Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[aart]

I wish I knew why they are picking on her. not a new hen, been with the group for a couple yrs. hope she isn't sick I have read they will go after a sick hen. she does not act sick though

Hard to say, chickens can be vicious for no apparent reason.

 

[Frankiegirl]

Hi all and happy Wednesday...I’m a newbie to chickens and a SW Michigander. I’m glad I found this thread. I have 5 3 wk old chicks that I hope are all pullets...although I’m having my doubts. Coop is being built currently and they are chilling out in their digs in the dining room...rookie mistake! I’m looking forward to being a part of the community here in Michigan. Any tips for a new chick mama are appreciated. Cheers...looks like the sun is coming our way today!

 

[aart]

I’m looking forward to being a part of the community here in Michigan. Any tips for a new chick mama are appreciated.

Welcome!
Build Faster!

 

[Frankiegirl]

Hi all and what a beautiful day in west MI!! This was the first outing for my girls since I brought them home 3.5 weeks ago. A makeshift shanty allowed them to enjoy the sunshine and they enjoyed their first “field trip” outside. If you would kindly weigh in, is there something I need to do in the first several weeks like shots, or making sure I supplement their food in the first couple of months? ( I know grit if i’m providing snacks). I nursed one back from a prolapsed vent and am terrified that I actually have a rooster lurking in the bunch which will break my heart It is also the sneaky reason I attached the photo of “Elizabeth Taylor” I know It’s early, but anyone care to opine on whether I will need to rename her a him? She’s my wildcard...

Anyway, they loved their adventure and are sacked out now taking a much needed nap. Time for me to do the same. Cheers

 

[aart]

If you would kindly weigh in, is there something I need to do in the first several weeks like shots, or making sure I supplement their food in the first couple of months?

All they need is a good chick ration and plain clean water, IMO.

I know It’s early, but anyone care to opine on whether I will need to rename her a him? She’s my wildcard...

Hmmmm......is see a touch of pink in comb, next week or three will tell the tale.

 

[Folly's place]

Also the upright stance and thick legs, but I agree, still a bit early.
Mary

 

[Frankiegirl]

Thanks for the timely replies...i have a couple of what could be considered “big girls” so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m totally new to this game and like any first time mother...I’m freaking out over everything. I neglected to read the books first

 

[1muttsfan]

Welcome to BYC, the Michigan thread, and chicken keeping

At this age, they need nothing much more to eat than chick feed and whatever bugs and greens they get from being on the grass.

As far as I'm concerned, they are all pullets until they crow.

 

[kcan2]

Well, our hummer finally made its debut today! It arrived 4 days later than last year. I was wondering if the late arrival has something to do with our proximity to the "snowbelt?" We had to drive west to Petoskey today and I noticed that their trees and flowers are further along than ours in the northeastern quadrant. I guess nature knows best!

 

[RaZ]

All they need is a good chick ration and plain clean water, IMO.

Here is where we get differing opinions on how to raise chicks. Plain clean water is always a given. However I like to add Chick Saver or Hydro-Hen for the extra electrolytes and pro-biotics. I do that with every other water fount fill. I can't verify that it actually helps the chicks but it hasn't seems to have hurt them either.

@Mfranks As a first-timer with new chicks you should do as much research as you can. Post questions in forums like you have done here. You will likely get different suggestions and I'll say that not all of them wrong. Just different. What works for one chicken keeper may not work for you. You will have to figure out what works best for you and your flock.
But the bottom line is that you have to provide the best care possible for your flock.

You have already started by joining our BYC community. We are all here to chat and help each other. So welcome to BYC, the Michigan thread, and chicken keeping