Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[uchytil]

Who going to come get this beautiful Khaki Campbell Drake (BO)? I've got to move him and he's been on CL for some time now. Maybe you know someone? PM me.

 

[preciouskitty]

So I'm reading your posts everyday and learning alot. I am pretty new still. I have 6 hens, 1 roo, 2 muscovies and 2 campbell's. I have a 4x8 coop my husband made for me and a dog house for the ducks, who are mostly in the pond and haven't really used their house much. My run is 100 sq. ft, but they free range most of the day, so my run is still mostly grass. What do I need to put in run(it is uncovered) for the winter. Would love any winter advice< especially for a 1st timer. I discovered yesterday that my coop leaks, so will have to look into that. :/  

This was on the BYC homepage carousel about a week ago. Am way behind in reading thru thread, but there were a lot of good ideas. Will just be a matter of sifting thru & seeing which may work for our Michigan climate along with your specific coop/run setup.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sts-tips-advice-for-a-newbie/50#post_12021973

 

[mara1]

I think this is how Garden City views Raz

omg!

 

[mara1]

we have our first Flemish giant Babies

Her First Litter

 

[preciouskitty]

we have our first Flemish giant Babies
Her First Litter  

CONGRATS e

Pix??!!

 

[NovaAman]

I don't know.... They know we have chickens, they know we all do. So, I hope that its not going to change. I have gotten so many differing answers off the net, but finally found an answer after navigating, note stumbling, through the town ship ordinances. I might have too many birds. Oops. Will deal with that when I have too.

 

[mara1]

I only had the new cage 3/4 of the way done. bottom was done except tray and bunny panels so decided to let her try is out the other night so I could make any adjustments and finish this weekend. I guess she gave it the seal of approval.

 

[RaZ]

Every so often I check my zoning... We have a new residential community going up on the far side of our block, just through the trees. We've been changed to R2-A now. I have been trying to find what that means. The zoning now effects 5 of us chicken owners. I hope that we will be grand-daddied...

Everyone should be doing this.
Arbitrary zoning changes happen far too often, without public notice or comment periods. These cities and towns are getting pretty sneaking about making changes to take away your rights and get more money from you in the bargain.

You should also check your home owner's insurance for changes that they make in order to deny you coverage.

 

[RaZ]

On a positive note, there was a nifty storm roll through last night. I'm really happy to get the rain but it was only 8/10ths of an inch according to my rain gauge. I would like to see a little more.

I got another bagful of walnuts yesterday. I'll husk them and make a drying frame to keep the squirrels out.

Calvin and Hobbs are growing like crazy, maybe I can get some decent pictures today.

Will try to get the mailbox pillar finished today and some more work on the porch.

 

[Trefoil]

I agree on using existing fence as one side, that would mske everything in one area then too.

Where do you get a heated hose from? Do they cost a lot in electricity?

I must have gotten the heated hose earlier than Dec of 2011, because that's the last time my computer crashed and I can't find the order information on the hose, sorry. I do remember that I got the one that had the best warranty, but can't remember if it was 1 or 2 years. I got a 75' for around $100, but that was then. I don't really know what it does to the electric bill because it comes on at the same time other cold protection stuff comes on. But it isn't horrendous or I would have noticed.
You might try wayfair, the vet supplies and farm stores, or just search heated hose.

I don't know.... They know we have chickens, they know we all do. So, I hope that its not going to change. I have gotten so many differing answers off the net, but finally found an answer after navigating, note stumbling, through the town ship ordinances. I might have too many birds. Oops. Will deal with that when I have too.

I think that means residential and light agriculture. As long as you are zoned ag, I don't think they can limit you to a certain # of chickens. But if that's not true, don't get rid of the chickens because if you are grandfathered, it only lasts as long as you still have them, once you get rid of them you wouldn't be able to get them back.