Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Jake Levi]

Opa I sure agree!! We have 4 and 5' drifts in the yard, where last year there were 2-3' drifts. With this weather this week I expect the maples sap to start flowing, tis the season. May it be a slow thaw. Lake Huron should get a good boost this spring.

I have two Icelandic pullets wanting to go broody, I hope that they do. I am going to set up a couple pens just for broodys.

Anyone interested in some turkeys, I have 3 June 13 hatch, one ea Hen and Jake Black Spanish, and one Jake Bourbon Red. Nicely grown, we dont have freezer space so will sell them for $15 each to move them. They are in the pens I want for the broodys. I will have some turkeys this year but wanting the Wishards, an excellent free ranging breed I have had before.

I am also going to have 2 small starter Icelandic trios, free to anyone wanting to get started with Icelandics. I love them. As is I will have 3 small flocks working.

I will have Icelandic eggs available about May-June.

Again for folks interested in getting started. I am wanting to see more folks here seeing just how great these little guys are !

 

[fuzzybutt love]

Thanks for the laugh . Shoot, you got igloos!!!! Lol. Probably cozy in there. My barred didn't have any red in her comb until a couple weeks ago, when she started laying again. Speckled sussex still hasn't reddened.

 

[fuzzybutt love]

I've been thinking about borbon red turkeys but realistically don't have space either.

If i did any expanding it needs to be a very broody hen, or a hatchling from my breeding group.

 

[uchytil]

Fuzzy, I so want turkeys also! Looks like we are inheriting another members dozen, or so, layer flock so space will be a premium now. I know a guy that will give me free goats, a pig, and a gaggle of geese. I need to say NO (and will). I'm getting over-run and this winter has proven how dedicated you can be.

Anyway, I just received my 2014 Maple Syrup Catalog and wanted to re-post again this year: www.sugarbushsupplies.com

They are in Mason, MI Good prices for the 'backyard syrup maker".

Maple/Honey Mead here we go!

 

[RaZ]

I saw a recipe for maple mead. I have a mess of syrup from last year in mason jars. I might just make some. 8 years? WOW! No way I'm waiting that long. Wine usually sets 2 weeks in primary, 4 months in secondary, and then in the bottles. I'm drinking it out of the secondary (carboy).

I do notice a better quality in the cherry after it's bottled, and sets awhile. The apple is a bear though. It won't clear for nothing. The winemaker I know lets' his 55 gallon drums sit 4 years for apple and pear just because they are so slow to clear.

Mead takes a good long time. I leave it in the primary carboy for 4-5 years then rack to a secondary for another few years. Sometimes they get forgotten in the back closet. I have a grape-mead that has been sitting for over 15 years.Plus a few carboys of beer. I really need to get busy and do some bottling.

I bought some good apple cider last fall to make a cyser-ale but never got around to it. Now that it is warming up I should brew that. Like wine, the longer it ages the more clear it gets. We should have a beer and wine making gathering some time.

 

[RaZ]

First egg! A 39 gram speckled gift from a cuckoo Marans. It was still warm.
I'm practically giddy.

 

[Brennigan]

Quote:

 

[Brennigan]

Waiting for hubby to help me dig out of our driveway - the snow is so soft my truck got stuck! And why am I home middle of the day? This is why...;



First chicks of the season! 2 Light Brahamas, 2 Buff Orphs, 2 SL Wydonettes, 2 Leghorns, and 5 Welsummers - I had the three and the gent at Townline went and got me two more with the dark markings. Will get pics later to see what sexes the Welsummers are - the others are pullets

I was planning on getting buff orpingtons, silver laced wydonettes, and maybe an amber link...but your welsummers are ADORABLE! Might have to switch that last one out! ; )

 

[aart]

Alright, I lied. I have more pictures. Took the camera out with me this morning and thought I'd give you a tour of the farm.

OMGosh!! Seriously? Your coop is entirely covered with snow? I hope there's no chickens in there!

 

[jlynnet]

Raz that's a nice looking egg!