Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[theron]

We've made the cookie tin water heater, and it's been a lifesaver. I hate winter, and going out to the coop 2x a day in this weather is enough for me. For those of you looking for directions, just google "cookie tin water heater."

I was planning on picking up some cochins and silkies from Family Farm and Home in a few weeks. But it looks like Townline isn't doing cochins. So... RIRJen, do you breed silkies and cochins?

She raises silkies, but I don't think she has any cochins. If you want I am looking to sell my silkie flock. Have too many other breeds I am working on. I will probably have cochins available by chickenstock this year. PM if you are interested.

 

[1muttsfan]

In Michigan, the worst bad weather comes from the west/northwest. Shelters should be built facing away from that. If placed facing southeast, they also take advantage of the early sunlight in the winter, but provide shade in hot summer afternoons.

Naglady, the best way to check fertility is to incubate some eggs. If they start developing, then you know they are fertile. All eggs have a small spot on them, and it can be hard to distiguish fertilized from non-fertilized just by looking.

 

[Stacykins]

My injured hen died just now. She'd been growing steadily weaker despite being given fluids and liquified food, and living in a brooder inside.

She was such an amazing little Araucana with a lot of potential. She'd only recently laid her first egg (not fertile). She had marvelous, even tufts and was sweet to boot. And she was blue breasted red, so pretty!

 

[naglady]

In Michigan, the worst bad weather comes from the west/northwest. Shelters should be built facing away from that. If placed facing southeast, they also take advantage of the early sunlight in the winter, but provide shade in hot summer afternoons.

Naglady, the best way to check fertility is to incubate some eggs. If they start developing, then you know they are fertile. All eggs have a small spot on them, and it can be hard to distiguish fertilized from non-fertilized just by looking.

thank you, good to know. i just read a article showing the difference.. and what the spots should look like, but i like your advice better.. just incubate and see.. should i be tilting or wait till i am incubating to tilt

sorry stacykins your hen is beautiful.. ,

 

[Amy PT]

We have a regular 25 watt bulb in our tin. Just enough to create a pocket or warmth under the water.

Theron, thank for the response! I don't think we want to wait until Chickenstock. That's in June, right? We have the itch and are ready for little ones in a few weeks.

 

[tdhenson86]

My injured hen died just now. She'd been growing steadily weaker despite being given fluids and liquified food, and living in a brooder inside.

She was such an amazing little Araucana with a lot of potential. She'd only recently laid her first egg (not fertile). She had marvelous, even tufts and was sweet to boot. And she was blue breasted red, so pretty!

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss!

 

[1muttsfan]

If you just want to check fertility and not hatch the eggs, you don't have to worry about tilting them. You should be able to tell by day 7 if they are developing. If you plan on hatching them, they need to be tilted regularly. Here is a great incubator hatching article by Sally Sunshine

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

Staci, sorry about your hen

 

[Amy PT]

Stacykins, she was so beautiful. That was a well tended animal. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[ladyrsanti]

Stacykins, she was very beautiful, sorry to hear it.

Just thought I'd pop in with a little humor on this dreary day.

My geriatric cat enjoying the fish tank show from the box seats.

 

[RIRJen]

I'm interested and somewhat thick. Could you post more pics and explanations?
Congratulations Hannah and Runny! Nice rooster, how about George?
I figure that being well fed makes the wild birds less susceptible to disease and gives the predators something other than my birds to chow on.

No problem...I'll take a video if you need, otherwise do what Amy said and google cookie tin water heater. research what way you want to make it. I modified a couple of mine a little.

We've made the cookie tin water heater, and it's been a lifesaver. I hate winter, and going out to the coop 2x a day in this weather is enough for me. For those of you looking for directions, just google "cookie tin water heater."

I was planning on picking up some cochins and silkies from Family Farm and Home in a few weeks. But it looks like Townline isn't doing cochins. So... RIRJen, do you breed silkies and cochins?

I do have silkies and am hatching right now with the few eggs I'm getting...however I don't know when I'll have anything available as I like to grow them up a little. I don't raise cochins.

What kind of light do you use? That doesn't look like a normal light bulb or is it part of a lamp or something?

I use a normal dollar store 40W or 60W bulb. it doesn't take much to warm it up.

Stacykins, she was very beautiful, sorry to hear it.

Just thought I'd pop in with a little humor on this dreary day.

My geriatric cat enjoying the fish tank show from the box seats.

lol our cat loves bags what a cute picture!