Maine

[hoppy]

leg bands, ebay. they come in several sizes and colors and you change them as the birds grow until they get big enough for a regular numbered band.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Poultry-...219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abfe97dab

some people use the tiny hair elastics, or zip ties, i don't like any of those. I also use wing bands for my LF. certain colors get a certain number sequence.

Not sure what size basket Hoppy is using, but I have heard of doing that. Some people put hardware cloth divisions in the incubator, and I also have heard of people making their own plastic mesh baskets using plastic mesh from a craft store (for embroidery or something) and zip ties. You make any size you want that way.
Where do you get the leg bands? I may try them this year with crosses that I want to keep track of.

 

[kinsey228]

We got our first 2 Welsummers and first 2 Dorkings today! They are so pretty

 

[Gallina Sarda]

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

We got our first 2 Welsummers and first 2 Dorkings today! They are so pretty

Congrats!
Post pix if you can...

 

[buckabucka]

As usual, I have lots of questions.

On the leg bands, if you are starting with them on day old chicks, it looks like you use size 5. How often do you have to go up in size, and what size would adult large fowl wear? How many different sizes are needed?
Also, are they difficult to put on? Do you need both hands or a tool to pull them open? Zip ties would certainly be easy to put on, but I can't imagine trying to cut them off.

 

[Clover Run]

Just a last word on poultry shows....

Remember, The CMBF Club has a show coming up in May. For us Mainers, it's not a far trip, the Windsor Fairgrounds are spacious & convenient and it's a one day event.

The club will make sure that entry forms are easy to find.

Hoppy is our resident go-to person for the club.

Clover Run is our Mainer Poultry Tester, so you can get your testing certificate to send in with your entry (required). Book a date with her for your NPIP testing early (she's a busy lady)!

If you want to start show your birds, this show is a good place to start

Thank you Joanie! Great reminder and info for newbies! Can't wait for the May show!

 

[ashandvine]

Didn't get the chance to go down. How did the Reds do?

The Reds were pretty darn good. You missed out! Its funny that I thought there was a man there admiring the reds who look a lot like you. There was a man from the CMBF group whose birds are really good and he placed but I can't recall where (sorry about that). I can find out later or you can wait to see the posted results on the web site. I was sitting with a judge for a short while talking about what stood out for each of us and he mentioned that the showing of reds were good this year so I offer you his opinion to support my novice eye. There were something like a doz being shown in singles, young, older and trio etc.
What you really missed out on were the Assies and Jersey Giants! I know you would have been happy with them as I was. NICE. If you want more contact info pm me.
Will I see any of your birds at any of the upcoming shows???

Thank you Joanie! Great reminder and info for newbies! Can't wait for the May show!

x2 Since the Congress and with the Nationals coming up next year so close to us I am bitten by the show bug for sure!

Regarding books: if you like books, as I do, and want one on SOP there is no replacement for the SOP book. I have finally seen in one person and it is worth it. I love looking and touching it and oh yes, you want that book. You can look up the official club sites for each breed and they usually post sop on their site with pics which I find very helpful. Subscribe to the threads in here for your bird of choice and expect to read and learn a lot but again with pics. If you are interested in breeds I raise/keep ask me a few questions. Go to a show and look-- boy is that an eye opener. Do diligence ie do your research!
Now.... more questions: where does one get a show cage for reasonable and can anyone recommend basic tutorials on showing? I will do a search in here too but if you have already done the leg work then "TY" for posting it

 

[kinsey228]

Here are a few pics of my 2 new red Dorking ladies, and my 2 new Welsummer ladies. Sorry the pics aren't that good.
Dorking

Wellie

The newbies.

 

[JessyG]

Hi!

We're a family of 5 with a small flock in Western Maine. We are looking to add 4 more hens this spring...2 black or white Silkies, 1 Golden-Laced Polish and 1 Blue Hamburg. I'd new to BYC...but does anyone have suggestions on finding chicks? I am having a really hard time finding them!

Thanks a bunch!
Jessy

 

[lazy gardener]

Hi!

We're a family of 5 with a small flock in Western Maine. We are looking to add 4 more hens this spring...2 black or white Silkies, 1 Golden-Laced Polish and 1 Blue Hamburg. I'd new to BYC...but does anyone have suggestions on finding chicks? I am having a really hard time finding them!

Thanks a bunch!
Jessy

There may be someone in your area who is planning to place an order. Maybe you could share the order with them. Good luck.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

As usual, I have lots of questions.

On the leg bands, if you are starting with them on day old chicks, it looks like you use size 5. How often do you have to go up in size, and what size would adult large fowl wear? How many different sizes are needed?
Also, are they difficult to put on? Do you need both hands or a tool to pull them open? Zip ties would certainly be easy to put on, but I can't imagine trying to cut them off.

I found them incredibly difficult to get on and off (worse to get off). Especially without a helper. I stopped using them, I can usually tell what's what by about a week old, anyway, by the feather growth/coloring. Besides, my breeding program is... a mess. If it'll produce babies, it can and I'll let it. Except me.