Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Elyssia001]

The Senate Hearing was adjourned just as I was getting wound up. They broke to attend another meeting and I was told that I could continue then but I had to leave with my driver. She is presenting tonight in Jackson on the affect this change is having on small farmers.

The hearing reconvened but then adjourned again around 1:00. Since a number of people did not get a chance to speak they will schedule another hearing soon.  I'll let you know when that will be.

Thanks for going for those of us who could not. I am hopeful that those who testify are able to sway the reps. But if not, I am prepared to do what I can to change things for the better. I want so badly to be able to raise my own animals when we get our own property and I will fight for that protection.

 

[Trefoil]

Raz & everybody- Would it help to point out that all the concerns raised by the no chickens,bees, or animals in the city or anywhere by me people are already addressed more reasonably by smell and unsanitary regs? The only thing not addressed already is the " I want to control what my neighbor does" faction.

 

[Elyssia001]

Excellent points, Trefoil. Those same regulations would keep a backyard farm from being a legitimate nuisance to the neighbors.

 

[Amy PT]

Love the colors what breed is he/she(dog) he is very good with them

Arlo was adopted from a shelter and listed as a mixed breed stray. His features suggest some spaniel, and maybe corgi. He is very very good with our chickens. Our other dog is a shepherd mix, and is shut in a room in the house when the chickens are let out of their enclosure to ensure that the dog isn't accidently let out of the house. She would kill them for sure. Good dog, but a really high prey drive.

 

[RaZ]

Raz & everybody- Would it help to point out that all the concerns raised by the no chickens,bees, or animals in the city or anywhere by me people are already addressed more reasonably by smell and unsanitary regs? The only thing not addressed already is the " I want to control what my neighbor does" faction.

That would be assuming that those in control are applying common sense. Both at the state level and the local level.

My take on this is that the current director of MDARD has a deep personal dis-like of any backyard chicken keeper and she has displayed this time and again. She has publicly, verbally attacked a few of the MSFC council members when questioned about or presented with facts. In a letter she published on MDARD webpage, she claims that we are "misinformed". Read it here: http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-328249--,00.html
There is also a rebuttal by MSFC here: http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/05/michigan_small_farm_council_di.html

However, the "misinformation" originates from within the MDARD. Testimony given by MDARD yesterday to the Senate Ag Hearing was confusing, contradictory and misleading. I believe that was a deliberate plan. Assistant Deputy Director, Gordon Wenk is normally a well-spoken articulate person and yesterday he was anything but clear.

The irony is that most, if not all of us small farm operations treat our animals and the environment with far more care than any farm factory does. But some neighbors simply don't understand and they want to shut us down. And some local authorities are exactly the same. I've always said that this (byc) is about education, how ever one cannot education those who choose to be willfully ignorant.

Off my soapbox now.

 

[RaZ]

Chicken Stock is a mere five (5) weeks away!​

So far there are only 9 people signed up on the food thread. Are we all on a diet? Where are our gourmets who want to show off their tasty wares?

 

[uchytil]

Chicken Stock is a mere five (5) weeks away!​

So far there are only 9 people signed up on the food thread. Are we all on a diet? Where are our gourmets who want to show off their tasty wares?

Being 99% sure I'll be there is why we have not signed the lists yet. Not our usual tactic.

Pretty sure it'll be a dessert - who doesn't like dessert? And, pretty sure I'll bring Maple Syrup, bunnies, and other stuff. Pretty sure I'll be bringing a quiet BYC'r that lives nearby. Pretty sure.

 

[chickflick]

Oh, I hope you bring that quiet BYCer! Miss her!

Remember, with Sam (Opa) not coming, we won't have the smoked chicken. So, we'll need to fill that gap. I'm still thinking of what I'm bringing.

 

[tori8780]

Chicken Stock is a mere five (5) weeks away!​

So far there are only 9 people signed up on the food thread. Are we all on a diet? Where are our gourmets who want to show off their tasty wares?

I wanted to come so bad but I picked up a shift at work before I knew about it (I'm a social worker)

Anyone care to take a guess if these are cockerels or pullets? I'm guessing they are all pullets, but not positive.














And, can anyone identify what breed this one is?


Sorry for the ginormous post

 

[gladahmae]

I wanted to come so bad but I picked up a shift at work before I knew about it (I'm a social worker)

Anyone care to take a guess if these are cockerels or pullets? I'm guessing they are all pullets, but not positive.







THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE A COCKEREL TO ME WITH THE 3 COMB RIDGES







And, can anyone identify what breed this one is?


Sorry for the ginormous post

Looks like a hatchery gold laced wyandotte. how old are they? my wyandotte cockerels were always showing red wattles by the 5-6 week mark.