Maine

[buckabucka]

Welcome to all the newcomers!

LG, I have several hens from Cackle. I didn't order from there, but picked them up from Longhorn's. I have not had any problems with them, although my 3 brown leghorns are quite variable in size.

While most of my hens have come from hatching eggs I've ordered, or hatched from what I have here, I've had good luck with hatchery stock. My original order from Meyer Hatchery went well, although I lost a few as chicks, -one in transit, and a couple after they arrived.

Sometimes I wonder how many would be left if I hadn't started giving them away. Several died of various causes too, but I still have 2 of the originals, now going on 7 years.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Aince of all this talk about hatcheries, anyone order ducklings from Mezer Farms????

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Aince of all this talk about hatcheries, anyone order ducklings from Mezer Farms????

No but i need 2 pekins if someone orders.

 

[MainerChick]

I've been off the radar for a while myself, winter put me into hibernation I think. So welcome ChyDez, to the local community, as we all wake up for spring!

There are a lot of hatchaholics, myself included, who would love to help out with expanding your flock. I have a small number of silkies, mostly buff/partridge and one white hen. Then I have a large fowl pen with Buff Orpington, easter egger, and some cross breeds that came from an oops batch last year. They're fun though and give me olive toned eggs.

The birds were out in the yard today getting some much needed dirt bathing in under the sun, but I'm about to go tuck them in for the evening. I hope everyone else is doing well!

 

[ChyDez]

Thanks for all the welcomes! I'm eager to get these chicks, just grateful it'll be AFTER this next storm here.

 

[goldeaglenest]

New to chickens this year and in Bowdoin Maine! Haven't ordered the chicks yet and still working on chicken coop design. Definitely wondering about insulation during the winter also so I'll be following this Maine thread!

 

[combatfuzzball]

If you're starting now you'll have time to build up litter for the winter.which will give off heat from decomposing. Some ppl don't insulate. I plan on it for mine even though they are a cold hardy breed. Good luck

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I insulated my coop and glad I did. It is noticeably warmer in there than outside, and it retains heat well.

While I have a "coop on steroids" if I were to build another coop, regardless of size, I'd insulate. Neither the goats or the ducks are insulated, and the differences between those and the insulated poultry barn is astounding.

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome to the new folks. I'm collecting hatching eggs this week. Planning to do an other gender selected set. Expect my eggs to hatch 4 - 5 days before the shipped chicks arrive.

 

[ChyDez]

Another thing, since just moving into the area I've wondered what wild life I might come up against. Really haven't seen much so far, as it being winter. Any insight as to what I should keep my eye out for? I did have a kind woman in TSC tell me about a murderous weasel that got her beloved hens, I about shed a tear right then and there. Actually up until there I had never heard of a weasel getting anything really let alone a flock of birds! Now I've seen all sort is stories about those dang things! Anyways, anything information you guys could give would be great!