Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SillyChicken]

I'm seriously thinking about refreshing my flock. A few girls are nearly 3 years old and not laying like they used to. The "new" ISA browns produce, but they are not friendly and tend to bully the other girls.

I think a new batch of friendly, laying birds are needed here.

I'm in the same boat.. I've had 2 chicks hatch so far of the faverolles that have leg issues, so I think it's time for me to re think what I want and get a new flock.

 

[SillyChicken]

If its straddle legged you can fix it.easily

I looked up spraddle leg and it's not quite the same. the knees seem fused. he cannot straighten the leg at all, it's curled up tight against his body. And they're not on a slippery surface. I think it's genetic or an issue with my bator.

 

[gladahmae]

I'm trying to figure out what I want, and what I'll realistically have room for! DH is already talking about what additions he's going to have to put on the big coop in the spring. Hatching out a few more EEs and hopefully some OEs are on the list, along with BLRWs (those eggs are already ordered), and a few marans. And I want another silky or 2.

DH and I are seriously talking aout meat birds in the spring. I've read that getting a bulk order of feed is the cheapest way to go, which makes sense. So my question is: has anyone used the feed store/grain elevator in McBain? That's the closest one I can find, and it's about 80min away from us, one way. If I want a breed that I can tractor to theoretically save money on feed, I would be better off with a broiler and not a cornish x, correct? Or is the feed conversion so good on the Cornish X that I'd just be making extra work for myself by tractoring broilers around for an extra 3 weeks?

 

[Herducks]

I have some russian orloff chicks coming as soon as it warms up enough to safely ship them. I am debating on keeping them. I have 10 new breeds coming in the spring already and am not sure now that I want 11.

I have white bresse, hedemora, olandsk dwarf, Isbar, tolbunt polish, bantam choc. orps, barred cochins and more coming. Not sure what I was thinking!! I will have a few chicks to bring to chickenstock for sure!

 

[Living the Simple Life]

I'm not Opa but I am another old rooster. Will I do as a stand in?

Haha!! Still miss Sam, but if you have coffee, you can substitute!

 

[HooverHenHouse]

I have some russian orloff chicks coming as soon as it warms up enough to safely ship them.  I am debating on keeping them.  I have 10 new breeds coming in the spring already and am not sure now that I want 11.  I have white bresse, hedemora, olandsk dwarf, Isbar, tolbunt polish, bantam choc. orps, barred cochins and more coming.  Not sure what I was thinking!!  I will have a few chicks to bring to chickenstock for sure!

Are you getting your barred cochins from a hatchery?

 

[Herducks]

Are you getting your barred cochins from a hatchery?

No from a breeder, they are supposed to be HUGE!

 

[HooverHenHouse]

Ahh, so your getting large fowl? Bummer im in search of bq/sq bantam barred and having a heck ofva time finding some.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Um, thanks everyone for the piglets, but I had posted that a week before Christmas. Someone simply refreshed that old post. So old news. BUT, I did have two more new litters last week. Gert had 8, and Maisy had 2! Shocking that Maisy had only 2! Oh well. Have 30 pigs now. Anyone want some of these rare and wonderful heritage breed? I have some that are breeding age now, or want some tasty pork to raise?


Gert with her 8

 

[BentoMinion]

There is another Rose here? I don't meet many others with that name. lol

Anyway, HI! I am pretty new. I read more than I talk at this point. I do not have any chickens yet, but I plan on building a coop this spring and get some chickens. We live in Muskegon. I am interested in chickens for eggs this year and maybe next year we will think about for meat. I also thought about quail for eggs. Yes, I know they are small, but they are perfect sized for little ones (we have 4). Plus I have some quail egg molds. We live on .8 acres just outside of Muskegon (we are in Egelston township).

When I asked our township about the local laws, they said 10 chickens and when I asked about a rooster she said she did not see anything against it. I know there is the right to farm act (is that what it is called?) but my SO works for the government. I do not think he would be willing to fight to keep more (not that it is an issue right now). My one neighbor has 4 ducks, so I do not think there will be to much issues from her. I was thinking of putting the coop closer to her yard (once I can get pics on the computer I will post a picture to get thoughts).