Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[mindylee]

I found a woman close to me who breeds self blue bantam cochins.  Yesterday I put 5 fertile eggs under a broody.  This is our first time hatching.  Fingers crossed the eggs develop and Alice is a good mama.

I just got a beautiful self blue split pullet from my friend Amanda on Monday. Im gonna use her in my porcelain project and i just love her!
I also have a chocolate project going as well and so far only 1 cull as the other pullets are turning out awesome.

 

[tmkuroda]

what is a decent size for the run off of a 4x8 coop having only 5 chickens?

 

[Trexroo]

Depending, a coop that size might hold as many as ten bird even though you only keep 5. I would suggest building the run to match the potential population density not the actual, that in my opinion would start on the small end of the scale at or above 32 square feet, I would not go with something smaller, and if the budget and space agree I'd like as much as 50 square feet of open coop with 1/4 to 1/3 roofed to make shelter against the rain and hot summer sun.

 

[BrandyMcCoy]

I'm in Lenox Michigan and looking for guinea Keets and finding nothing....anyone know of a local breeder or hatchery?

 

[Monstro]

Depending, a coop that size might hold as many as ten bird even though you only keep 5. I would suggest building the run to match the potential population density not the actual, that in my opinion would start on the small end of the scale at or above 32 square feet, I would not go with something smaller, and if the budget and space agree I'd like as much as 50 square feet of open coop with 1/4 to 1/3 roofed to make shelter against the rain and hot summer sun.

X2 what we're doing is the main extra secure run over the min recommended, then we'll add two more run areas to that and alternate between them hoping to keep some grass available since we're not supposed to free range here.

 

[Monstro]

I'm in Lenox Michigan and looking for guinea Keets and finding nothing....anyone know of a local breeder or hatchery?

No clue where that is. But theirs a Rural King nearby thats been having guineas and even geese

 

[BrandyMcCoy]

No clue where that is. But theirs a Rural King nearby thats been having guineas and even geese

Lenox is in southeast Michigan near richmond

 

[birdman55]

Hey bird man there is a guy from a place called spectrum ranch, that has a bunch of rare birds that he's selling. Thought you'd be interested. I thinks randy Krueger is the owner.

yes i know randy we have already spoken

Lenox is in southeast Michigan near richmond

i know someone in wisconsin that is breeding them this year....i think he has 50-60 of them right now...not sure if hes selling any...but i know he sold about 100 of them last year

 

[Monstro]

Lenox is in southeast Michigan near richmond

Thats a bit too far, I tried. The Rural King is in Niles (southwest)

 

[1muttsfan]

what is a decent size for the run off of a 4x8 coop having only 5 chickens?

I would not put more than 8 standard sized birds in a 4x8 coop.

Good run size for up to 8 birds would be around 80 square feet (eg, 8x10). If you are going to put more than 8 birds in the coop you will definately need more outside space, at least partially covered so that they can get outside in the winter too.

While space requirements vary depending on the size of the birds, it is ALWAYS better to have more space rather than trying to squeeze birds in to small spaces. Crowded birds are more likely to have adverse behaviors such as picking and fighting, birds are more stressed and susceptible to infections, lower placed birds are more likely to be bullied and kept away from resources such as food, water and good perch space, and cleanliness and adequate air quality is harder to maintain.