Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SillyChicken]

Nope not my boy.

OK, he looked very similar.... Must have seen a photo with him in that shirt on another post or something and I got the two mixed up.

 

[SillyChicken]

congrats Sarah!

 

[ladyrsanti]

Congrats on the coop!

As an artist, I'm ashamed that I have nothing aesthetic for my chickens. Purely practical. Maybe someday. I can dream!

I was out back trying to take some video of my sheep going ballistic in the newly opened pasture and of course they stopped doing it. I've let them out for short periods all this week to wean them into it so they don't bloat. But only this morning did they start charging and bounding with pure delight. If you've never seen a sheep bounce at top speed, it's hilarious (think Pepé Le Pew on steroids). Oh well, maybe they'll do it tomorrow when I let them out. I just have to remember to take the camera with me while doing chores.

So I took a picture of the chicken run instead. I don't think I've ever shown it before. I know it's flimsy but it's only for day use and it's also inside the fenced sheep pasture so dogs can't get back there. The old ladies and the 1st hatch share the run with a divider. The youngest are in the tractor on the other side of the yard for now. I'm hoping to get rid of a few chicks this weekend to my sister. Then whatever is left is going to Chickenstock. It's hard finding people who don't care about the breed standards on BYC though so I'm not sure it will be worth the effort - especially since I have to build pens to transport them in. That, along with my reputation on here is giving me serious doubts I should even attend.

I had a "neighbor" lady stop by right after we moved in (a friend of the previous homeowners) who said she'd like some different breeds of chickens if I ever had extras. She didn't seem to know what kind she already had (some white ones and some brown ones I think) so she's the type I'm looking for. I just wish I knew where she lived or her full name! I lost the little slip of paper her address and phone number was on and all I know to call her by is "Cookie". Pretty sure she isn't in the phone book under "Cookie". DOH! Does anyone know if there's a law against putting up signs for selling chickens in your yard? I've never seen any so I worry. But maybe she'd drive by and see.

Oh, and on that note. I put a cooler out by the road with eggs in it and a sign. No one has purchased any or even stolen them... or the cooler. Come on! It's a nice cooler, lol. It feels like just yesterday I dumped 9 doz. eggs on the food bank and I've already got that many collected and aging. *sigh*

Guess I got into the wrong business/hobby with the wrong amount of gusto.

 

[cuppycake]

Lady, you'll have to check your local laws about placing a sign. Usually it just has to be within a certain size, not blocking traffic views, and on your own property a certain distance back from the road. I see signs out for people selling eggs, veggies, puppies, rabbits, even horses. I'd imagine you could put up your sign.

 

[1muttsfan]

Lady, maybe I missed something, but you have a reputation? For what? Anyway, you should do just what you want with your birds - there are many people on here who are more interested in good layers with good temperaments than in potential show quality. There is a place for both. I have found it almost impossible to sell good quality purebred birds locally, as most people think the $3 chicks from TSC are just as good.

 

[Scifisarah]

Congrats on the coop!

As an artist, I'm ashamed that I have nothing aesthetic for my chickens. Purely practical. Maybe someday. I can dream!

My problem is, I try to make everything a work of art, and sometimes practical is just better. My husband and I are trying to figure out how to replace our octagon veggie garden. The soil here is so bad, sandy and rocky devoid of any organic element, that we had to sift out the rocks and add lots of stuff in. The octagon is just a pain in the butt whenever I want to put down any sort of landscaping cloth to keep the weeds out. Looks cool from satellite though: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=3344...Rockford,+Kent,+Michigan+49341&gl=us&t=h&z=20

 

[RaZ]

That does look cool from the satellite view.

 

[ldelahanty]

RAZ, can you please contact me, I am trying to put together a campaign here is the Traverse City Area and online to support you. I have the Gov.'s office number, and I would like to start a campaign of people calling, not sure how many I can get, but they can not do this. If they can take this right away, what is next? We have to stick together. I would like to know if there is anything or anyone specific you would like called or to whom letters should be written? I live in Traverse City but my In-laws and my sister live in Garden City.
Thanks!
Leah
ldelahanty1974 @ hotmail.com

 

[Scifisarah]

Lady, have you tried Craigslist for selling chickens and fresh eggs? People actually have messaged me asking if I had eggs for sale, when I just had chickens listed, so I think that would be an excellent place to market yourself. I have sold lots of chickens through there as well, anywhere from $5-$20 per bird depending on how nice it was in type and color. I think good photos from many different angles accounts for any success selling online, so people can see what is offered and make a connection to what you are selling.

 

[ldelahanty]

we need to make sure that we are sticking together and protecting each others rights, call the GOV at 517-335-7858! Tell them that the city of Perry and the city of Garden City are in violation of the Right ot farm act and that something should be done to ensure our rights are upheld!