Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[naglady]

So two of my ladies have been inside getting treated with Tylan. They're doing much better but now my big girl is molting. *sigh* I think she's doing it on purpose so she can stay indoors and get all the extra treats they get. Do chickens conspire?

sounds like you have a smart chicken.. lol

 

[bullof7battles]

Hi, Naglady. I'm Ryan, I was saying hello to Amie who I know personally, sorry 'bout the mixup, lol!

Well, I got my BR's from TSC who I assume got them from Townline Hatchery. I got them because they were the cheapest ones, a little over a buck and a half apiece for straight run. Lots of twisted toes, skittish disposition. They will eat out of my hand, though. I brooded them in my basement and tried to spend time with them every night. There were a couple that wanted to be held, but the rest would scatter if I put my hand in the pen without any food in it. Some of the hens are what I would call a decent size, some are the size of a large bantam. I've gotten some eggs, but not near as many as I would expect out of ten, or so, hens. I've hardly gotten any eggs since winter set in, but I haven't put a light in the coop either. Also, I think of the ten, or so, roosters, there is probably one I am going to keep. Decent size, good looking and doesn't act like he wants to pepper your legs.

I know it sounds rather complainy, but I bought them for eggs and meat. So, I will be thinning them out a bit when it warms up some. Then I will keep my eyes and ears open for potential new additions.

As far as feed, with 14 BR's,an isa brown, 4 various banties and a turkey, I go through 50lbs in a week or week and a half.

One of my banty roosters was getting pretty abusive in his coop, so I put him in a different coop with my older hens and he is pretty mild mannered now. Being a golden laced wyandotte, he is too handsome to get rid of.

My girlfriend's dad has a mix of 30 NH reds and isa browns and gets over two dozen eggs a day. He said they will need a new home soonbecause he will be too busy to deal with it. Perhaps I will be able to adopt some!

 

[naglady]

Hi, Naglady. I'm Ryan, I was saying hello to Amie who I know personally, sorry 'bout the mixup, lol!

Well, I got my BR's from TSC who I assume got them from Townline Hatchery. I got them because they were the cheapest ones, a little over a buck and a half apiece for straight run. Lots of twisted toes, skittish disposition. They will eat out of my hand, though. I brooded them in my basement and tried to spend time with them every night. There were a couple that wanted to be held, but the rest would scatter if I put my hand in the pen without any food in it. Some of the hens are what I would call a decent size, some are the size of a large bantam. I've gotten some eggs, but not near as many as I would expect out of ten, or so, hens. I've hardly gotten any eggs since winter set in, but I haven't put a light in the coop either. Also, I think of the ten, or so, roosters, there is probably one I am going to keep. Decent size, good looking and doesn't act like he wants to pepper your legs.

I know it sounds rather complainy, but I bought them for eggs and meat. So, I will be thinning them out a bit when it warms up some. Then I will keep my eyes and ears open for potential new additions.

As far as feed, with 14 BR's,an isa brown, 4 various banties and a turkey, I go through 50lbs in a week or week and a half.

One of my banty roosters was getting pretty abusive in his coop, so I put him in a different coop with my older hens and he is pretty mild mannered now. Being a golden laced wyandotte, he is too handsome to get rid of.

My girlfriend's dad has a mix of 30 NH reds and isa browns and gets over two dozen eggs a day. He said they will need a new home soonbecause he will be too busy to deal with it. Perhaps I will be able to adopt some!

hi ryan, nice to meet you i am denise, funny mix up.. i didnt think your avatar looked like a amie, but hey didnt bother me.. lol
thank you for writing about your barred rocks. i hear they are suppose to be laying even without a light in winter..
I can say if you get those isa browns and new hampshire youll have your good layers, that is what i have, i have 2hens over 2yr old, isa and a nhr.. they both lay everyday except once in a while they take a break.. for a day then back laying again. good breed.

 

[bullof7battles]

It would be nice! I have people at work bugging me all the time about eggs. They don't get that chickens may slow down a bit in the winter due to shorter daylight.

 

[1muttsfan]

Barred rocks are one of those breeds that are well worth getting from a reputable breeder. There is a world of difference between hatchery birds and well-bred ones, in appearance, temperament and productivity. Hillbilly Hen had some gorgeous birds, not sure who ended up with them when she had to sell them.

 

[naglady]

It would be nice! I have people at work bugging me all the time about eggs. They don't get that chickens may slow down a bit in the winter due to shorter daylight.

dont forget molting.. makes me feel lucky to get eggs in the winter..

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1muttsfan

Barred rocks are one of those breeds that are well worth getting from a reputable breeder. There is a world of difference between hatchery birds and well-bred ones, in appearance, temperament and productivity. Hillbilly Hen had some gorgeous birds, not sure who ended up with them when she had to sell them.


thank you, thats good to know.

 

[NovaAman]

As far as feed, with 14 BR's,an isa brown, 4 various banties and a turkey, I go through 50lbs in a week or week and a half.

What type of feeder are you using? I have 30+ birds and I go through a 50 pound bag every 2 weeks, with a bit extra still in the feeders when it's time for a refill...

 

[Opa]

So two of my ladies have been inside getting treated with Tylan. They're doing much better but now my big girl is molting. *sigh* I think she's doing it on purpose so she can stay indoors and get all the extra treats they get. Do chickens conspire?

Better that they conspire than expire.

 

[Lisa and girls]

Better that they conspire than expire.

Lol yes it is

 

[MIchickens]

Howdy Doo all,
I noticed that a couple of my chicks have an offset beak. Will this correct itself?, do I need to trim the beak?, will the chick be fine the way it is?....any help will be appreciated! Thanks in advance.