Illinois...

[Faraday40]

I'm really considering getting out of keeping quail and switching to rabbits. I could use the same hutch when I need to keep them indoors. How neat would it be to see Flemish Giants hopping around with the chickens and turkeys in the run?
My problem is I have not managed to find Flemish Giants locally (within an hour or so drive), at least not ones who are not spayed/neutered.

Flemish giants are my fav breed. I had one as a kid. It would be worth an hour drive if you could get a good breeding pair or trio. If you're shopping in September, the Sandwich Fair (Sandwich, IL) attracts a lot of breeders who sell off their extras at the fair. There was a family in Elgin who had some great rabbits which their kids were showing.

@chickendreams24 has meat rabbits now. New Zealands I think. Very respectable size! Not a short drive, but it could be a very fun day trip to Wisconsin.

I was also hoping to put rabbits in our "quail cages" (We built them with that in mind.) DD is all for rabbits, but she has a busy schedule and I fear it would be one more project for me. Last year the cages worked as an instant broody cage, rooster time out cage, hospital cage, or just a quick place to lock up treats away from all the beaks. DS really misses the quail and has not stopped asking. Don't get rid of your quail before sending some my way!

 

[BReeder!]

Flemish giants are my fav breed. I had one as a kid. It would be worth an hour drive if you could get a good breeding pair or trio. If you're shopping in September, the Sandwich Fair (Sandwich, IL) attracts a lot of breeders who sell off their extras at the fair. There was a family in Elgin who had some great rabbits which their kids were showing.

@chickendreams24 has meat rabbits now. New Zealands I think. Very respectable size! Not a short drive, but it could be a very fun day trip to Wisconsin.

I was also hoping to put rabbits in our "quail cages" (We built them with that in mind.) DD is all for rabbits, but she has a busy schedule and I fear it would be one more project for me. Last year the cages worked as an instant broody cage, rooster time out cage, hospital cage, or just a quick place to lock up treats away from all the beaks. DS really misses the quail and has not stopped asking. Don't get rid of your quail before sending some my way!

I will absolutely send some quail your way. Just let me know when

We do attend the Sandwhich Fair. I didn't even see rabbits the last two years though. Is there an area dedicated to them? I'll have to check this year if we wait until Sept.

I know chickendreams24 has them and she offered to sell me some from her last litter, but I have gotten pretty committed to wanting the Flemish Giants. I would not worry as about about them escaping when outside (somehow the wild rabbits get into our garden, so I'm sure a pet rabbit could get out of a run. I'll have to bury wire mesh along the run fence.

 

[cavemanrich]

DD is all for rabbits, but she has a busy schedule and I fear it would be one more project for me.

They would only have to be PETS I don't think she would be too happy if you processed Bugs Bunny

BReeder!
This one is for your garden

 

[BReeder!]

They would only have to be PETS I don't think she would be too happy is you processed Bugs Bunny
View attachment 2031489
BReeder!
This one is for your garden
View attachment 2031492

I am growing carrots this year!

 

[Justso]

I'm really considering getting out of keeping quail and switching to rabbits. I could use the same hutch when I need to keep them indoors. How neat would it be to see Flemish Giants hopping around with the chickens and turkeys in the run?
My problem is I have not managed to find Flemish Giants locally (within an hour or so drive), at least not ones who are not spayed/neutered.

Have you checked Angie at Sunset Barn Farm?
She doesn't sell them on her site but I think she still has them. You might want to drop her a line. I'm thinking of picking up some more chicks this spring, I could make room for buns!

 

[homeschoolin momma]

I'm thinking of picking up some more chicks this spring, I could make room for buns!

If you're thinking about getting some chicks, I may join you on that. Wanted another ccl since I lost one to a hawk. And maybe a Marans for some dark chocolate eggs.

 

[BReeder!]

Have you checked Angie at Sunset Barn Farm?
She doesn't sell them on her site but I think she still has them. You might want to drop her a line. I'm thinking of picking up some more chicks this spring, I could make room for buns!

Thanks. I sent an email. I did set Flemish Giants noted in the "about" section of their site.

 

[Justso]

If you're thinking about getting some chicks, I may join you on that. Wanted another ccl since I lost one to a hawk. And maybe a Marans for some dark chocolate eggs.

Hoo boy I'm getting excited now! I needed an excuse to go over and get more chicks! I wish she had bantam cochins.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Anyone else hate the pecking order?
This is penny and from day 1 she has been a sweetheart. She is bottom of the pecking order and when I'm there I see the others chasing her. No real damage, just chasing.

 

[cavemanrich]

Pecking order is in all flocks, and herds. Reality of life. If you get some new chicken additions,,, the newcomers become the BOTTOM of order. It seemed to me that the old lowest or two become most aggressive to the newcomers. They just don't want to be considered the bottom.
As long as there are no serious injuries,,,,, ALL IS AS USUAL.