Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[taprock]

This weeks forecast is actually in the 40's and some 50's.... and rain every day. At least we might finally get rid of the snow.

I received a cool gift yesterday. My grandma who is 87 gave me her very antique candler. I have never spent the money on one, just used an oatmeal container and a flashlight - this looks about the same.

Had problems with the neighbors dogs today. I chased them off twice and then discovered the tracks went to the coop. Same family that called us horrible things after the last dog incident, but it sure didn't seem to make any difference. I think I'll have to video tape and then talk to the police.

The chickens waded snow yesterday to get to the house and the only two spots of bare ground. They also know if they hover near the back door I'll throw out treats. Besides the chickens we had Robins, Junco and Sparrows enjoying the bare ground and treats. Even if there is still snow at least I can hear some birds now.

 

[Lisa and girls]

It's snowing here right now, yet the forecast is calling for 60 degrees today? Only Michigan.

 

[cuppycake]

This weeks forecast is actually in the 40's and some 50's.... and rain every day. At least we might finally get rid of the snow.

I received a cool gift yesterday. My grandma who is 87 gave me her very antique candler. I have never spent the money on one, just used an oatmeal container and a flashlight - this looks about the same.

Had problems with the neighbors dogs today. I chased them off twice and then discovered the tracks went to the coop. Same family that called us horrible things after the last dog incident, but it sure didn't seem to make any difference. I think I'll have to video tape and then talk to the police.

The chickens waded snow yesterday to get to the house and the only two spots of bare ground. They also know if they hover near the back door I'll throw out treats. Besides the chickens we had Robins, Junco and Sparrows enjoying the bare ground and treats. Even if there is still snow at least I can hear some birds now.

This seems like it's going to be the one nice, sunny day all week... and i have to work. Bleh.

That stinks about the neighbor dogs. I'd take pics/video and then file an official complaint with the police/animal control. Or catch the dogs if you can and then have animal control come pick them up. Neighbors might think on letting their dogs run wild if they have to "bail" them out of puppy jail. When I worked at a county shelter I found that most of the time when people came to claim stray dogs they also ended up having to pay fines for not having their dogs licensed/vaccinated too. Some counties don't require licensing but if yours does then your neighbors might find themselves paying a decent amount of money to get their dogs back.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

to all the new members!

In spite of the fact that it snowed off and on all day yesterday spring really is here. My bluebirds have returned and so has the bear. The bear came in last night, took one of my bird feeders and left a "deposit'. It returned later and took my suet bag. I found both the suet bag and the feeder this morning on the path going next door to my in laws. Thankfully my feeder was not damaged. I guess I will have to start taking my feeders down at night.

 

[teeville5]

Our neighbor's dog has been wandering further from home (1/4 mile away) lately, too. He hasn't quite come in the yard yet, but he probably will at some point. The first time, he was distracted by a truck that came down the road and ran off chasing it before he got in our yard. The second time, my son was out walking our dog in our yard and this dog came up barking at them. The chickens weren't out yet and we wound up keeping them confined for a few days just in case he got bold and came back again. I told DH that if he comes up again and comes in the yard, I'll be making a call.

 

[Trefoil]

Good morning everyone. I was wondering if I could pick you brain on duck eggs in the incubator. I've never hatched them before and am a little concerned about the ones in there now. I posted in the Ducks section but haven't had a reply yet so was wondering if any of you might have some insight for me???? I would sincerely appreciate any

This is the link to my other post:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...al-different-breeds-help-please#post_10937357

Thank you for any help!!!

I saw that you had gotten answers to your questions on the other post. Good luck with your ducklings.

This weeks forecast is actually in the 40's and some 50's.... and rain every day. At least we might finally get rid of the snow.

I received a cool gift yesterday. My grandma who is 87 gave me her very antique candler. I have never spent the money on one, just used an oatmeal container and a flashlight - this looks about the same.

Had problems with the neighbors dogs today. I chased them off twice and then discovered the tracks went to the coop. Same family that called us horrible things after the last dog incident, but it sure didn't seem to make any difference. I think I'll have to video tape and then talk to the police.

The chickens waded snow yesterday to get to the house and the only two spots of bare ground. They also know if they hover near the back door I'll throw out treats. Besides the chickens we had Robins, Junco and Sparrows enjoying the bare ground and treats. Even if there is still snow at least I can hear some birds now.

Sorry to hear about you neighbor & dog problems,In the long run you are probably better off borrowing an electric fence charger from someone and putting up a fence where they are entering your yard. If they get a good poke, they won't come back. And fighting with nasty neighbors just escalates.

 

[gaitngirl]

I don't have any neighbors dogs to contend with - only my foster pups and the local coyotes. The mule does a pretty good job at keeping most predators at bay but the current litter of pups I'm fostering (now 6 mos. old) are fascinated with the chickens (and their poop!!!). The chickens aren't afraid of the dogs unless the pups try to chase them. That's only happened a couple of times so far but they desisted on command, luckily. I've been trying to teach them to ignore the chickens. The poop is a whole other matter. They like it almost as much as they like the wild rabbit poo. Since the chickens free range, the poop is everywhere, of course, even in the primary dog run and the acreage I run the pups on. I do worry about them getting sick from the poop. I've wormed them several times for the standard worms and tapeworm. I've gone out with a pooper scooper and cleaned up the chicken poo but the pups always find some I've missed!

 

[chickflick]

Good Day! Got some yard work done. After cleaning the coops and picking up dog do, decided to stay out and enjoy the warmer weather while it lasted. Cut down the two maiden grass plants and removed all the dead stalks from the coneflowers and sedum. Weeds are already showing their ugly heads. Feel good about getting a head start on the yard.

Hope you all got to enjoy the nicer weather......

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Hi Chickflick! I thought we were supposed to have sunshine today??! I had intended to plant some perennial seeds and bring out the week old Runners but it is too cold for them. Today I adjusted the drainage holes on my inverted bucket water to provide better depth for my ducks. My young mixed gal is trying to sit.

@RaZ- I get the point about the landscape fabric blocking the goodies, but this is just for their pen 12'x24' .... And this crew free ranges during the day, so I don't think it should bother them much. Old Lady Pekin took her adopted 3wk olds out for a splash and dabble. Then it started tiny hail balls so back in they went!

Have a Peaceful Sunday Everyone!
Holly

 

[RaZ]

Hi Chickflick! I thought we were supposed to have sunshine today??! I had intended to plant some perennial seeds and bring out the week old Runners but it is too cold for them. Today I adjusted the drainage holes on my inverted bucket water to provide better depth for my ducks. My young mixed gal is trying to sit.

@RaZ- I get the point about the landscape fabric blocking the goodies, but this is just for their pen 12'x24' .... And this crew free ranges during the day, so I don't think it should bother them much. Old Lady Pekin took her adopted 3wk olds out for a splash and dabble. Then it started tiny hail balls so back in they went!

Have a Peaceful Sunday Everyone!

Holly

Ah, a case of forming a reply before knowing all of the details. On the other hand, I generally oppose the use of that material anyplace it comes in contact with the soil.

Anyone interested in a few ducks? Four Rouens and two runners.