Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

Any thoughts on the constitutionality of GAAMP's proposals? Aren't they essentially putting industrial farmers in a protected class? The same for zoning? I can see how residential areas should be protected from noxious odors or obnoxious noise, but shouldn't they have to prove that having laying hens make the noise or odors?

It was pointed out during the 2014 change that the policy was un-Constitutional. Both at the state level and the federal level. MDARD, like many agencies, doesn't want the people to know their rights. The legality of policy change will have to be decided by a court of law. That gets expensive and people can't afford the legal battle.

 

[bigmrg74]

Oh wow, it's been forever.. To the person who wanted to know about my water system.. I forgot to get a picture, but it's the nipple bucket feeder at Tractor Supply store with the sinker warmer in place. Been working up here in -10 weather.

I been battling weasels, minks, and now I've seen a fisher cat tracks around the coop fence. I got the Mink, and two white weasels, but not the bigger fisher. Last night my hubby and me stayed up all night on patrol, but no luck. So far all my chickens are still with me, yesterday the roosters had a clash with some crows that got into the coop yard, it was a huge, loud ruckus of a mess.


I am tired y'all. Hope everyone else is having a better winter then me.. LOL Time for Church, then sleep, If the crows don't come back.

Hardware cloth wire fencing. Strong enough to have a coyote bounce right off of it when its stretched out tight, and the holes are small enough that weasels can't slip in. You might also want to look around your doors for gaps as well. Those little buggers don't need much space at all to slip into a coop.

 

[wingless]

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/poultry-producer-survey-2016

The link above is for a survey to help determine if a processor can be located in in SE Michigan.
One of our own is exploring the possibility of opening a facility so more backyard and small farmers have access closer to where they live. She has been working with Munsell's on the logistics of processing small numbers of birds. This survey will help determine the need for another facility that would be closer for us city chickens.

I understand that Munsell's will be opening up in February. I can hardly wait. These 3 roosters need to go to freezer camp.

I hope folks will open up this survey and fill it out. It's really quick, and if all goes well it will mean the state will have another processor for independent producers in Michigan, which is a rare thing. The goal is to help producers sell more locally grown poultry, so consumers can purchase and consume more locally grown poultry - but none of that can happen without more processing.

Plus, there will be a drawing for a $100 gift card. If you process birds in Michigan in any amount, please fill out the survey!

 

[taprock]

 Chris has been thinking about getting some Guinea Fowl as well.  Told her I would look into seeing if I could find her some guinea fowl chicks around here.  

I love my Guinea fowl! If you don't mind the noise they are great. They need some training because they like to wander but we never have bugs and they are great watchdogs.

  

I been battling weasels, minks, and now I've seen a fisher cat tracks around the coop fence.   I got the Mink, and two white weasels, but not the bigger fisher. Last night my hubby and me stayed up all night on patrol, but no luck.      So far all my chickens are still with me, yesterday the roosters had a clash with some crows that got into the coop yard

We had many Ermine around here last year. I had one get in after an ice storm last year and take out a small coop. It doesn't take much for them to sneak in. Thankfully we haven't had any of the bigger weasel family around. Good luck! I was thinking it was crow season now. Find some young person to hunt them. My son would love someone to ask him.

The bald Eagles are back this year. We've had two of them around almost everyday snacking out back. They have taken over the bail pile as we haven't seen a single coyote all winter.

 

[uchytil]

Oh man, Chris got into my iliacus today and about felt like she stabbed me. Released a lot of nasty stuff out of there. And found out just how much the boss is in trouble. Chris has been thinking about getting some Guinea Fowl as well. Told her I would look into seeing if I could find her some guinea fowl chicks around here.

I should have some baby goats this spring for you, and rabbits...no guineas though...for planning purposes, oh and -edit- some piglets to round things up...

 

[Stacykins]

I should have some baby goats this spring for you, and rabbits...no guineas though...for planning purposes, oh and -edit- some piglets to round things up...

Oh piglets, fun! I am going to be getting a pigger barrow to raise up for the freezer, too, an Idaho Pasture Pig. Apparently a breed that does a lot of grazing and not much rooting because of their upturned snouts. Mine will be trained to a portable electric fence so I can move around to fresh graze. He'll still get hog feed, but hopefully good, fresh grass helps make a big, healthy pig. Plus all the nummies the garden can produce for him, like quick maturing melons and summer squash.

 

[Folly's place]

Piggies! What kind? Mary

 

[Opa]

Got an email that chick days are soon coming to TSC. I guess decision making time will soon be on me. My remaining flock is getting quite old and should have been replaced last year, but I'm not sure if I want to go through all the hassle of brooding chicks and then feeding them all summer while waiting for them to start to lay. In fact I am seriously considering getting rid of everything. I just don't seem to have the enthusiasm for the birds I once had.

Having to deal with the issues relating to age for Granny, my old farmer friend, and now me, has me re-evaluating how I spend my time.

 

[iamfivewire]

feb 15th for chick days

 

[leghorn 01]

So our americana was being a bit too aggressive through the time we had it and it was out for one of our buff orpingtons. It ad pecked his head so much that its head was bloody so me and my dad went out and i got it by the legs and my dad hot its head and put it on the tip of a split rail fence post and chopped its head off. I thought it was the right thing to do.so has anybody esle had to do this