Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

How about the people in Michigan get together with the state and work things out. Until then why would I want to buy from Michigan to hen all it is is who u know not the quality of the birds u show. That's y my birds are superior to all other stock cause they fake.

That's why the Michigan Small Farm Council was formed. The MSFC has attended countless Ag Commissioners meetings. Testified before senate sub-committees. Advocated at various cities and townships. Investigated wide-range poisoning of commercial turkey CAFOs. Applied for and been denied inclusion on GAAMP committees.

We have been trying for years now to improve the small farm opportunities for ALL Michigan citizens. In my opinion, MDARD is too firmly controlled by big-ag and the lobbyists like MiFB. It's frustrating but we still advocate for chicken-keepers everywhere. And pea-fowl, rabbits, goats, vegetable gardens, and all other forms of small-scale, self-sustaining, healthy farming.

 

[birdman55]

Antibiotics. And they have to diagnose and write on paperwork specifically what there treating. They can't just write a vague statement. Was a bad day yesterday. 104 temp all the other great stuff to go with it. And then I couldn't get a person who could do anything (yard visit) until after the fifth or sixth person. Figured I would vent. But feeling a little better and just hatched some birds.

 

[Folly's place]

Get well soon, birdman! Mary Cute chicks, too.

 

[birdman55]

I was very clear with my conversation with them and all the people I spoke to. From what I found out is the ag sent out emails and 52 vets said they would do avian testing and such for the whole state of Michigan. It took me several hours to find out just some numbers and those numbers then led me to other people that couldn't help me out n just sent me to someone else. I know I can come across as rude to people but someone needs to be that person. To give them a sense of what is really going to happen in their state. Also I type on my phone n don't look back n fix all the auto correct stuff. So some things might sound weird. I'm blunt and to the point and I don't sensor anything. All I was saying to the ag department is that I was on the phone with several people and several hours. And that I needed an answer now that antibodies are off the shelf. Several vets said that the new law has made it extremely difficult to do things but was more geared to the slaughtering of animals and them have antibiotics still in their system that are then consumed by the consumer. Was also stating that in my thoughts that hardly anyone is going to pay 200-500$ a visit to save a chicken. And some people might then take that bird and make it dissapear like to someone else or even to another state. I do agree with what they did however they should atleast be able to provide u with something reasonable n close. And 150$ to just show up and 2.50$ a mile when they are two hours away n then other fees are not close to reasonable when I could just a couple of days ago go and spend less then ten bucks for the same outcome.

 

[WestMIchick]

Wow! Chickenstock seems great!
Quote: I am new around here, can you please tell me a little about it? I googled the location, which is near Lansing, correct? That would definitely be do-able for me & I would love to meet some BYC peeps!

 

[Czarben]

I'm going to be getting meat birds in the spring and will be processing them on the farm and selling them to family and friends. I know that the USDA has an exemption for this for under 1000 birds. Are there any state regulations for doing this?

 

[RaZ]

I'm going to be getting meat birds in the spring and will be processing them on the farm and selling them to family and friends. I know that the USDA has an exemption for this for under 1000 birds. Are there any state regulations for doing this?

There have been various actions taken by MDARD over the past couple of years. Legislative action has made some small farm activities more difficult to perform. Sadly, I haven't been able to keep up with it this past year. However, I suggest you research as much as possible. You may be completely legal in what you do but MDARD can still cause you problems.

Such as this case:
http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/blog/...on-order-18-oatmeal-cookies-17-apple-muffins/

 

[RaZ]

Wow! Chickenstock seems great!
I am new around here, can you please tell me a little about it? I googled the location, which is near Lansing, correct? That would definitely be do-able for me & I would love to meet some BYC peeps!

It's our annual picnic and get-together. It is a pot-luck thing so think of a dish you can bring to share. We will have a food sign page posted shortly.
There is also a swap and sale gig going on; raffle drawing; and a talent contest.
Sometimes we get a guest speaker talking about poultry issues.
Nearly every year there is the chicken-chasing event. It must be popular because it has happened every year I've attended.

Dogs and children are welcome as long as they are on leashes.

Hope to see you there.

 

[meltel]

I was very clear with my conversation with them and all the people I spoke to. From what I found out is the ag sent out emails and 52 vets said they would do avian testing and such for the whole state of Michigan. It took me several hours to find out just some numbers and those numbers then led me to other people that couldn't help me out n just sent me to someone else. I know I can come across as rude to people but someone needs to be that person. To give them a sense of what is really going to happen in their state. Also I type on my phone n don't look back n fix all the auto correct stuff. So some things might sound weird. I'm blunt and to the point and I don't sensor anything. All I was saying to the ag department is that I was on the phone with several people and several hours. And that I needed an answer now that antibodies are off the shelf. Several vets said that the new law has made it extremely difficult to do things but was more geared to the slaughtering of animals and them have antibiotics still in their system that are then consumed by the consumer. Was also stating that in my thoughts that hardly anyone is going to pay 200-500$ a visit to save a chicken. And some people might then take that bird and make it dissapear like to someone else or even to another state. I do agree with what they did however they should atleast be able to provide u with something reasonable n close. And 150$ to just show up and 2.50$ a mile when they are two hours away n then other fees are not close to reasonable when I could just a couple of days ago go and spend less then ten bucks for the same outcome.

Sorry you are having these issues. Where in Michigan are you-maybe I can recommend a couple vets that my be close and affordable? I know they aren't selling the water soluble antibiotics but from what i understand, injectable and tablet form are still available. Injectable can be given oral if you aren't comfortable giving the injection-just not as convenient for large flocks. Sorry you aren't feeling well. let me know if I can help.

 

[JackieandChicks]

I was very clear with my conversation with them and all the people I spoke to. From what I found out is the ag sent out emails and 52 vets said they would do avian testing and such for the whole state of Michigan. It took me several hours to find out just some numbers and those numbers then led me to other people that couldn't help me out n just sent me to someone else. I know I can come across as rude to people but someone needs to be that person. To give them a sense of what is really going to happen in their state. Also I type on my phone n don't look back n fix all the auto correct stuff. So some things might sound weird. I'm blunt and to the point and I don't sensor anything. All I was saying to the ag department is that I was on the phone with several people and several hours. And that I needed an answer now that antibodies are off the shelf. Several vets said that the new law has made it extremely difficult to do things but was more geared to the slaughtering of animals and them have antibiotics still in their system that are then consumed by the consumer. Was also stating that in my thoughts that hardly anyone is going to pay 200-500$ a visit to save a chicken. And some people might then take that bird and make it dissapear like to someone else or even to another state. I do agree with what they did however they should atleast be able to provide u with something reasonable n close. And 150$ to just show up and 2.50$ a mile when they are two hours away n then other fees are not close to reasonable when I could just a couple of days ago go and spend less then ten bucks for the same outcome.

It' not just chickens...my feed store can no longer add antibiotics to any feed, including pig, cattle, etc. without a vet's prescription from what I was told - not that I use it, just sayin'. Small farmers affected, big Ag with paid vets not.