Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[gladahmae]

I’m less concerned with making coop litter into compost and more wondering if 12-18mo is long enough that it won’t be too hot and have too much nitrogen. And about potential pathogens in the poop. Our soil is on the sandy side and shavings can help retain moisture. Maybe?

Going to see if I can get the rototiller to start and till in some lime (it’s late for this season I know, but I’m not going to be able to do it in the fall). Might plant snap peas this weekend if it’s nice, and the first group of gladiolus.

 

[aart]

I’m less concerned with making coop litter into compost and more wondering if 12-18mo is long enough that it won’t be too hot and have too much nitrogen. And about potential pathogens in the poop. Our soil is on the sandy side and shavings can help retain moisture. Maybe?

Probably no longer too hot, not sure about pathogens.

 

[1muttsfan]

I set the incubator yesterday with 24 Arkansas Blue eggs, borrowed a friend's Rcom, since another friend has my Hovabator. Musical incubators.

 

[Candy442]

Does anyone in the GR area have pullets for sale? My farmer brother is looking to add chickens to his farm.

Hi Yochickiemomma2, is he looking for laying pullets or started pullets? We happen to have 14 of 6 week old Delaware pullets if he is interested. We live near Lansing.

 

[RaZ]

I’m less concerned with making coop litter into compost and more wondering if 12-18mo is long enough that it won’t be too hot and have too much nitrogen. And about potential pathogens in the poop. Our soil is on the sandy side and shavings can help retain moisture. Maybe?

Going to see if I can get the rototiller to start and till in some lime (it’s late for this season I know, but I’m not going to be able to do it in the fall). Might plant snap peas this weekend if it’s nice, and the first group of gladiolus.

Your best bet for amending the soil is to get a soil test kit from your county extension office. For a nominal fee, the lab at MSU will tell you exactly what you need for your soil and the crops you want to grow. It takes the guess work out adding amendments that you may not necessarily need.

 

[RaZ]

So far, I have 10 chicks that hatched over the weekend.
Raz, hope your knee is doing well.

Congratulations on the hatch.

My knee was ok over the weekend. Took the wrapping and dressing off before bed Sunday night. Woke up to a lot of swelling on Monday morning. Wore the brace thing with ice packs to work. Probably didn't help that I was on my feet all day and had to work OT. Time for a pain pill and bed rest. At least I'm not scheduled for work until Friday. That could change though as a few people have quit. This store is seriously understaffed.

 

[1muttsfan]

Don't forego the brace, Raz, my BF's ortho surgeon said just one misstep in the healing time after surgery could mess the whole thing up.

 

[SillyChicken]

yep agree on that brace, ice and some ibuprofen (for inflammation), and elevate your leg when you can on breaks etc... understaffed or not - the law says you get breaks!

12 chicks - and one has a bent leg, can't straighten it. It's trying too get about, but I am not sure if I should let it keep trying or cull. Anyone else have a chick recover from this?

 

[aart]

It's trying too get about, but I am not sure if I should let it keep trying or cull. Anyone else have a chick recover from this?

Depending on the 'bend' there are splinting options....
there's a really good pdf but don't think I saved it-will try to find it
....but I usually cull as I am not a 'special needs chickens' kinda gal.

Found it not sure it will help, scroll way down for leg stuff,
might want to post in the emergency section,
lots of folks try to fix chick legs....
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

 

[Yochickiemomma2]

I did it! I bought 4 and only 4 chicks yesterday from TSC. 2 production blue and 2 bramaha pullets. Never had either but figured what the heck. Most of my full size hens are 3 and 5 years old.