Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SillyChicken]

Thanks for the complements on my costume. I enjoyed making it.. I did it in about 3 days, mostly working on it a few hrs after work and getting to bed late! Luckily I had a few things laying around and the dollar store (which I hate with a Wally world passion) came in handy.

 

[RaZ]

I'm in the UP but Eastern, you might actually find more people closer to you on the Wisconsin thread, I know there's a lot of active people on it over your way. They are a friendly bunch.
While I hate to disagree with Raz about anything, I do not believe fermented feed is a very good idea for many various reasons. I'm not sure what your local situation is for feed stores, but keep in mind that feed mixed up at a feed mill does not have the same life span as formulated feed by a manufacturer.

I wasn't endorsing the fermented feed, merely offering an options. Probably should have said that though. I tried fermenting feed and I didn't like it at all.

Growing fodder is pretty simple. You just sprout your your grains in shallow pans and keep rotating them to the chickens. Some people build a rack system to hold the pans. I don't have the room or many pans to get a system up and running.

You can also raise earthworms or mealworms. I'm too lazy for either of those options.

 

[RaZ]

Thanks for the complements on my costume. I enjoyed making it.. I did it in about 3 days, mostly working on it a few hrs after work and getting to bed late! Luckily I had a few things laying around and the dollar store (which I hate with a Wally world passion) came in handy.

It was a terrific costume.

 

[FnWeirdo]

thanks for the info all. will definitely keep all that in mind. doesn't sound like making your own feed is worth it at all unless you have a lot of birds.

@SillyChicken i offer the feed at all times in the coop. i provide them with cracked corn scattered in the afternoon before bed time for calorie burning (warmth) i change up there treats, certain scraps they get, i give them a little fruit here and there i give them a bit of greens, fresh oregano, garlic and whatever greens from my fridge that will otherwise go bad. a small amount of bread daily ( i tame my birds with bread and thats when i work with them) thats why small amount daily, and they have a good amount of foraging space. I've seen them catch mice and small garden snakes.

 

[FnWeirdo]

I wasn't endorsing the fermented feed, merely offering an options. Probably should have said that though. I tried fermenting feed and I didn't like it at all.

Growing fodder is pretty simple. You just sprout your your grains in shallow pans and keep rotating them to the chickens. Some people build a rack system to hold the pans. I don't have the room or many pans to get a system up and running.

You can also raise earthworms or mealworms. I'm too lazy for either of those options.

fodder sounds interesting and so does raising meal worms. i have a detached heated workshop that fits about 6 cars and I'm only using a bit of the space for wood working and such, i could easily run a little set up with that.

 

[aart]

Welcome @FnWeirdo!

 

[RaZ]

fodder sounds interesting and so does raising meal worms. i have a detached heated workshop that fits about 6 cars and I'm only using a bit of the space for wood working and such, i could easily run a little set up with that.

Now that my garage is shaping up, I may do the same thing. I've seen some nice rack set-ups for fodder and mealies. I'm not sure yet how I want to heat the building. (Just got the trusses and decking up this week.)

 

[ChickenJV12]

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/d/chickens-roosters-for-sale/6740583761.html for people who live in west mi

 

[Folly's place]

Yesterday I went to Fowl Fest, and had a good time seeing all those beautiful birds! There were many ducks and geese, and of course chickens. Fun!
I wish that more exhibitors were available near their birds for conversations, but almost all of them seem to not be there. It's frustrating, at best.
I did get the numbered zip tie leg bands, green for 2018, and red for next year.
And, the Birch Run Outlet Mall called to me too...
Mary

 

[RaZ]

Yesterday I went to Fowl Fest, and had a good time seeing all those beautiful birds! There were many ducks and geese, and of course chickens. Fun!

And, the Birch Run Outlet Mall called to me too...
Mary

I wanted to go but I had to get the garage roof felted before the rain rolled in. So I spent the weekend on the roof. Sorry I missed Fowl Fest.

Were you shopping for my X-mas presents?