Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[ladyrsanti]

Super nasty outside. Morning chores were a pain. Leave it to me to wait until this storm to NEED to change and clean the animals' water buckets. Yuck! The chickens came out of the coop into the barn and a few even ventured outside like it was any decent day but they were quick to return. They will hunker down with the sheep, I'm sure. I've seen them laying on them before, picking seeds out of their wool to keep busy.

Sad news, our feed store closed its doors last Friday in Lowell - Blue Ribbon Feed. I didn't know until yesterday, driving into town for feed only to be forced to go to TSC.

No warning or anything. Anyone have any information on this? I will miss their chicken feed, even though it was more expensive. I took a picture of the place last week while out shooting fall foliage. Love that building.

 

[SillyChicken]

Love all the chicken pictures.

We were told that our boy that looks like that is a silver duck wing.


I love mama's face.

Morning. I don't care for the white stuff before Halloween but the hunter's will be happy for the cold weather. This is from my son's trail cam. They are at two different times and after much discussion with several guys they think really are two different deer. I thought my son was going to pass out just over the pictures. I'm not sure he would actually be able to shoot one if it showed up.

Most definitely NOT the same deer! The top photo is a young, maybe 2 yr old..small basket buck and the rack doesn't pass the spread of the ears. I'd let this one go so he can grow! The second photo, the rack is just past the ears, about an 18" spread. probably 3 yr old. Would be a nice buck to take!

 

[chickflick]

Nasty white stuff on the ground. Not sure to call it s***, but I guess it's the frozen version of it. Still very windy. At least we don't have fires and flooding and so much destruction. Thankful for that and praying for the folks on the coast.

 

[BobBry]

Nova,

SEE IF you can find out how the fellow got the Roo to stand there long enough to set up all of the other objects in that lovely picture. I have tried many timed to do something like that --- to no avail.

 

[Brethren49619]

Nasty white stuff on the ground. Not sure to call it s***, but I guess it's the frozen version of it. Still very windy. At least we don't have fires and flooding and so much destruction. Thankful for that and praying for the folks on the coast.

It is a naughty word, nobody wants to hear it... maybe I should have used "sn**"

Why? what did you think I was referring to??

 

[BobBry]

Thanks for all the advice! Its going to be very handy when I go to build. Do you think I could build a large enough coop for 10 birds on 3/4 of an acre and still have room for a large garden and some empty space? (We plan to have children in the future and I want them to have room to grow as well!)

I'm finding the Barred Hollands to be very attractive. I love the huge combs and waddles on the roosters! I had pictures of these in my chicken calendars and never even knew what they were untl now. The white eggs are a plus too, since my husband thinks brown eggs are odd looking. I also like that they sound like a calm breed. I've been looking online since my last post, and I've only found a single hatchery that carries Barred Hollands. I'd prefer to get eggs from a breeder however, since like all other animals, small scale breeders have animals superior to mills in every way. Does anyone know of a breeder here in MI?

I also have a few questions concerning breeding practices. Would it be appropriate to ask here, or should I seek out a topic in another forum?

I'm going to do some thng i do not often do. Herer is some advise. I don't frequently read this thread anymore so I ( here's where the why comes in) don't know whats going on, who said what or when. Anyhooow

Do not buy a place Land/lot and plan to raise animals whithout first FIRST, determining it is legal to raise them there.

Large wattles and cold Michigan winters do not do well togather. Unless you keep the birds inside and heat some.

Keep reading as you plan. There is a vast amount info on line, much of it here on BYC, many threads to USE.

Ask all the questions you want.But remember, lots of people do not hesitate to answer them when they do not know what they are talking about. Thats why one should get info from various sources.

Do not buy or build whithout first determining the legality of your intended actions.

Bob

 

[RBahmer]

I'm going to do some thng i do not often do. Herer is some advise. I don't frequently read this thread anymore so I ( here's where the why comes in) don't know whats going on, who said what or when. Anyhooow

Do not buy a place Land/lot and plan to raise animals whithout first FIRST, determining it is legal to raise them there.

Large wattles and cold Michigan winters do not do well togather. Unless you keep the birds inside and heat some.

Keep reading as you plan. There is a vast amount info on line, much of it here on BYC, many threads to USE.

Ask all the questions you want. But remember, lots of people do not hesitate to answer them when they do not know what they are talking about. Thats why one should get info from various sources.

Do not buy or build whithout first determining the legality of your intended actions.

Bob

X 2 Bob

 

[BobBry]

Mary,

I'm going to try and make this as brief as I can, but it's also going to be off the top of my head. Some corrections could be in order since Im old but not necessarily smart.

To begin reworking a garden plot not worked in some time; Begin by tilling soil lightly.

As, or if, you have access to chicken manure, spread a thinish layer on top.

Cover that with a thick ( seven to ten inch) layer of leaves. Maple, for fastest decomp. If using Oak (to acidify or reduce pH ) or just cause thats what is available. Shread them first , if possible... that enhances breakdown also.

Wouldn'thurt to poke some of the leaves (you could use straw instead, rotton is better.) down into the soil which brings the decomp soil microbes into better contact with the mulch material. I'de use a re rod for that cause I don't have an aeirator for soil. Then....

Cover with Black plastic to increase solar effect and place soil on the edges of the plastic to hold it down. Any color will obviously hold underlieing stuff in place. Use what you have or want. I have used old newspapers and/or cardboard, and both work and break down to enhance the soil. Those I hold down with old lumber or other heavy things I have available.

When the layered mulch and manure has decomposed to satisfaction ( usually a year) Remove plastic or make holse in it to plant what it is you want to grow.

I would not till the mulch at all. Just put the seeds or plants in as need be.


Not perfect but this will work. I've done it.

When garden is growing add mulch containing the kinds of nutrients your soil wants. Test it. Listen to it. Feel it. Read Stydy Ask questions.

Good luck.

Bob

 

[SillyChicken]

So you don't post here bobry cause someone gave you bad advice?

I think most people try to help to the best of their ability or experience base...not with the intent to do someone harm or chase anyone away from here. I'd like to see you participate more often as it seems you have something to offer, even if it's just your own experience.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Really windy, wet, and cold this morning. brrr
I had milked Bella this morning, and had to stop to warm my hands a few times. Dreading when the dreaded but beautiful sn** comes for good, 'til the long awaited and normal spring comes back.