Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Candy442]

When you see numbers like that coming from research or government institutions, they are likely intended to be used by commercial producers. There is a certain feeling that commercial production numbers underestimate the needs of birds. Commercial production is intended to reduce costs and increase profitability.

I would agree except the plan for the hoop house was designed for small flocks....oh well. You are right about commercial interests, most definitely.

 

[RaZ]

When you see numbers like that coming from research or government institutions, they are likely intended to be used by commercial producers. There is a certain feeling that commercial production numbers underestimate the needs of birds. Commercial production is intended to reduce costs and increase profitability.

Indeed. Even peer-reviewed publications need to be viewed with a critical eye. I usually read the end to see who funded or sponsored the study. Then I look at the citations used. Blanket statements like a chicken needs X square feet, I take with a grain of salt. A bantam needs X; a standard needs 2X and something like a JG needs even more. Then factor if they are cooped all day, or have access to a run or free range.

I've offered to do this for MDARD and the GAAMP committees for 2 years now and they don't want to hear about it. I showed them a simple chart based on animal type, area needed, manure output that can be used for determining a suitable level of animal care and environmental protection. All based on sound science.

 

[luvmypets]

Nvm

 

[preciouskitty]

So, I am back down in Kettering for my LAST class...yep, will have been down here 3 out of the last 4 weeks...

Anyhow, I have a BYCer in this class! AND, he's a former Michigander (that just relocated back home to W.VA after 20 yrs in MI & working where I work).
Only problem, he's a BYC lurker....THUS, my mission over the next 2 1/2 days is to make him a full fledged member (oh, yeah, & to pass the class, too...).....

 

[Farmerboy16]

Thanks everyone for the condolences. I buried the baby next to the 7 years old Peach tree that I grew from seed in the garden.

 

[Trefoil]

Indeed. Even peer-reviewed publications need to be viewed with a critical eye. I usually read the end to see who funded or sponsored the study. Then I look at the citations used. Blanket statements like a chicken needs X square feet, I take with a grain of salt. A bantam needs X; a standard needs 2X and something like a JG needs even more. Then factor if they are cooped all day, or have access to a run or free range.

I've offered to do this for MDARD and the GAAMP committees for 2 years now and they don't want to hear about it. I showed them a simple chart based on animal type, area needed, manure output that can be used for determining a suitable level of animal care and environmental protection. All based on sound science.

That is partially because in their eyes its ridiculous to give chickens enough room to live healthfully,pack em in and dope em up is more profitable, they can buy their way out of responsibility for the health problems incurred by the consumer for this attitude.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

I don't think that anyone here believes that you would intentionally crowd your birds, but we would HATE to have you order 50 birds and ONLY have that hoop house to keep them in, and then be up a creek a month and half later.  

Thats what I was trying to say. Thank you, Gladahmae. Been there and done that , then was stressing about building another hoop coop or scrambling to get some of them butchered.

 

[Brennigan]

I'm so sad/sorry to hear of the losses and watch the grieving this past week.

I'm new(er) to BYC, and I can feel a deep caring and relationships here that's developed over time. It's really beautiful to see such support with these losses.


I just signed my husband and I up for ChickenStock 2014; it's our first year, and I'm excited to go, meet, and see everything! Maybe even come home with something a little special.

...if we can handle a 2 hour care ride with one little lady!


I've been keeping on eye on Michigan Small Farm Council's Facebook. Any news of the re-schedule? I know there is power in numbers, and I've heard many people say to be active on this legislative level, but I feel un-educated compared to some of the speakers I read about from last week. I've done my research in my city, my zoning laws, and I'd love to be a voice for the people, but I'm just curious how to get that full knowledge.


Still haven't come across my earring in any poop yet.

Leven is acting fine, so I'm hoping its ground up well and doesn't tear while passing or she just keeps it in her gizzard. I'm not ready to go sifting for crystals!

 

[Opa]

Next month will mark the 46th year since I last drew a paycheck from the "Green Machine". Six years of commitment to the US Army was culminated by my final duty assignment of 6 months at Fort Leonard Wood as a drill sergeant. It was my task to help guide about 600 trainees through their Advance Individual Training before they were assigned to a permanent duty station.

Miles traveled while counting cadence taking them from one training station to another trying to shape them into a cohesive unit. In addition to giving them the necessary skills to carry out their assigned tasks and how to survive in a combat situation, we tried to install an "esprit de corps" of confidence in their own abilities and in the benefit and necessity of working as a team.

While this was still early in the Viet Nam war years, a great number of them were sent to southeat Asia. Many times in the intervening years since I have often wondered how many of those young men made the ultimate sacrifice. Was I able to help give them the skills they so desperately needed.

It is a question that has no way of being answered but I do know that when their country asked all gave some and sadly some gave all.

 

[fuzzybutt love]

8x8 ...50 of anything.... gesh. I wonder if that university was calculating for bantams? Don't seem like there would be enough standing places!

One modification to consider would be a hardware apron bottom? Tractors are vulnerable to diggers. The rest looks stout.