Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[breezyschicks]

Welcome breezy!  I'm up by Levering so you are close.  I don't have heat in my coops and everyone faired ok this winter.  My smallest breeds(Old English and Modern game) did sustain some frostbite but the rest of the bantams and Standards were just fine.  I am already thinking about what I need to be ready for this next winter, so sad but it seems to come so quick.
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So if I have good ventilation in there I should be OK? Do you cover there run or have a place they can get out into? I know I go stir crazy in the winter so imagine they do as well! Also can you tell me what's the best thing to use for roost bars? I read somewhere someone uses 2x4s..flat side up of course. Do you have any chicks for sale at the moment? I got mine from TSC and am very disappointed to find out I've got 3 roos....I don't plan on hatching this year so I'd just like to get egg layers, I'd really like some Orpingtons but I don't know anyone in the area who sells chicks! Thanks!

 

[Opa]

The idea behind a chicken tractor is to have a pen that is moveable so that the birds will constantly have fresh grass. In theory you can move it with the chickens inside. If you install a bottom you are not only adding the weight of the wire to the tractor but the weight of the chickens as well.

If you use a wire with a mesh small enough to predator proof then you will have a problem with manure packing up on it. So I strongly advise not installing one. Instead you can place wire on the ground before lowering the tractor. With hardware cloth extending 18-20" around the tractor you can effectively block digging predators. I have never seen one that will start digging that far from the pen.

 

[RaZ]

I've had this idea of creating a dig-resistant area for grass for chicken tractor landing areas made from these 24" x 16" pavers.

I doubt that many diggers would want to try going though concrete.

 

[preciouskitty]

Below is a quote from the message the Brigadier General (1 star) that my office falls under sent yesterday; he always sends great messages to us prior to Holidays thanking us & reminding how what we do helps to support & save the lives of our service members..AND reminding us as to what a given holiday is for (i.,e., just a tad more than a day off of work )

"This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on all of our brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom and to celebrate their Service to our nation. From the Lexington Green in 1775 to the mountains of Afghanistan in 2014, let us never forget the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. As with every Memorial Day, I will remember my personal friends and comrades who have made that ultimate sacrifice and pray for their families in grateful remembrance of their service. "

I am pretty sure I will have another one to share the from the "boss" of the new organization I will be moving to in June (have worked under him for 10+yrs on other programs in the past) ; he, too, always sends great messages.....

 

[Opa]

I learned at an early age about the sacrifice made by others for the sake of our freedoms. My father was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America and I often would accompany to some of their meetings. When I became a teenage I had the honor of playing taps at the funerals of their members who had passed. This gave me the unique opportunity to interact with veterans and their families of three wars. This experience I'm sure influenced my decision to serve my country.

Make sure your children know that Memorial Day is more than a day off from work.

 

[snowflake]

Welcome breezy! I'm up by Levering so you are close. I don't have heat in my coops and everyone faired ok this winter. My smallest breeds(Old English and Modern game) did sustain some frostbite but the rest of the bantams and Standards were just fine. I am already thinking about what I need to be ready for this next winter, so sad but it seems to come so quick.
[/quote
So if I have good ventilation in there I should be OK? Do you cover there run or have a place they can get out into? I know I go stir crazy in the winter so imagine they do as well! Also can you tell me what's the best thing to use for roost bars? I read somewhere someone uses 2x4s..flat side up of course. Do you have any chicks for sale at the moment? I got mine from TSC and am very disappointed to find out I've got 3 roos....I don't plan on hatching this year so I'd just like to get egg layers, I'd really like some Orpingtons but I don't know anyone in the area who sells chicks! Thanks!

yes ventilation is most important. a covered run with some kind of netting or wire will protect from fliers, hawks,ect. an area that protects from rain and snow is also very important if you can provide. mine eat and drink outside year round keeps the inside cleaner. I use 2x4 roosts that are removable and have poop boards keep things cleaner also as chickens poo a lot at night. Opa has a great run that snow falls off, if you can cover the run with a slanted or round roof, good for MI. winters. check out member pics many have picks of coops & runs. and don't forget to make a coop large enough to go into so you can clean easy

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Anyone interested in a handsome fawn and white Runner drake who has great urges to reproduce? He's 1-2yrs and fine, just I think he'd appreciate some lady ducks of his own.

 

[lbrykowski2011]

Amanda, I suggest that you PM @miss lydia -- She's into geese.

And talk to your neighbors, I'm sure you will find a local Handyman/Handywoman who'd likely appreciate the work. Personally I like converted doghouses myself.

Everybody else who is fighting weeds like me, here ya go: http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2011/06/got-weeds-use-vinegar-not-roundup/

My in-laws told me about the vinegar last yr, so I tried it and it worked great.

 

[RaZ]

Make sure your children know that Memorial Day is more than a day off from work.

Sadly the meaning seems to have been lost to many. Based on the ads in the morning paper, one would think it is all about sales.

I honour the fallen by replacing my flag on Memorial Day.
My flag is displayed every day. There is only one other house in the neighborhood that displays a US flag. I find that sad.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

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.

John, I was just thinking that I need to get back in touch with you about that. I have been so busy enjoying the days with my grandson and then getting things done when he goes home. I would like to go. Just have to clear it with boss man and if he isn't working maybe I can get him to go to.
We have had bears come through here three times in the last couple of weeks. First it was a mom and two cubs,

Then it was a single bear,

Then another single bear at 5:30 am on Tuesday. But the picture isn't very clear on it.