday's.

We could have designated times for varioous demos, like Sexing chicks: (Feather, inverted chick method, color, etc). , Chicken processing, etc. We could have displays on fermented feed, growing forage, etc. Next year I would even be OK with a corporate sponsor or two if we could get them.

Thoughts?

I like the relatively central location of your place, will wait to hear how others feel. I guess it isn't very central for mountain folk.

You might want to consider scheduling tour times and only allow people back with your chickens at those times. Even my cats would be stressed if they were surprised by new visitors at random times all day long, and their only jobs are covering furniture with fur, vomiting on the carpet, and interrupting sleep

I also like the idea of designating times for specific events/demos. I wish I had brought a brief write-up of how I do FF, so maybe in preparation for the next one, each of us can write up how we feed and we could make up a little booklet with chapters on FF, fodder, free feed, supplements, probiotics, etc. Or doesn't even have to be that organized, just each of us can type up a page or two on our feed philosophies and methods, and have them available. As we've all learned, what works for one may or may not work for another, and it's nice to be able to call upon various approaches when we think something isn't working, or could be improved upon.

 

[wsmith]

I also like the idea of designating times for specific events/demos. I wish I had brought a brief write-up of how I do FF, so maybe in preparation for the next one, each of us can write up how we feed and we could make up a little booklet with chapters on FF, fodder, free feed, supplements, probiotics, etc. Or doesn't even have to be that organized, just each of us can type up a page or two on our feed philosophies and methods, and have them available. As we've all learned, what works for one may or may not work for another, and it's nice to be able to call upon various approaches when we think something isn't working, or could be improved upon.

I have written lots of articles and tech manuals for work. Just start by writing down what you do, what works, and doesn't etc. Do it in a word document. Then go back and organize the ramblings into a logical format, and viola, you have a how-to or informational piece on the chosen subject.

I will (or you can) make a post on the FB group (some are on both, most are not) so they can have input as well.

 

[samsr]

We might be able to hold something like this at Metcaff park in fountain. We would juat need to reserve a portion of the park for this event. I can look into cost if you would like. Then there would definately be more exposure, as many people do frequent the area and would be curious as to the goings on. Different stations for different presentations, weather they were games or sexing of chicks, etc. would be good. Set times for these presentations would be a plus.
We wouldnt necessarily need to invade Wendles place and cause him undo stress and massive amounts of labor. Lol
This would then expose new people to the chicken raising fun as this is really our ultimate purpose. A chicken swap meet as such as well as a learning experience
Just a thought.

 

[wsmith]

So thinking......

Next year, we can again have it at my place unless someone else wants to host it. Same times? we will have a schedule of events.

For example:

Event runs 11 AM - 4 PM

9:00AM - 10:00AM Vendor and demo set-up
11:00AM - Gates open to general public
12:00PM - 1:00PM Pot Luck lunch
1:00PM - 1:30PM Seminar (example) Chicken sexing: Learn to tell if they are for Eggs or Meat
1:30PM - 2:00PM Seminar (example) Feed options for the small flock owner
2:00PM - 2:30PM Seminar (example) Getting started: Chicken raising basics for urban flocks
2:30PM - 3:00PM Seminar (example) Incubating and Hatching chicks above 5500 feet
3:00PM - 4:00PM Seminar (example) Processing your chickens
4:00PM Gate closes to general public. Vendor and demo cleanup


thoughts?

 

[wsmith]

We might be able to hold something like this at Metcaff park in fountain. We would juat need to reserve a portion of the park for this event. I can look into cost if you would like. Then there would definately be more exposure, as many people do frequent the area and would be curious as to the goings on. Different stations for different presentations, weather they were games or sexing of chicks, etc. would be good. Set times for these presentations would be a plus.
We wouldnt necessarily need to invade Wendles place and cause him undo stress and massive amounts of labor. Lol
This would then expose new people to the chicken raising fun as this is really our ultimate purpose. A chicken swap meet as such as well as a learning experience
Just a thought.

That would definately give us more exposure. Probably couldn't do a processing demo at Metcalf.....

 

[wsmith]

I can look into cost if you would like.

Good idea!

 

[samsr]

That would definately give us more exposure. Probably couldn't do a processing demo at Metcalf.....

This is true. We may offend someone. We could make that a field trip on the same day. To either your place or mine. Im about 4 miles away and have enough parking for it, just like you do. Hopefully my youngest girl will be old enough to understand this time.
We might be able to get away with it in an enclosed structure for some privacy.

 

[samsr]

Good idea!

I will look into it.

 

[wsmith]

More ChickenFest photos

 

[lovincolorado]

The processing demo was a hit! I was glad to have it done in the hands of the experienced, while helping enough to be able to do this on my own, provided i get the equipment. It was a great experience for my son, to see how he handled it too. I think this is a must have for future fests!! I never expected to process any of my birds, although i wasnt opposed to it. You never know when that rooster will be the one! The coop is much more peaceful now.

You can add mealworm farming to the display list... its pretty straight forward and can simply be an exhibit!

And we should bring our own chairs

It really was a great day and I am glad we made the trek!
Thanks Wendell and family for hosting this, and I look forward to next year!
Sheila