Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Faraday40]

Jerabu-
Always build a little bigger than you need. (Chicken math....)

I'm trying river sand in the coop & run. It takes 2 min per day to run a big kitty scooper through it. So far, no moisture/smell. (Started Nov 2013)
Most of the poop falls below the roost. I started out with a removable/ flexible /waterproof board under the roost which was cleaned daily. Worked OK in summer when I had a hose. The entire coop (used shavings) was cleaned once a week. When added up, I spent more time & money with the shavings than I do now. The biggest downside of sand is the compost. (Have to gather more dry stuff to add.)

 

[RaZ]

Thank you! How old are they, 2-3 weeks? TSC or Breeder? Male to Female ratio?

They are 4 weeks old. 6 are pullets and 1 is a roo. They came from TSC and were the last 7 in the brooder. I took the male because they were going to throw him in a different pullet bin.

That's so funny. Once a year I boil some to make Cabbage Juice indicator for my students' pH labs. Perhaps I can add "Chicken Coop Chemistry" into the lesson plans. (Middle School kids love all the gross stuff.)

Chicken Coop Chemistry would be a great idea.

 

[jrsckn]

I'm new to chicken-ing and have wanted an Easter Egger -- could you send me a few pictures of your one-year olds and a brief bio?

Sent you a pm so my reply wouldn't get lost in this thread

 

[jrsckn]

I grew up in Durand! Thats crazy. Wish we could take your ducks, but we just placed an order for some babies :-/

Oh, that's neat! I moved here three years ago, can't say I love it, but my house was cheap. I wish I could say the same about the taxes and water bill lol. Aw, that's too bad, I hate to send such nice, expensive ducks to freezer camp

Good luck with your babies!

 

[JackieandChicks]

Chickies! Hopefully the weather has broken and no more teens/single digits at night. Here they are getting out of the carrier for breakfast and playtime!

 

[Spitzboyz]

@jerabu - I too am in the near or same boat as you! I get my shed to convert to a coop this weekend! Anyways, I have done EXTENSIVE research for over a year on chickens and fowl that will withstand our Michigan winters, as I am near the coast of Lake Michigan here in West Michigan, and have found a few breeds including rare breeds which will weather fine. First you should access, which you have, your needs for production and temperament. After this is done then you can narrow done your choice of breed. I have chosen Appenzeller Spitzhauben as my dual purpose (lower than normal egg production - we don't eat a lot of eggs) and Cochins as potential brooders. Both breeds are from the list of 15 or more that I found suitable for our Michigan winters. Of course shelter and protection from the elements with proper care will get most chickens very far. I can send you my list if you email me. Hope that helps a little.

If your working with breeders, ask them. If your buying at TSC then research first. If your buying from a hatchery, look for "Cold Hardy" in the breed description. Frizzles, Silkies, birds with less than normal pattern feathers and those with huge wattles and combs are not recommended. Feather footed varieties have good luck but you can find good non-feathered footed ones that are also suitable.

 

[fuzzybutt love]

Opa i laughed good about your penut butter cup addiction

Had a good laugh about your door latch too, silly chicken . I had forgotten about that

 

[fuzzybutt love]

If you are free ranging i'd be wary of feather feet in the winter. Frost bite potential. Mine are in for the winter!!!

 

[mara1]

Tractor Supply in South Lyon 25 cent pullets Leghorn red sex link black sex and wellies anybody need any

 

[1muttsfan]

I have found my silkies to be quite cold-hardy.

Google the Henderson chicken chart for a good resource for breeds, including cold hardiness.