Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[aart]

I just came in from cleaning the coop. I found something strange in the bedding. I thought it was a cherry tomato, but when I broke it open, yolk came out. Any thoughts of cause?

Ova got 'released' with follicle still wrapped around it.

The original hens did. Then I got the Chanticllers and Buckeyes who weren't laying yet. When the pullets started to lay, they would go to a corner by the feed cans and squeeze between the cans. Now they all want to do that.
I hope they start laying in that display I brought home last week. I'm getting tired of bending down to pick up eggs.

Gotta outsmart em

 

[chickflick]

In all my years, I never saw that before.

 

[1muttsfan]

Raz, I'm pretty sure that without some modifications they are unlikely to lay on that round rack, too open. Is there a lip enough to allow some kind of bedding, and to keep eggs from rolling off?

There is a thread somewhere by Opa that tells how to build a roll-out nest box bank, you are pretty handy and it might make things easier for you.

Found it - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21.287684/

 

[RaZ]

Raz, I'm pretty sure that without some modifications they are unlikely to lay on that round rack, too open. Is there a lip enough to allow some kind of bedding, and to keep eggs from rolling off?

There is a thread somewhere by Opa that tells how to build a roll-out nest box bank, you are pretty handy and it might make things easier for you.

Found it - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21.287684/

There is a nice lip around the edges. I haven't taken a picture since I put the bedding on it. I also have curtain material to add. The birds have been checking out the shelves. Whether for laying or sleeping I don't know yet. Two of the young birds were on the shelf when I opened up the coop today. And there was a fresh egg dead centre on the coop floor.

Opa's roll-out nest boxes were the best. His coop was such a great design. I sure miss that man, his experience, wisdom, and friendship.

So many chores to do on my day off. Been outside working on the wood piles, in the garage, and other piddly things. I just came in to warm up my frozen fingers. And to have a beer.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

Car strike?

That was my first thought. Fractured femur is a common thing with animals hit by cars.

 

[aart]

In all my years, I never saw that before.

Haven't seen one here in person, but have seen half a dozen posts with pics about them.

 

[1muttsfan]

I think 2 of the 3 pullets have been laying, regularly in the box until 2d ago, when one egg was layed on top of the nest boxes. Why.

 

[RaZ]

Pretty mild day here for the middle of January. Thank you climate change?
Any way, I brought in a bunch of firewood. Radio says it will be cold this week. Moved several buckets of seasoned wood closer to the house and re-tarped it to stay dry. Every trip I made, the dog "helped". She would pick up a stick and follow me with it. Be brought a couple into the house too. That's what I call teamwork.

Took the bucket off the tractor and put the forks on. Moved a bunch of OSB and 4x8 siding into the garage. A tight fit but I didn't crash in to anything. There is enough wood for another coop or duck house or who-knows-what? I just need to get organized before starting new projects.

In for the night now. Some inside chores need doing and it will be an early day tomorrow. I start cardiac rehab this week. If they put me on a treadmill I'm gonna scream.

 

[Sally PB]

Mild here, for sure. But man, I could use some sunshine. Hubby would like enough snow to go cross country skiing. I want to go dig in the garden. Neither of us has what we want. Sigh.

 

[aart]

Been snowing all day here, tiny flakes amounting to maybe an inch.
Warm ground made it slush underneath.
Supposed to stay below freezing 24/7 from tonight until Thursday.