Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

Welcome, Coykoi

I think Michigan suffers from the same patch-work regulations as just about everywhere else. If you find someplace you're interested in, contact the Township or County and find out if chickens are allowed.

 

[Frankiegirl]

Welcome @Coykoi and good luck with your destination search. Attached are a couple of links , albeit dated, but might be a start for your search. As you suggested, each community has its own rules.

https://ferndalechickens.com/2016/0...llow-keeping-of-chickens-and-those-that-dont/

https://www.freep.com/story/news/lo...ackyard-chickens-michigan-allowed/1989737002/

 

[Sally PB]

Leelanau, yup, $$$. I used to live on Torch Lake when I was a kid. Last time I was up there, a lot of lake front property was for sale. NEVER saw that back then. If it was for sale, it sold about as fast as the word got out. I think what could be happening is mom and dad retired to FL or AZ, and the kids can't afford the property taxes, which reset when the property is sold. I know I couldn't afford to move back. My brother builds VERY nice homes up there. He showed me a 1200 SF place on a tiny, skinny lot. Only a half, he said. As in million dollars.

Wow, I sure was lucky.

 

[RaZ]

Hi everyone,
I'm not a Michigander yet, but wanted to make some connections and gather info on chicken-friendly, or at least chicken-tolerating areas. I'm mostly looking at the West Coast of the mitten, but I haven't narrowed it down in the least. I'm looking forward to any info to be able to find my retirement home that will allow me to keep being a chicken lady.

There is always the east side of the state. Around the thumb and Saginaw Bay and on up the "sunrise" side up to Alpena. Not so city-fied thata ways. I found a nice place for myself and my critters.

 

[RaZ]

Big Boy spent the night under the porch. He was fine this morning when I went out to open the coop. When he saw that I left the gate open for free-ranging, he started crowing. His girls all came running to where he was. I need that kind of female appeal.

He moved around the yard all afternoon albeit with a more pronounced limp. I'm sure it hurts him but he is toughing it out. Even Little Boy is showing respect. Not really sure what I can do for him to help.

 

[aart]

I need that kind of female appeal.

Not really sure what I can do for him to help.

As long as he can eat and drink I'd let him go.
If limp is really bothering them by inhibiting their normal activities too much, I will isolate them in a crate to 'force' rest for a day or two. Letting them out late in day, an hour before roost time, to give them a stretch and evaluate their mobility, then decide if they need another day and put them back in crate off roost after dark. Repeat stretch and eval the next day until they are better. Keep crate in coop so bird can remain 'with' the flock.

 

[RaZ]

As long as he can eat and drink I'd let him go.

I went out at 5:30 to lock up the coop. BB was at the corner where the old gate was. All the others were in. I picked him up without any fuss and carried him back to the coop. I didn't put him on the roosting bars because I didn't want him to have to jump down in the morning. He made himself a little bed on the floor and tucked in for the night. I think he is going to be fine, even with a gimpy leg.

 

[Folly's place]

Look for any obvious injuries, and if nothing shows up, give him time to heal. Strained ligaments, tendons, and muscles take time!
I'm really rooting for him!
And apparently Little Boy is still with us, glad he's doing better.
Mary

 

[RaZ]

Look for any obvious injuries, and if nothing shows up, give him time to heal. Strained ligaments, tendons, and muscles take time!
I'm really rooting for him!
And apparently Little Boy is still with us, glad he's doing better.
Mary

When I picked him up, I cradled his feet in one hand. I didn't feel anything that was bent or broken. So I'm guessing it is a muscle injury. He didn't seem to mind being handled. I think he will be okay.
LB is still here simply because I couldn't catch him earlier. As long as he behaves he can stay.

 

[aart]

I think he is going to be fine, even with a gimpy leg.

If he's limping too heavily it might be good to 'force' some rest.
Can take weeks to fully heal up, resting will reduce that time.