Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

Hardware cloth will keep raccoons out as well, as long as it is securely fastened - chicken wire is useless with coons.

 

[theron]

I have a chick that hatched who keeps leaning to one side and flips over and can't get back up. Need some advice. I will try to post a picture.

 

[RaZ]

Hardware cloth will keep raccoons out as well, as long as it is securely fastened - chicken wire is useless with coons.

That's what I was thinking of.

Some days I think faster than I type...or vice-versa.

 

[chickflick]

Which invitation did you get first? You already accepted our invitation. Not good manners to pass over the first invite.....

 

[Stacykins]

My newest chicks! Hatched a few days ago and are under the devoted care of a broody.














And the goat babies are five weeks old now! They're full of so much energy!

 

[tdhenson86]

This is how we made the pen, but they still get in.

 

[Maah]

SO CUTE SO CUTE SO CUTE!! Chickie-doodles, & goat babies!! Love them.

So I got a tracking number for my hatching eggs! Yip yip! They should be here Thursday.

DH & I donated our tax return to Menards today in exchange for roof shingles. 30 square & I'm broke! We should get some decent mail in rebates back from it at least and will put it to use on some landscaping plans for the summer. Plus they were nice enough to throw in some free skids. LOL. Thanks! We'll use those on the 4H meaties.

Playing with our goats today & took this pic... 3 Nigerian Dwarf wethers.

 

[Trefoil]

There is a long story behind this, but DH has gotten back his goat that a friend (who he originally got the goat from) Had put back with the other 2 goats for the winter. (We cared for last year due to their house burning down) Sadly, the other 2 are dead. Possible animan attacks, possible starvation.

I am reposting this as many of you on here have goats as well, and I only know birds/ cats/ dogs. This is a horribly sad thing, and DH really loves that goat. It is emaciated to unrecognizable. If anyone has ever dealt with a sheep/ goat and knows how to nurse one, please please help me .

Hooves are overgrown and he is walking like he's foundering; DH knows how to trim and even I could hold him at this point.

Too weak to worm. For the last few weeks (or more for all we know) he's been getting raked up dead leaves and sticks to eat. Every knob on his bones are jutting out. Hair is dull, eyes sunk in. It was evening when DH carried him home, so tomorrow i wil look under his eyes to see if he's anemic. DH is furious, he has been asking about the goat every other week and has offered more than once to buy feed if they needed $$.

Any suggestions for the best thing to start with? I had to give him a bucket of scratch, it was all i had and the feed store was already closed. I hope he don't die of bloat now, but if he did at least the poor thing would die happy in his home with a full tummy.

I would give him small amounts of grain or goat pellets mixed with non pasturized natural yogurt. Feed small amounts at a time every 3-4 hours. If he's starving,he will be anemic.

Fermenting...this is my first time trying it so I don't have much info to provide. I have been trying to read (catch up) on this post:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644300/fermenting-feed-for-meat-birds/5360

Yes the bucket is covered and in a box. My understanding is it needs darkness and I want to keep bugs and dogs out of it.
I'm not sure if I have enough vinegar in it, though it is kinda bubbly but not as much as I think it should be. I'll try to feed it tonight.
I'm using layer pellets, cracked corn and barley seed, Braggs ACV and water.

I googled fermenting feed for chickens as well. According to what I read, acv isn't the kind of fermentation that you do with feed. They said it wouldn't hurt though. They also stressed that the feed must be kept covered with water. I use ground feed&wheat with a scoop of calf manna in each batch and add whatever veggies I have. My elevator doesn't have barley.

My newest chicks! Hatched a few days ago and are under the devoted care of a broody.














And the goat babies are five weeks old now! They're full of so much energy!

They look sooooo sweet.
I just couldn't stand it any longer. I planted asparagus roots today Hopefully if they do come up they won't get frosted.

 

[Trefoil]

This is how we made the pen, but they still get in.

You'll never get rid of the coons, so its easier not to waste the time trying & put your efforts into making your pens coon proof. I can't tell by the picture if you have buried hardware cloth around the perimeter. If you haven't you'll need to. If the wire is chicken wire, as you have probably noticed, it doesn't work. Hardware cloth will work if you secure it well ( In other words you can't use a staple gun). Coons are incredibly strong and incredibly intelligent. I do use poultry fencing for the top and so far, its worked. Remember to pay close attention to door gaps.

 

[cuppycake]

Have you guys voted in the Cinco de Mayo poetry contest? There are some really great ones: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/769096/poultry-poetry-contest-vote