Maine

[buckabucka]

I finally set up the chicken's new sandbox, and they are loving it! Our soil here is sand, so they have plenty of places outside to dustbathe, but I think the very dry sand mixed with ash and DE was very appealing to them. I'm going to try to put the cover on each night when I close the run. Otherwise, I will forget all about it and it will fill with rain.

 

[PollyC]

Congrats on your bunny, kitchengirl!

I haven't been around to keep up with this thread lately. I feel so behind! Anyone got anything for sale? My addiction is in full swing this spring! LOL

Had a bad time last month with a much-wanted box of peeps that I pre-ordered back in December to make sure I got the breeds + date I wanted. Beautiful babies including buff laced Polish, Sumatras, bc marans, faverolles, appenzeller spitzhaubens, etc. Every last one was dead as a doornail. My postlady was crying. It was horrible. I'd never had a shipment arrive dead like that before. One or two casualties, yes, but never that. 

They sent me replacements two weeks later, a bunch of stuff that I didn't particularly want (since they were sold out of some of the rare breeds) but I did get two sumatras and three Faverolles out of it so I guess I'm happy. But I can't help wanting a few Polish and Russian Orloffs!

Also looking for a couple guineas hens or keets (age not important) and a couple turkey poults (youngish, preferably, and a breed whose legs won't give out on it in a year or two, as I'm just looking for pet turkeys, not for the table... I know, I'm crazy!)

Sorry about the shipment of birds, we had that happen last year with midget white turkeys, 2 complete batches. I would check with Luvmygoats for the other birds your looking for, she has alot of different rare breeds.
I don't know where you are from but I have Black Spanish Turkey poults that are under three weeks old. I am bringing them to the Wilton Swap. If interested pm me for more info.

 

[ashandvine]

who told you have have to check on them every hour? I don't, make sure they have food and water and check every few hours.

I read it. Reading in so many places I'm not sure where that came from.
I've been going down several times a day-- every 2 hrs first day. I am talking to them, they eat out of me hand, hop on me and I pick each one up for a moment to get them used to it. They are getting familiar enough that they run to my hand when I put it in and only one scuttles from being picked up-- the smallest.

 

[ashandvine]

M.Kitchengirl, I enjoyed this post for so many reasons. TY for sharing. I love it when the Universe helps. That bunny is CUTE. Pure breed? I hope to make friends with people who want to give me rescued hair sheep and a goat that already knows how to pull a cart alright, and who gifts me with a potted money tree for the living room!

 

[ashandvine]

There is a breeder out of Lubec selling Orloffs
I think PollyC might have turkey babies to sell... 8$ if I'm right.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I've got 15 various female chicks, 4 weeks old so fairly sure of sex. I have no idea what they are (swap eggs) although some might be pure breeds. There are some turkens.

All are for sale.

I'm between Disgusta and Waterville.

 

[klf73]

I have a 4 week old naked neck that I think is a boy if anybody wants it? He is part of the blue laced red project but seems to be transverse pencilled(?) and won't work with the project. Really cool looking boy but I have enough roos. I would hate to cull him just because he is a boy.....

 

[MustardTiger]

Hi All,
Excited to say I am getting my first pullets from the folks at Empire Acres on June 1st (total Nub here, former megalopolis dweller turned self sufficiency fan). We are expecting 3 EE and 3 Buff Orpingtons. My question for all you Maine folk is; what do you prefer for compostable litter? I read through a few threads and a few people recommended pine needles... what do you guys think about that? I have a ton of pine needles I could use (of course, its Maine!). I plan to mix in hay and DE. No idea if I will choose the Deep litter method or not yet. I am a bit of a neat freak but I like the idea of all natural and self composting. Any pointers relevant to keeping these girls happy in our northern climate would be welcome!

Thanks, and also, thanks for being so helpful. I have been on many a forum where folks were quit elitist and shi**y but not here. It is a breath of fresh air!


- Mustard T.

 

[Widget]

I just use plain old pine shavings. All-natural, easy to get and can be composted. After all they are just pine trees chopped up.

. Easier then just pine needles I would think. Especially in the winter.

 

[Widget]

Saw on Craigslist that there will be a Farm Day on May 26th at the Scarborough TSC. Also saw an ad by the same person asking if anyone would be interested in a swap in the Waterboro area. Only issue I saw was that they claimed you didn't have to worry about the 6 chicks under 8 weeks of age sale rule or the Scrapie tag law for goats. Don't know where they came up with that information. I for one wouldn't take the chance. Both are well intentioned laws.