Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[HollyDuckFarmer]

No offence but i dont want some hatchery bird that i dont really know what it is and then find out it has terible type and am now out as much as buying a good pair from the start. Thanks anyways

@RaZ has given you good advice, I second that. Another option for you to research is to check out The Natural Chicken Keeping Thread here, and you can talk with other BYC Members about how they've bread healthy flocks the natural way at their own places. Good luck in your search.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hahahahaha!

http://www.globalpost.com/article/6534925/2015/05/01/world-naked-gardening-day-just-day-away

Whoever set that up must live someplace a LOT warmer than here. The last of my snow disappeared 4 days ago.

I did get onion starts, peas and lettuce planted in the raised beds.

Only solid rock is harder to garden than clay. If you till clay it should only be to till in organic material. Even then you risk compacting the soil even further. You not do better with building up better soil on top of the clay.

 

[Casey Chicken]

The aquarium is 4 foot long by 2 foot wide. So far they have plenty of room. I just about scared them to death measuring it though I can see that they will grow out of this in a few weeks but by then I hope to have my coop and I can put them in there with the heat lamp. Sound like a plan? 

what you think would chill them wouldn't. Don't do it. Use a large box even if you have to cut and duck tape it.they need lots of ventilation especially as babies. You don't want your hard earned money and time wasted Luke I said wing it with duck tape and cut up card board so it's large enough for them to bake or run off and freeze to death (they won't lol) who cares what it looks like you'll be rigging up another contraption in s couple weeks. Have fun! !

 

[Casey Chicken]

what you think would chill them wouldn't. Don't do it. Use a large box even if you have to cut and duck tape it.they need lots of ventilation especially as babies. You don't want your hard earned money and time wasted Luke I said wing it with duck tape and cut up card board so it's large enough for them to bake or run off and freeze to death (they won't lol) who cares what it looks like you'll be rigging up another contraption in s couple weeks. Have fun! !

you can put them out there now! We ordered baby chick's got them in February avg.temp 5°F lol and in the mildly drafty shed with 1 heat lamp and we lost none of them!!! 18ins.from the ground or whatever. You got it

 

[BigHope888]

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.

Yeah, others chimed in as well-prepare for chicken math! Those adorable tiny chicks at the feed store when you go in for feed/supplies, I swear they're saying "Peep me, peep, take me home...." Gladahmae heard it!

Finally got some babies!!

Chicks are awesome x2! Congratulations.

The TSC in Whitmore Lake (North Territorial and US 23) had lots of chicks and duckling. Mislabeled Ameraucanas pullets; Assorted bantam pullets; Sex-link pullets (that were Welsummers with roos) and a few other bins that had no tag. Nothing was less than $2.99 with a minimum of 6 birds.

Despite the poor labels, the chicks all seemed to have been taken care of. Even the duck bins had fresh clean water and food. And you know how quickly ducklings can foul a fount.

They also had those big rooster statues for sale. I would love to have one in my front yard.

Good to hear from you RaZ! I hope you're feeling well. And I'm sure the city would love to see that statue. LOL.

@ Amanda39, tall order, i hope it works out for you.

Gave the girls the run for the first time yesterday. They're so timid, and so cute! They venture out only for a foot or so, eat some grass and hop back in the coop. I know that I can expect greener poops in the near future. Also, I'm super glad that I'd read about chickens sunbathing! I opened the big door for some sunshine and fresh air, the sun hit them and they all flopped, stretched on their sides, and then started dirtbathing in the pine. I'm glad to get them out of the brooder and let them start living a "big girl" chicken life.

 

[chickflick]

Good to hear from you, RaZ! Was wondering about you. Did you find someone to help you out with your critters?? And to help you after surgery? Do you have a date when it's being done? Hope everything is going well and you have people to help you.

Looks like another beautiful day! Hope you all are able to enjoy it.

 

[justplainbatty]

@HollyDuckFarmer That was an awesome video. I'm going to watch all of Paul's stuff. I guess I know what to do to my soil now! I have dead leaves, pine needles, and soft and hard wood to chip! If I do it this next few days, it will be within the stated month it takes to work. How cool! My property can provide all that I need!

 

[birdman55]

What is the best way to take care of pasty butt??

warm washcloth...until it comes off...the poop needs to be wet and then it will come off.....make sure to check again...if you got it good enough it shouldnt come back

 

[JackieandChicks]

Hahahahaha!

http://www.globalpost.com/article/6534925/2015/05/01/world-naked-gardening-day-just-day-away

Another one...but down south for sure!

http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2015/04/26/hooray-time-for-world-naked-gardening-day/

 

[BigHope888]

If I ever have human children, I am going to be the worst helicopter parent ever...

One of my chickens has a tiny cut on her foot. She doesn't seem to be getting pecked although I can see a small bit of blood. I mean, maybe half a drop. She'll be fine, right? Should I Blu-Kote her? I don't have any (yet).