Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Chickens do fine here, although roosters with big single combs may suffer frostbite in winter. I prefer birds with smaller combs, and avoid Silkies and frizzled types, who have issues with winter cold and summer heat. There are so many choices! Get a mix of breeds that look interesting, and see what you like. Mary

 

[aart]

Hello I am from Michigan, of course, south of Grand Rapids and I was hoping anyone could give me chicken suggestions. I joined last year but haven't really done anything on here until now. I'm FINALLY GETTING CHICKENS!!! Soooo any suggestions on chickens that would survive in southern Michigan? Thx:cd

Welcome!

Get the ones you like the looks of.
Folly has given good advice.

When will you get them....got your coop and all set up?

 

[bigmrg74]

If electrolyte solution is offered, make sure the birds have access to plain water as well

They still have the nipple waterer in the coop, and I also refilled their kiddy splash pool as well this morning. Its funny tossing some floating treats out in that and watching just how long their necks can get.

Originally Posted by aart
OK.

 

[lovechicks1293]

I am getting chicks this next spring and building the coop over winter.

and i will take your advice.

 

[aart]

I am getting chicks this next spring and building the coop over winter. and i will take your advice.

Oh Good!! That gives you all winter to research and then build.
Take your time planning, look at a LOT of coop designs, go as big as you can go.

 

[lovechicks1293]

Oh Good!! That gives you all winter to research and then build.
Take your time planning, look at a LOT of coop designs, go as big as you can go.

I will thanks.

 

[flufssilkies]

This is a long shot but we have a potbelly pig who is looking for a home. He was a stray in battle Creek. The shelter was going to eunthize him. I call him Curtis. Curtis is a intact male and is all black. He is free to a good home. We are in Calhoun County

 

[snowflake]

I am getting chicks this next spring and building the coop over winter.

and i will take your advice.

Welcome, glad to have you aboard!!

 

[RaZ]

If electrolyte solution is offered, make sure the birds have access to plain water as well

Can you explain why this is a good idea?
I keep several founts filled at all times but my reason is to make sure all birds in the pecking order have access to water. So both fresh and solution is a happy coincidence.

 

[1muttsfan]

If birds are offered only electrolyte solution they may get more electrolytes than they need - they do not sweat, so do not need a lot of sodium. Also, some birds might not like the taste of the electrolyte solution, or may realize that they don't need more of it, and not drink enough. Water is always the most important thing when you're talking about hydration.