Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[ladyrsanti]

Super excited that I found a hen-of-the-woods at the base of our old oak tree this morning. I can see why they named it that now that I have chickens, looking like a chicken butt and all. So the Japanese name for it, Maitake, means dancing mushroom because those who find it do a happy dance. I agree with that too. It was hidden from view and this being our first autumn in this house, I hadn't a clue until I was out photographing the tree because it's so beautiful with the changing colors. It didn't look that big until I cut it. The massive ball of fungus weighs 16lbs! Time to start cleaning and freezing!

 

[NovaAman]

IS that what those are! I have them all over and I didn't even know!

 

[caz426]

Hi Everyone!

Hello neighbor!! I'm in Willis

. I'm new to chickens too... I've had my girls since April and I love them. I honestly can't understand why everyone doesn't keep chickens. I have a White Leghorn, a Buff Orpington and and Easter Egger.... I think they are all great. Each has their own personalities. The Orpington is probably the most shy, but she's beautiful. I'm also still waiting on her to lay eggs, while the others have been laying for weeks.


I've been here and reading posts... thought I'd better say hey cause I hate feeling like a stalker!

Opa..... So glad to hear that Granny is ok... that is some scary stuff. As a future nurse it gives me the chills to hear stories like this. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have administered some of those bad shots!

 

[ladyrsanti]

IS that what those are! I have them all over and I didn't even know!

Even if they're not, I guess there's no poisonous look-a-likes so you'd be safe.

 

[Delynne77]

LOL!

Delynne,

I know Monroe pretty well.... DH's mom lives down there so we are in your area on occasion.

Friendliness is just going to depend on the chicken....I have some I've tried to handle since young, and they want NOTHING to do with me.. well.. most of my birds are that way anyway Like most animals, they are food motivated. They'll all come running like your bestest buds if they know you have treats!
If you do get a rooster, I've also had little issues with my faverolle roos (other than they will peck me if I pick them up) and they will come running if I pick up a hen, but they never out right attack me. (they really are just doing their jobs)... Be prepared to re home or send him to freezer camp if he is too aggressive for your family. Most of the time I just leave my birds alone other than when they need care etc.

They are fun to have, but they are work. What kind of coop are you planning on? If you have the right coop set up, it will make all the difference in the amount of work they can be.

I'v only been in the area for about two years, but so far it's pretty nice! I'm more of a Holly/ Fenton girl, and I miss home... I miss the trees! Anyway, thank you for the reply!

I'm still not sold on getting a rooster yet. They are absolutely breath taking, but I think I should get some experience with hens first. As far as the coop, I'm really taken by the Nieman Marcus coop! HA! But really, we're going to start building it this weekend, and we have a few ideas. Our main concerns are predators. We have a lot of coyotes here and hear them nightly. We also have hawks and bald eagles aplenty (also why I'm fearful of getting bantams). So it has to be a fortress. We want an good size run because I won't let them free when someone's not home (because of the predators). However we do have two acres, so when I get home, they have plenty of room to explore. We are building close to the house so we can keep a watchful eye on the girls. Finally, I want a coop large enough to accomodate more members if (maybe I should say, "When"?) the desire should arise.

Realistically, I don't want to spend a fortune (sorry Neiman Marcus). My husband and I are avid builders of anything wood, and honestly I think the idea of having another project is his main motivation for the chickens! So... with all of this information, what do you think? Also, any suggestions on easy heating for the coop? I just hate the idea of the cold! I have even thought of building a "Fort" type removable wall to try to protect from some snow and wind... It sure has been windy lately, hasn't it? Admittedly, that may not be neccesary... Do they go back in if they're cold? That's probably a stupid question....

Thank you for the help and warm welcome! You guys are great!

 

[Delynne77]

Hello neighbor!! I'm in Willis

. I'm new to chickens too... I've had my girls since April and I love them. I honestly can't understand why everyone doesn't keep chickens. I have a White Leghorn, a Buff Orpington and and Easter Egger.... I think they are all great. Each has their own personalities. The Orpington is probably the most shy, but she's beautiful. I'm also still waiting on her to lay eggs, while the others have been laying for weeks.


I've been here and reading posts... thought I'd better say hey cause I hate feeling like a stalker!

Opa..... So glad to hear that Granny is ok... that is some scary stuff. As a future nurse it gives me the chills to hear stories like this. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have administered some of those bad shots!

Yay! You're right next door! That's so exciting! Hi!

 

[mrshaggie810]

I lost a 18 week old leghorn hen the other night.

So sorry! (((hugs)))

Well it happened, we lost one to a predator, I feel so bad.

(((hugs))) to you too! I hope you don't have any more issues with them...if anyone in your neighborhood has a large dog I highly recommend having them come pee the perimeter...my great dane does our yard and I haven't had a problem with anything eating my garden or predators messing with the ducks yet knock on wood.

Oh, yeah, and I have been meaning to share this with you guys since some of you have that weird fixation on the TSC metal rooster. It's not in English, but the step-by-step photos are pretty clear:

Egg Carton Rooster -

That is so flippin cool!!! i don't always love novelty rooster items, but I do love crafts and I think my kids would get a kick out of this!

Hi Everyone!

I am new to fowl still...getting my first couple laying ladies Sunday, and some cochin pullets...super excited about those...I really wanted brahma's...love their feathered feet and supposed to have great personalities and be cold hardy, but I can't find anyone with chicks right now or even young adults they want to sell...I recently lost my duck hen, but still have a drake and I'm getting ready to get some ducklings soon here too. This is a great group and you will find LOADS of great info on the site!

Super excited that I found a hen-of-the-woods at the base of our old oak tree this morning. I can see why they named it that now that I have chickens, looking like a chicken butt and all. So the Japanese name for it, Maitake, means dancing mushroom because those who find it do a happy dance. I agree with that too. It was hidden from view and this being our first autumn in this house, I hadn't a clue until I was out photographing the tree because it's so beautiful with the changing colors. It didn't look that big until I cut it. The massive ball of fungus weighs 16lbs! Time to start cleaning and freezing!

Wow!!!! That is CRAZY and awesome!!! So what..you can eat it? Mushrooms are always a mystery to me...hubby doesn't like them so I usually don't bother much with them...we get them all over our yard this time of year...anyone have a good resource for what is safe to eat? Some of them look so white, and delicious!! lol!

As for me I'm running my butt off like a crazy person!!! One more week and the craziness will be done for a couple weeks...soccer and errands and working on the kids halloween costumes today and soccer games, trick or treat walk, and grocery shopping tomorrow! Then hubby is taking my oldest hunting at his dad's and then Sunday I have to go pick up some new ladies and then I have a coaches meeting. hew: then it starts all over with dance, then cub scouts on monday, swap and cheer practice tuesday, cheer practice Wednesday, last game thursday and co-op on Friday...and then a cheer fundraiser next Saturday!!! Blah! Oh my goodness...;I just realized too that I am nowhere near ready for the rapidly approaching blog conference that I'm going to at the end of the month!!!

 

[Delynne77]

Oh, one more thing-

Are there chicks for sale at Fowl Fest? Thinking about taking my girls up there tomorrow. Plus, it's so close to my old home!

 

[mrshaggie810]

Oh, and sorry for the huge multi-quote...I really tried to cut it down too which is the sad part!

 

[NovaAman]

If you heat the coop and the power goes out in the dead of winter, you will have dead chickens. Draft free and well vented is the way to go. Windows for the summer that are predator proofed for when open to keep the heat down.