Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Barrettsmimi]

Can I ask for those who have them, how are Isa browns vs. Rhode Island Reds? I was thinking of getting some RIR, black australorp and some buff orpington. I have a friend who had both Isa browns and RIR and he said he gets more eggs from the Isa's. And if I were to wait until say Easter, when they have the chicks like at Tractor Supply, would I get eggs before winter hits? Thank you all so much for everything! So glad I found this site!!

 

[SillyChicken]

Yeah your right, I also forgot to mention a bee brush. As far as the soft wax foundations, I had the same issue, I was told by a friend that I needed to start out the extractor slower and that I didn't need to crank so fast when extracting it. He was right, but I still accidentally blow out some when I get in a hurry. I have been meaning to check out that Napoleon store, how are they with prices and selection?

I think they are reasonable with prices. When you consider the cost of shipping things these days. (of course he is only 3 miles from me so..) He has frames he made up pretty cheap. We actually have extra frames, so when we pull full ones out, we can stick empty ones back in. Lots of parts to make your own or you can buy one all built. He's not a bee expert and is learning too, but he has all the stuff you'll need.

 

[LisaLouHoo]

Can I ask for those who have them, how are Isa browns vs. Rhode Island Reds?  I was thinking of getting some RIR, black australorp and some buff orpington.   I have a friend who had both Isa browns and RIR and he said he gets more eggs from the Isa's. And if I were to wait until say Easter, when they have the chicks like at Tractor Supply, would I get eggs before winter hits? Thank you all so much for everything! So glad I found this site!!

I had an ISA brown who laid her first egg in 14 wks. I couldn't believe it. Then I found out that isn't necessarily a good thing, because they will burn out quicker. But she did lay an egg every day for months. A fox got her the following year.

 

[tntchix]

My Isa's have laid an egg a day since they were 17 weeks old but recently had to cull one due to aggressive behavior so down to one now. Angel follows me everywhere.

ETA: my ISA's are from TSC too.

 

[RaZ]

My ISAs came from TSC and were great layers. They were no where near friendly towards me or the other hens.
Since I like a friendly flock I would not get them again. If I just wanted egg production only then I would get them again.

FWIW I got 2 eggs today!

ETA: Fixed the typo.

 

[taprock]

Can I safely put her back out in the cold after being in the warm house overnight?

I would guess the stress of being inside would be worse than that of the cold. Think of how you feel visiting family who keeps their house 10 degrees warmer than what your house is. The less time inside for a guinea, the better. Temps change dramatically here in Michigan anyway. Just keep an eye on her for the first few hours outside.

 

[RaZ]

I think we can all agree that have a draft-free coop is a good idea. I have also heard that one should try to keep it at or 5-10 degrees above ambient air temperature. But I've noticed that my girls have no problem being outside when the wind is blowing. Of course they are moving around and not roosting but it goes to show that they are more hardy than people think.
I got my stitches out yesterday and the doc says to take it easy for another 2 weeks and avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds. I guess he doesn't realize that feed comes in 40 or 50 pound sacks.

 

[1muttsfan]

Usually the employees at TSC ask if I would like help loading bags of feed into my car. I tell them that unless they are going to come home and help me unload it, thanks anyway but no thanks

Hope your guinea does ok, trefoil

Isa Browns are hybrids, bred to produce very large numbers of large brown eggs. They are egg laying machines. Good quality Rhode Island Reds are heritage birds that are good layers but will not match Isa Browns. Some Isas can be on the aggressive side with other birds.

 

[Folly's place]

I prefer heritage/ dual purpose chickens, and found Isas to be very aggressive in the flock, and short lived. I also didn't love the production (hatchery) RIR's, for the same reasons. Australorps are very nice, as are Speckled Sussex hens, EE's, Ameracaunas, Marans, and Wyandottes. None of them will lay as many eggs per pound of feed as white Leghorn or hybrid laying hens, but may live longer and be nicer birds. Did I mention Chanteclers? Iowa Blues? So many breeds, so little space! Mary

 

[birdman55]

Where exactly are you located birdman55??

three hours north east of lansing...by grayling...sortof....
well its 1.23 am and there still hatching...weird huh...day 23 and still hatching...