Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[wannahomestead]

So my single laying duck hasn't for about a week or so now. I also noticed today that she seems to be shedding feathers like crazy. Molting? it's my understanding that ducks molt differently than chickens.

 

[1muttsfan]

If you are new to chickens, take the time to look through the Learning Center. There are some excellent articles that answer many questions - even some you don't know enough to ask yet.

 

[Stegs]

My chicks arrive tomorrow! I am so excited. The brooder is ready in the garage, and the coop is halfway built. Next step is building the trusses and setting them in. Let the adventure begin!!!

ChickenStock sounds like fun, and relatively close to me too.(I'm in Armada). But I have to check the nephew's baseball schedule. He plays travel ball, and might have a tournament. Since I'm the official scorekeeper I have to be there.

Any last minute tips for a newbie chicken owner?

last minute tips from a fairly new chicken "farmer" I got my first chickens this spring

Best tip i can give you is dont "over think" it. i know i was concerned about what temp the brooder was at all times, how perfect the coop was, I would run to the brooder or coop everytime I hear a noise.

Best tip is let chickens be chickens, they dont need anything perfect to live just fine. Enjoy doing it, but let them be chickens. They are not cats or dogs...

Another tip is buy quality feed, Dumor or purina makes good stuff.....you might be able to buy organic or non gmo stuff locally.

Have fun, let them roam/wander, do what they do. Enjoy it and dont sweat the little things....


The best is sitting in a chair at night watching chickens walk the grass ....its very relaxing.

 

[gladahmae]

It's hatch day for my broodies! Might have to peek under both of them while I'm out doing chores this morning.

In duck news, it is sounding like I have 3 drakes and 2 ducks (hens?). My blue Swedish whistles AND its bill is turning greenish which from my understanding indicates male for that breed. I'm 99% sure I can't talk DH into 2 duck pens so I'm probably going to end up having them butchered except the KC drake

 

[aart]

It's hatch day for my broodies! Might have to peek under both of them while I'm out doing chores this morning.

WooHoo!!....peek or listen very closely....my dog clued me into hearing the broody eggs peeping even before pips.

 

[iamfivewire]

here's a preview - i'll get some better pictures in next couple of days:

 

[gladahmae]

This was the only one hatched this morning. I didn't look at the eggs to see if there were any pips or zips going on. And mama was only a little upset with me for stealing her baby for a minute. Really hoping for some blue chicks since the rooster is blue and all the hens are either blue, black, or ISA Browns (Hoping for blue tips or something.)

 

[aart]

This was the only one hatched this morning. I didn't look at the eggs to see if there were any pips or zips going on. And mama was only a little upset with me for stealing her baby for a minute. Really hoping for some blue chicks since the rooster is blue and all the hens are either blue, black, or ISA Browns (Hoping for blue tips or something.)

I'm with mama...put that chick back!!

 

[iamfivewire]

baby pictures:

 

[Folly's place]

Very very cute! What's with the yellow/ white one? Didn't know they could vary that much. Mary