Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[NovaAman]

Yes they are!

ETA: I don't know where the quote went, but, yes, Townline did hatch silkies this year. I almost picked up the few they had at FFH last week. Control won out.

 

[cuppycake]

did we ever find out if townline is hatching/selling any silkies this year?

Yes they are/did. I got some about 2 weeks ago at FF&H.

Is anyone planning to go to the animal swap at the New Haven TSC on April 6th? I'm going to take a couple of rex mix rabbits and see if I can trade them for something else, almost all of my current does are sisters except for one and I think I'd like some new blood.

 

[Amy PT]

Townline is, but they're having a hard time filling orders for silkies. Demand is high for them this year.

Our chicks will be 5 weeks old tomorrow. One silkie is significantly bigger than the other, but has been slower to feather out. Our mille de fleur d'uccle's comb is starting to get the slightest tinge of pink to it. Fingers crossed that we won't have to rehome 2/3 of our chicks because they're roos.

I was hoping to get some of the early crops in the ground this week, but the ground isn't ready yet here.

 

[SillyChicken]

Here's the new black shoulder male..... he's SOooo pretty! I am not sure if I want to part with him. So I may hold him and a BS hen back.... ugh decisions! I will enjoy him while I have him I guess.


Hard to get a go photo of him..... his colors sing in the sun, but not so much in the shade!

 

[Maah]

Wow, he is gorgeous!!

 

[Farmerboy16]

Ohh, he sure is purty! Mine is only about 9 months old. Can't wait for my peas to mature!

 

[uchytil]

I keep mine in the brooders for 4 weeks. At about the 3rd week they lose the heat lamp although the brooder remains in heated area. I just set up my finish area yesterday ( same every year), a corner in a storage building that is draft free. I bed them with straw. They have free choice feed and water. My homemade feeder holds 100 pounds and my homemade waterer holds 5 gallons. The containment panels are about 12 inches high. They are so content to eat/drink/sleep that it mostly keeps them from wandering. I feel it's still a better life than some meaties get albeit they don't "free-range". Every year I consider a tractor or some other notion. Nah, after 8-10 weeks they are in freezer camp anyway. My friends that go all probiotic, free-range, etc. end up with more work for them selves, more cost per finished pound, and smaller birds. I also absolutely, do not, ever, take the food away at night. When the sun goes down they sleep just like me. I get 10-14 pounders with a few hens down around 8.

 

[uchytil]

Wow, that tail sure is long! I'd probably step on it.

 

[uchytil]

I keep mine in the brooders for 4 weeks. At about the 3rd week they lose the heat lamp although the brooder remains in heated area. I just set up my finish area yesterday ( same every year), a corner in a storage building that is draft free. I bed them with straw. They have free choice feed and water. My homemade feeder holds 100 pounds and my homemade waterer holds 5 gallons. The containment panels are about 12 inches high. They are so content to eat/drink/sleep that it mostly keeps them from wandering. I feel it's still a better life than some meaties get albeit they don't "free-range". Every year I consider a tractor or some other notion. Nah, after 8-10 weeks they are in freezer camp anyway. My friends that go all probiotic, free-range, etc. end up with more work for them selves, more cost per finished pound, and smaller birds. I also absolutely, do not, ever, take the food away at night. When the sun goes down they sleep just like me. I get 10-14 pounders with a few hens down around 8.

Woops, been on my iphone too long! That's a reply for someone about meaties.

 

[uchytil]

One last thought before I actually get to work boiling more sap. Last year I put maple syrup on the table at CS. I think kris rose got one? Anyway, I think I'd like to trade a little for some honey this year, or ? The saps been flowing like crazy this year. My buckets overflowith onto the ground. I'm tired of splitting and feeding wood to the fire. Also not sure if anyone's interested but I just sold a tiller and have a zero-turn comm. mower on CL GRapids if anyone's interested. Trying to make room for more new toys and critters.