Maine

[ashandvine]

Thank you. I used to live down that way but not anymore. There used to be peaches at Blueberry Ridge but he cut them all down after I got the last of them one year. The peach jam I made.... mmmmm.

 

[Champion Farm]

We make a ton of peach jam it is soo good

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome Chickenneighbor. Good name choice, given your chicken status!! Why wait until the neighbor chickens leave??? Do your neighbors supply you with eggs??

 

[dowgirl71]

Hi, I'm from Hope, ME. Been lurking here a long time, so decided to finally say hello. I don't have my own flock, but the neighbors' eleven hens spend their days in my yard, so I get to have all the fun! Since introduced to these girls, I have become crazy about chickens, and especially like reading this thread to learn specifics about raising poultry in Maine. One day, when the neighbor hens are gone, I hope to get my own flock. Until then, I hope you don't mind if I sign on to learn from you all. Thanks!

Welcome chickenneighbor! The chicken in your avatar looks like my Buffy. She's always got to be right in the picture, if possible! They are so much fun! My husband complains about my chickens, too, but he actually worries about them more than I do, sometimes. This past winter, he took his space heater down in the coop for them, a couple times, because he was worried about them being too cold. Last week, he added a crank out vent from a camper to the roof of my coop. Can't have them too hot, either. My spoiled girls!

 

[CoopChick719]

Welcome to all the new people! Dowgirl my DH does the same complains about the flock & how much time I spend w/them. However what does he do first thing when we got home from camp today? Let's the girls out saying, poor girls! You probably haven't been out of the pen all weekend!" Then also proceeds to take the 3 broody girls out of the nesting boxes "to stretch their legs"! That man cracks me up!!

 

[Jazor]

Finally got the (temporary) duck pen setup outside. Small house for them all lined with hay, big rubber tub for them to swim in. Food, and water. They are happily shaking their tails all over and wack-wack-wacking around. The good news here, aside from happier ducks, is that I was able to clean out the second (aka small) coop.

With the 'small coop' clear, I was able to get thee 11 "teens" out of the house and in to the barn. That would be the five buff orpingtons, one buff cochin, three buff silkies, and two blue silkies (that look more black than anything). So those guys are all into their coop, and seemingly enjoying themselves.

Down to just six in the house now. Two golden laced wyandottes and four more buff orpingtons. Making progress on getting the farm to remain outside for the remainder of the season!

 

[Cknldy]

Sounds like everyone has been busy busy! Don't forget to take a few minutes to enjoy everything you're working for I've been working on a 3 set separation coop for separating boys when I need specific matings to keep from inbreeding. My youngest child began calling them apartments yesterday so they are officially chicken apartments! Gardening isn't my strongest area so my philosophy is if it grows and produces something-great! If not then oh well. Good luck everyone.

 

[chickenneighbor]

Thanks for the welcomes, everyone! Widget - I'm embarrassed to say I haven't' yet been up to see Rosie and Opal the elephants. We're hoping to go with some friends and can never seem to coordinate schedules. LG - I have great neighbors who gave me free reign of the coop anytime I want eggs or to give the broodies a grape or two. They know I'm on this site and think it's great I post pictures of their birds. Same with some other chicken owners in the neighborhood. DG71 - the chicken in my avatar is the reason I've gone over the edge, lol! Her name is Jangles. I looked out back one morning, and there she was under the bird feeder, chowing down. When we approached her, she let us pick her up and take her next door. We didn't even know they had chickens until that point. Now they head for our yard as soon as the coop is opened. When one of us steps outside, the race is on to get to the treat people first. Jangles insists on being hand fed, and being the slaves that we are, we oblige. She also will peck me if she feels she's not getting enough attention. I love that bird, stink eye and all. My husband is a huge enabler, always making sure we have treats for "the girls." We look for sales on grapes, their favorite treat, and once in a while I buy a bag of meal worms. Truly hooked on chickens.

 

[lazy gardener]

Chickenneighbor: I wish you lived next door to me! I have plenty of girls to share right now.

 

[ChickMagnet207]

I would like to trade a rooster for a pullet ready to lay.