Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RTFchickens]

1muttsfan,
Thank you, that's the thread ;-)
I'm on my little iPod, so I'm not good at posting links...

 

[Sparverius]

Oh no! And here I thought since Michigan is (was?) a part of the Barn Owl range, that they were here. That is really really sad!

There are occasional sightings -- a sick barn owl (from rat poison!) was found and brought in to a wildlife rehabber in 2012 -- so as far as I know Michigan is still considered part of their range, but they're few and far between. It's really hard for people to get any estimate on population size, though, being that they're nocturnal and pretty elusive. It seems to be unclear if there's a very small (but un-noticed) breeding population, or if it's just migrants moving through.

I already have built two kestrel nest boxes. I am guessing it is a little late in the year to expect any nesting, right? And it seems screech owl box plans are identical to kestrel nest boxes! So if I put a box in an open area, maybe a kestrel will claim it. And another box in the trees, perhaps a screech?


I could make a couple more, they were so easy to put together! The song of a screech owl is so pretty, I'd love to hear it again here, and hope they fill up on mice!

That's right, the same box will work for either screech owls or kestrels, with kestrels preferring open spaces and screech owls preferring woods and forest edges. But yes, I do think it's probably late in the year for nesting to start though... although since birds tend to nest later the farther north they are, maybe it's possible? I hope you get some eventually though!

 

[Maah]

DH has decided that he wants to get a couple guinea fowl this year. FF&H said they're getting their last shipment in on Tuesday this week and might get some more in (they were sold out when we stopped in there yesterday). So, I'll stop in there again tomorrow to check. Otherwise, we'll be on the hunt for some in other places.

Any advice for us about guineas?

 

[JackieandChicks]

I have a single lonely male I am thinking of placing out - his buddy died and he sits and stares at his reflection in my truck bumper. He's $15 - 2 years old, healthy, comes when I call him - fairly tame for a guinea. He does like some free range time so I am not looking for him to be caged all the time. Word of advice - they are noisy!!! Be prepared! And they are not at all like chickens - you can see the wild in them.

DH has decided that he wants to get a couple guinea fowl this year. FF&H said they're getting their last shipment in on Tuesday this week and might get some more in (they were sold out when we stopped in there yesterday). So, I'll stop in there again tomorrow to check. Otherwise, we'll be on the hunt for some in other places.

Any advice for us about guineas?

 

[taprock]

DH has decided that he wants to get a couple guinea fowl this year. FF&H said they're getting their last shipment in on Tuesday this week and might get some more in (they were sold out when we stopped in there yesterday). So, I'll stop in there again tomorrow to check. Otherwise, we'll be on the hunt for some in other places.

Any advice for us about guineas?

x2 on the noise. Ours were very noisy for about 7 months until they learned the routines. They are still noisy just less often. They are smart as a single bird but put them in a group and they tend to panic. I have thirteen little ones right now and they pile up at the most minor things. If you were closer I'd send some your way. I have 7 too many! They do make wonderful watchdogs when they are older. Our olders ones, if we hear them doing the alarm type call we go look and usually there is a reason for it.

 

[uchytil]

Is there anyone in the Muskegon area going to the meeting in Lansing the Thursday?

 

[Stacykins]

There are occasional sightings -- a sick barn owl (from rat poison!) was found and brought in to a wildlife rehabber in 2012 -- so as far as I know Michigan is still considered part of their range, but they're few and far between. It's really hard for people to get any estimate on population size, though, being that they're nocturnal and pretty elusive. It seems to be unclear if there's a very small (but un-noticed) breeding population, or if it's just migrants moving through.

You know, I am still thinking of putting up a barn owl box. I know the chances are slim it will attract the target species. It won't be that hard to built one, and it'll be a little bit of hope. It may never get used by a barn owl. But if it does, it will be fantastic!

The reasoning being, is there are confirmed breeding barn owls in Langlade County in Wisconsin. The UP seems closer to the Wisconsin than the rest of Michigan. And where I am is in a warmer/less harsh 'banana belt', which might allow for easier winter survival. One can hope, right?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

You know, I am still thinking of putting up a barn owl box. I know the chances are slim it will attract the target species. It won't be that hard to built one, and it'll be a little bit of hope. It may never get used by a barn owl. But if it does, it will be fantastic! 

The reasoning being, is there are confirmed breeding barn owls in Langlade County in Wisconsin. The UP seems closer to the Wisconsin than the rest of Michigan. And where I am is in a warmer/less harsh 'banana belt', which might allow for easier winter survival. One can hope, right?

Stacy, I was going to say that I think given your location, you Probly have pretty good chances of attracting any, more so than those of us down below. Have you considered talking to the US Forestry or DNR or your County to see if you qualify for any Habitat Restoration -type benes?

 

[Brennigan]

Is there anyone in the Muskegon area going to the meeting in Lansing the Thursday?  

I'm a little farther south, but I'd like to go. I'm hoping for a large turn-out while the fire about this is still large and hot.

 

[iamfivewire]

havent been on for about 3 weeks (away on vacation & busy since back) - skimmed thru nearly 600 posts i was behind
welcome to the new members