Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[gladahmae]

Just as a reminder to everyone, with the warm temps the predators are out in full force! I was at my parents' house over the weekend and they have had a coon making regular trips to the bird feeders during daytime hours (between 3 and 5 before the time change)



Going to start the very not-so-fun job of cleaning out the big coop tomorrow. Temps are supposed to stay above freezing overnight and during the day tomorrow as well, so hopefully I'll be able to get all of the litter out. Of course, all of that is contingent upon the toddler napping.

I was going to start collecting egg this week to set before we go on vacation, but those gosh darn chickens are STILL protesting the last cold snap. Only 12 eggs total for last week.

 

[Nigellas]

In case anyone is looking for something specific… TSC in Saline had Easter Eggers as of yesterday, some D'Uccles, BSLs, Leghorns and a few Barred Rocks. They are also expecting a new shipment this morning.
I managed to *not* get anymore, but I'm seriously considering going back this morning - there was a grey EE baby I regret not scooping up. If anyone wants to split the minimum, I can pick up for you today - I really don't want to add 6 more from their minimum - 2 would be perfect. I guess worst case scenario, I can always resell.

 

[preciouskitty]

Just as a reminder to everyone, with the warm temps the predators are out in full force! I was at my parents' house over the weekend and they have had a coon making regular trips to the bird feeders during daytime hours (between 3 and 5 before the time change)

Yes. The raccoons are out in FULL force, and during the peak of daytime! We had FOUR running around...and getting WAY too close to the birds out free ranging....one was even hassling my little button buck that has taken to "living" at our house (beds down in one of the corners of our lot....needless to say, he will be "safe" come hunting season

)

The last few days that have been warm, threw Blackie outside with the crew..he kicked Bigboy's butt this time around. Then, each of them hung out in the yard with 5 girls each. Still have to bring Blackie in at night til I can "fully" integrate him back. Really want to be able to keep each of the boys; they are both WONDERFUL protectors of the girls.

Also put Spaz out; she's been in the house for about 3 months. Only 2 of the PRs seem to be "mean" to her, one of which decided to rip one of her toenails off yesterday. At first thought all the blood drops on the deck were from another rooster fight...so, I look like a smurf with BluKote all over my hands.

Spaz enjoyed herself, took a nice dust bath under the house; actually hopped right onto a snow drift (her first time ever really seeing snow) & walked to her favorite spot.

Really wish all the snow would melt around the coop so I can access my 4' x 8' section in the pen that is set up for integrating birds into the existing flock. But, for now, on nice days, I am just throwing them outside during free range time & all seems good in the world. In fact, I am going to take a day of vacation tomorrow since it i going to be "warm" so that they can all get another day together.

Welcome to all the newcomers; sorry to hear about all the injuries/sickness (I hear ya on the "sick bay" revolving door!!)

 

[uchytil]

Does anyone in the Rockford/Grand Rapids area know of someone that carries the "mini-flakes" type of bedding? Farm Family & Home used to have Guardian Swift Pick Mini-Flakes, but haven't for some time now. I liked how much easier it was to "spot clean" my little coops with the teeny tiny pine flake pieces, kind of like clumping cat litter. I guess I have turned into a bedding snob...

Muskegon too far?

I usually use FFH in N. Muskegon and they have a ton. I went to TSC this time with a 10% and got regular flake but saw they have fine also.

 

[aart]

Had a possum on the grill....not cooking but attracted by the chicken I grilled last night ......woke the dog who woke me rattling around on the front porch this morning...geezz

Have one chick hatched out of 16 sketchy eggs.....with no more pips on day 22-23 I think I may end up with a single.....may *have to* splurge on a couple of the Welsummer chicks from a local breeder that I shouldn't spend money on.

Nice that's it's so warm early in the morning for once...feels springy out there...just in time for Ostara/Equinox on the 20th!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

x2 on the baby chick dust, some last yr. tried sand, don't know if that cut down the dust or not



HEARD SAND HILL CRANES THIS AM.    that is always the first sign that spring is close behind....hope the poor things can find something to eat. 

They never left here.

I've seen Raccoon tracks here too.

@Opa what kind of oil do I look for?

 

[snowflake]

were are you that they never left?? Our Sand Hills circle in the fall before they leave and are always the first back in the spring ??

 

[snowflake]

What is most aggravating about her situation is that someone shot her with a target arrow. Any hunter knows that taking a turkey with a bow and arrow is a challenge and target arrows are never the arrow of choice. I'm certain it was done with malicious intent.

I am surprised it doesn't get caught on branches and weeds, poor thing

Does anyone in the Rockford/Grand Rapids area know of someone that carries the "mini-flakes" type of bedding? Farm Family & Home used to have Guardian Swift Pick Mini-Flakes, but haven't for some time now. I liked how much easier it was to "spot clean" my little coops with the teeny tiny pine flake pieces, kind of like clumping cat litter. I guess I have turned into a bedding snob...

Have you tried CN Sawdust, on 57 near Wolverine Blvd, they carry mostly horse supplies but also have some chicken


right now puddles sound good, if we could just avoid the MUD

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

MUD SEASON! Luckily I have ducks! & Boys! They love mud! LOL

I saw the cranes in Shiawassee & Genesee County. I family near the Genesee/Oakland border and their Cranes never leave.

 

[SillyChicken]

I can't wait to hear a sand hill!

DH helped me do the blood draws on the goats yesterday.. I think he was more traumatized by it than the goats were. The buck gave me a hard time so we'll try him (the buck) again in a few weeks. I got Star trimmed up for her pending delivery.. she was actually well behaved.

Friday we got the sheep sheared... they were so cold yesterday, I ran out and picked up a couple boys hoodies, cut off the sleeves and hoods, and put em on the sheep. They have at least stopped shivering now. Poor girls.