Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[iamfivewire]

Will probably be setting eggs tomorrow in the incubator, but since we've never hatched eggs before, had a couple questions for those with more experience:
i have got a couple of accurite digital therm/hygrometers in the unit + 2 of the little bulb thermometers + the combo gauge on the lid. Question is should i trust one or the other type to be more accurate or reliable since they dont all read exactly the same (+/- 2 deg & aprox 10+ humidity variance), or would it be better to use an average between the high & low readings?

 

[Brennigan]

I've search the thread and the entire site (and I don't want to be a bother), but I can't seem to find anywhere if someone mentioned what bantams Townline had this year.

We're getting our chickens next week, and all of sudden, I'm quite nervous about this new endeavor (new mama syndrome?!), and just want to make sure we pick the right breed/companion for our buff orpington and silver-laced wyandotte.

I would like a brown or blue pullet, and have looked at Welsummers (which Townline doesn't sex), Ameraucanas, and then I'm very curious about Bantams -- I'm not even sure I'm pronouncing it correctly! I think I'll have to get on PronounceHow (dot) com!

 

[fuzzybutt love]

5 wire i'm on my phone but if you are on a computer the link in my signature has hatching notes- calibrating/ checking your hydrogometer / thermometor. I used 2 and put one at each end. I used a cheapo bator and tipped it an inch side to side instead of opening to turn. I felt safer with more than one.

 

[iamfivewire]

Thanx - some great links & info in your notes !

 

[preciouskitty]

Ok. This whole winter thing is getting downright ridiculous. It's 0 degrees here, and now the forecast is showing another 4-8" of snow for this weekend.....along with below freezing temps...

My heated waterer is being finicky & I'm worried the water will freeze while I'm at work today. Is it safe to assume the birds will be ok for a few hours if it does freeze?

 

[JackieandChicks]

I've search the thread and the entire site (and I don't want to be a bother), but I can't seem to find anywhere if someone mentioned what bantams Townline had this year.

We're getting our chickens next week, and all of sudden, I'm quite nervous about this new endeavor (new mama syndrome?!), and just want to make sure we pick the right breed/companion for our buff orpington and silver-laced wyandotte.

I would like a brown or blue pullet, and have looked at Welsummers (which Townline doesn't sex), Ameraucanas, and then I'm very curious about Bantams -- I'm not even sure I'm pronouncing it correctly! I think I'll have to get on PronounceHow (dot) com!

They do have Bantams but again straight run.

 

[1muttsfan]

Chickens will eat snow if thirsty. It is best to offer then water, ideally at all times, to help support hydration and egg-laying (eggs are mostly water and utilize quite a lot), but they will be fine for the day if they have access to snow.

 

[preciouskitty]

Well, I forgot to throw snow in the pen this morning, was going to, but slipped on the ice & was more concerned with the pain I was feeling, getting back in the house, finishing getting ready for work, yada yada.

BUT, I DID double check the heated waterer & the extension cord. Waterer IS working & there is power at the plug in the coop (took my cell phone out, plugged it in & double checked..AND, probably a good thing I had it with me, cuz if I had broken something when I fell, I would've been able to call someone! LOL!). I suspect that the problem I had the other day may have been the GFC breaker....

Really need this whole winter thing to GO AWAY!!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

...

Really need this whole winter thing to GO AWAY!!

X2!!
Sorry you fell. Glad u are ok.

 

[taprock]

Ok. This whole winter thing is getting downright ridiculous. It's 0 degrees here, and now the forecast is showing another 4-8" of snow for this weekend.....along with below freezing temps...

My heated waterer is being finicky & I'm worried the water will freeze while I'm at work today. Is it safe to assume the birds will be ok for a few hours if it does freeze?

Really need this whole winter thing to GO AWAY!!

In agreement. I only have heated water in one coop. The other have dishes I empty out ice and fill twice a day. They do fine. I do have LOADS of what look like big ice hockey pucks all over the yard. I have had a total of 3 (Yes, i counted, but it wasn't hard) days that I didn't have to bang out ice from dishes.

But hey it's only -17 today!

For those of you turkey people, do you know if there is a history of Histomoniasis in Michigan? I am trying to determine where the turkeys will be living. As good as our Michigan Ag is...

They don't seem to have any information that is useful to me with this question.