Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

Hawks are federally protected birds. And the penalties are quite severe for killing them. They do a valuable service to all of us by keeping varmint numbers down, killing untold numbers of mice, rats and other creatures that left uncontrolled would decimate food crops and cause damage to our homes and gardens. While we would like to free-range our birds, doing so is an "attractive nuisance" as far as attracting predators.

Hawks will often move on after a few days if there is no prey available. A covered pen for times when your birds need to be confined is invaluable.

I kill very small - up to a week - chicks by cutting their heads off using a set of heavy kitchen shears. It is very quick. Others use cervical dislocation - breaking the neck at the base of the skull; I will do this with older chicks and adult birds. There are also instructions available online for "gas chambers" using baking soda and vinegar. Definitely not a fun thing to do, but we don't do it to enjoy it, but because we know it the best thing to do. Performing it quickly and with as little pain and distress for the bird makes it a little easier on us.

 

[Moma Hen]

Thanks! I am going to check out their facebook page. I have heard of them before, good things, so they must be a good place to get chickens.

 

[naglady]

I think, believe, that when we (people) use environments occupied by animals, we share the space. Much as we regret predation on our animals we have no right to kill off the indiginous species. Protect ours, yes, but I think some people go too far. Also see below.
I'm sure the law is a federal one. Endangered, threatened, And maybe some other categories of migrratory birds are protected. They are also beneficial. You are correct, imo, to believe "they have to eat too.

The punishment for violation of these acts is severe. I think. And hope.

So tj you believe that as long as one does not get caught anything goes ? Right ?

I guess i should clarify myself. I posted i have idea, but when it comes down to it, doesnt me i will follow thru.. I dont believe in breaking the law. I usually throw the dead mice & chipmunks i get in the woods and i think that feeds our hawks and predators.. plus we have alot of squirrels.. so i am hoping that keeps them away from my girls.

 

[snowflake]

last spring at MSU, one of the ways they suggested to cull chickens was to put them in a black trash bag and tie the open end around your tail pipe and turn the motor on, would not eat any bird killed in that manner

 

[snowflake]

has any one gotten birds from John Blehm "chick Hatchery" in Burch Run? I see he vaccinates all birds for Mareks unless asked Not to

 

[Stacykins]

Some twit hit the mailbox. The kicker? There is no snow or ice on the roads. This is the second time this has happened in the past few months. Last time, there was again, no snow or ice even on the ground at the time. Makes me wonder if it is some bored teenager. Or maybe Jason Ives' family. Yea, those are a bunch of news articles detailing the progress of his charges and days in court.

That is the man who tried to scam my parents. He was selling a parcel of land, so my parents put down a down payment. Good thing they documented everything and are fastidious about paperwork management. Because he attempted to sell it to two other people. It also had a lien against it, because of a former loan. that he did not disclose to my parents. In the end, we got it and he made nothing from it (all the money went to pay off the lien to a recently widowed neighbor. In fact, the check was written to her, not the scammer, so he couldn't misuse it). But because he mishandled the down payment money (blew it before the sale even was finalized), it was a charge levied against him when he was arrested.

*sigh* time to stop the mail for a bit until I get a new mailbox.

 

[MIchickens]

Sorry to hear about your vandalism stacykins.

I made a screened top for my brooder today. One of my chicks got some air today. One of my speckled sussex started showing spots. She looks so cool.
I did my culls today. The first one was a bit uncomfortable, but after that it wasn't that bad.
I really like when the chicks stretch out their wings...its very impressive the feathers they have after hatching a little over a week ago.

 

[RIRJen]

Silkie chicks are poppin' out around here again

But darn it all they're partridge again!!!

 

[tjbeckman]

has any one gotten birds from John Blehm "chick Hatchery" in Burch Run? I see he vaccinates all birds for Mareks unless asked Not to

No but that is close to me. Do they have a website?

 

[SillyChicken]

last spring at MSU, one of the ways they suggested to cull chickens was to put them in a black trash bag and tie the open end around your tail pipe and turn the motor on, would not eat any bird killed in that manner

Esh...not one I would personally try....Just catching my cars exhaust in the fresh air is enough to make you choke n cough... I couldn't imagine sticking my head in a bag of it.

There are really only two ways to cull anything quickly with the least amount of stress/pain, brain or spine trauma.