Consolidated Kansas

[Hawkeye95]

Katy that is SUPER funny! I've never seen that one before. So that was new to me. I agree about it never raining here. At least, not enough. Is that a picture of a silver laced Wynadotte in your profile picture? Whatever it is, that is a GORGEOUS bird!

And ideas about ordering chicks in the late summer/early Fall? (when it cools off a bit) I mean, will they be okay in the winter? Will they be big enough to handle it, or will they still be too small? I plan on running electric to my coop so I can put in a heater for the water and possibly a heat lamp if they need it. What would be the last month you'd order baby chicks in? October? The hatchery I'm looking at will let me order now and I can set up my delivery date for any week or month.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Yes, that's one of my SLW hens when she was younger.

I used to hatch year round....I don't do that much anymore. You have to have a pretty weather proof area to raise them in if you get them much past the end of September.

 

[ChooksChick]

Katy, that was hilarious!!!

I'm sending that to my family- they'll roar over it.

Hawkeye, you'll want to consider getting chicks from some of the other BYC folks here- you can order the hatchery stock in September, though, if you still want them from the hatchery, but most new chicken folks never go back to hatchery once they've seen a breeder bird up close. Katy's got amazing stock, and you'll find many breeds amongst the folks around us.

To disagree with Mikeksfarmer's crud about everyone selling stuff, though, it's about the quality, longevity, and temperament of breeder vs. hatchery stock...that crack of his needs to quit soon. Hatchery birds end up with oviduct problems more commonly and live shorter lives, while looking far inferior to the standard of any given breed.

Many of us in KS ship or can meet, while there are other BYCers who ship from all over the country. That's not to say I don't love my hatchery birds- I DO!

BUT...I've lost several to problems that are far less common in breeder and heritage stock.

I'm going to Perry to make feed again on Monday- if anyone wants to order. Just let me know how much and I'll let you know the cost. Right now the 50# bags are running $35. It's whole/crimped 12 grains/seeds, probiotics, some locally-sourced, with spices, grit, calcium, and fruit for optimum health. It has NO soy, little corn, and has crustacean and fish meal for protein, no pork, alfalfa or ruminants. The birds eat less because it takes longer to digest, is highly digestible protein, and they feel fuller. It costs more, but you use less.

 

[ChooksChick]

As you were- have a popsicle! They're 100% juice and my birds are loving them. I have chocolate in the pantry and iced chai, tea and coffee if anyone wants a beverage. Mimosas get busted out tomorrow for breakfast if this heat doesn't break.

 

[Hawkeye95]

ChooksChick--
This is specifically what I'm looking for: Silver Laced Wyandottes, Plymouth Barred Rocks and White Crested Black Polish (standard size!!).

The first two birds I want for eggs since they are supposed to be large and the last I won't compromise on the type, since those are what we raised when I was a kid.

Which is why I was looking at the hatchery, since I could get two or three of each kind and be sure they were pullets and I could be as picky as I wanted in ordering the exact type and how many of each. I didn't want to bother people on here with my specifics and think I was crazy or uncompromising. The hatchery said their sexing rate was over 90% accurate and shows a video on their website demonstrating the technique. I thought that was pretty cool. I don't want to wind up with roosters. Actually- I wouldn't mind having a White crested black polish rooter to go along with my hens. I am only wanting 8 birds... maybe tops- 10. Hoping for baby chicks so they will bond with me. I've already sorted out in my mind that I want 4 of the polish and 2 or 3 each of the others. I spent the last month looking at the breeds and trying to pick out "my idea of pretty" birds and yet, ones that were also supposed to be docile so they won't pick on the Polish. Told you I was being picky! ha!! But if I could get that exactly locally- I'd be happier doing that than buying them online. Otherwise, I'll just send off for them when the heat backs off.

Glad to hear I'm not the only crazy person bringing in a bird from outside. I was hesitant mentioning that part. So far, my turkey has been outside most of the day now- it's 1:30. I turned on the sprinklers next to him, he has a tarp for shade and today is pretty windy. I hope he lasts a bit longer out there. I hate bringing him inside. But better than having a dead turkey. Especially after the vet bill.

 

[HEChicken]

Oh - and the mimosas are sounding might fine right now too. I might have to settle for an ice-cold home brew though

 

[Hawkeye95]

oh... margaritas are my thing! I make the BEST! frozen lime aid, vodka, triple sec and fresh squeezed limes! So yummy you'd want seconds and thirds!

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote:
I have a girlfriend who makes them like that, but her secret ingred is a half a...brewed adult beverage. I thought it sounded awful until the day I tried one, and that was the BEST I ever had! The frozen limeade and triple sec...mmmmmm.


On that note...shall we start looking at our calendars for a late Sept/early Oct Sunflower Chickenstock? If we give enough time to plan, we may get some folks from Neb, OK and MO.

Hawkeye, KathyinMo has the most spectacular Barred Rocks around, and she's within 2 hours of me over in MO. Katy, of course, can produce the finest Wyandottes, and for the Polish, you'll probably want to go look at the Polish Club and see if you can't get some juveniles from someone there- the cost at the outset may seem more for juvenile chicks, but you'll have less likelihood of loss and better quality should you ever choose to breed. Selling chicks and eggs can support your habit...I mean 'hobby.'

Revolutionmama had a gorgeous WCB Polish roo that was found wandering a county road- stunning and nice! I could put him over my Silver Laced Polish for chicks, but they'd be split for lacing...but they'd be a start! You could go to laced or WCB from there.

s Can't help but mull over the genetics portion...I'm sure you all understand...

 

[Ivywoods]

Since there are so many people just over the line in MO that are on this forum, I'd sure like to meet with some of them as well as the KS folksas well as others.

Right now I'm planning to attend the poultry show in Sedalia, MO Oct. 22. I think it would be fun to meet some BYC'ers there. Anyone here going to make that?

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote:
That might be nice! I could wear a hazzmat suit and bring a tank of Lysol if I got to mee you all there!

No, really, I would be willing to chance it and see some BYCers.