Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RussianChickens]

More harassment from the city of Garden City, Michigan.
This time in the form of a summons from the probation officer for violating the terms of my probation, she cites "received three new charges while on probation".

I am only aware of one (1) NEW allegation and that has not been adjudicated in a court of law. Apparently, the probation officer does not recognize the right of due process.

Whats that all about? This is all over chickens?!? Wow, there's a lot I don't know about the city. Thank goodness for country living!

 

[RaZ]

Who else can I write to? I've sent out some letters in the past but I can send some more. Just reprint the ones I've sent I suppose. But I worry that if I get too specific, I'll get you in more trouble. How far is too far?

http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_2878-8251--,00.html
These are the Ag Commissioners. They know me and they know about my case. I don't know if they agree with my position or not. You can also write to the governor if you feel so inspired.

Don't worry about getting me into trouble. I found a direct path to that.

RAZ, what are these new "charges" for the "chicken criminal?" Any more word on fighting the higher court (appeals) that the ordinance violates state RTFA?

The only new charge that I am aware of is for the butterfly garden in the front yard. It was cited as a violation of ordinance 94.19 which is a violation of "Street Openings". The other ticket left in my mailbox just said, "animals". No ordinance cited, no specifics mentioned.
The letter from the probation officer (received today) says that I broke three (3) laws. It was unsigned and non-specific.

RAZ, nice new scope, what fun! Have you looked at pond water? So sorry about the harassment, it's just unbelievable. Country living is the best!

I have not looked at pond water yet. I need to get some proper slides for that. I will be looking at some pond plants later tonight.
Enjoy your country living, but beware that harassment doesn't stop at boundaries. Stay alert.

Whats that all about? This is all over chickens?!? Wow, there's a lot I don't know about the city. Thank goodness for country living!

It's not about chickens, per se. It is more about education.
I'm not advocating any dissension. I'm not suggesting anarchy of any kind. I am advocating that people stand up for and defend their rights under the established law.

I'll get off my soap-box now.

 

[gaitngirl]

Sooo ridiculous Raz. Sorry you have to go through all of this cr**.

 

[ladyrsanti]

I already wrote the governor but I can write him again and again and again. I'll try some of the commissioners though. Mind if I send them that photo of the plaque you posted?

 

[Scifisarah]

While I'm sure you'll probably find someone to disagree with me, I would recommend that you never use bio-degradeable materials. They are only a temporary measure and soon just add to the problem. Gravel and sand are far better in that they hold no odors as straw or wood chips will. They displace water rather than absorb it. I probably tracked dirt in to the house before many of you were born so you can rightfully assume I've got more than a little experience with mud.

I am woefully behind on the forums, but I have to agree with this 100%. Imagine your run is filled with hungry stinky bacteria. They like to eat things with carbon in them, ie once living/organic materials. Once you start adding straw, shavings or mulch into your run, you are basically creating a bacteria farm and the smell and health problems will only get worse.

 

[RaZ]

Sooo ridiculous Raz. Sorry you have to go through all of this cr**.

Don't be sorry. In a round-about way, I volunteered for this gig. It may have started as a personal issue but this thing affects all of us Michiganders.

I already wrote the governor but I can write him again and again and again. I'll try some of the commissioners though. Mind if I send them that photo of the plaque you posted?

Did the Governor's office ever reply? I would love to hear what he thinks about it.

Go ahead and send the photo out. It was taken by a MAEAP person for publicity for the programme.

 

[Scifisarah]

Where'd you get the scope, and do you like it? It is on my Christmas list for this year so I need to figure out which one to go with. Already looking forward to showing lots of things to the kids and being able to take cool photos.

Early b-day present arrived.

I am letting my bio-nerd flag fly today, already looked at leaf from volunteer mulberry and confirmed that they are the invasive white (Morus alba). So some removal is in order. Besides they had aphids here and there.
The bugs were huge under the 10x magnification and this scope goes up to 80x and has a digital camera.

I wish I had some chicken poop to look at.

 

[ladyrsanti]

Don't be sorry. In a round-about way, I volunteered for this gig. It may have started as a personal issue but this thing affects all of us Michiganders.
Did the Governor's office ever reply? I would love to hear what he thinks about it.

Go ahead and send the photo out. It was taken by a MAEAP person for publicity for the programme.

Sadly he (or anyone on his behalf) did not --but I'll send another.

 

[RaZ]

Where'd you get the scope, and do you like it? It is on my Christmas list for this year so I need to figure out which one to go with. Already looking forward to showing lots of things to the kids and being able to take cool photos.

http://www.amazon.com
(edited to remove my specific order)
Look for:
AmScope 20X-40X-80X Digital Binocular Stereo Microscope


I don't usually promote products, but I will say that this is a fine piece of equipment. I need to learn how to use the camera. So far I am highly impressed.

 

[preciouskitty]

Thanks, but I'm getting a lot of manure locally.

I was thinking exactly that...you are getting plenty of local "manure" & downright harassment. I am gonna start sending letters too. Do you/anyone have any examples ? I'm thinking letters all the way up to Michigan US Reps.. Now. I THINK my alpha rooster's, Bigboy, hormones have kicked in. Birds have been out all day while I have been working in garden. Noticed Spaz (aptly named) wasn't around when they all came to see me in the garden before heading to neighbor's to eat raspberries. So I go to look for her & she is all alone kinda hunkered down quietly in a corner under the deck. Thought maybe she was sick (remember, her name is Spaz for a very good reason!). This goes on for a few hours, can't coax her to go hang with everyone. Finally, a few of them find her in her corner, plop down next to her. Enter Bigboy. He went at her. Grabbed her by the neck, she got away, ran to cherry tree where he caught her again and it LOOKED like he was trying to "get busy" (& she was screeching !). She got away again with him hot on her tail (no pun intended ) ran under the truck & hopped on top of the tire in the wheel well. I am new to this chicken thing & these birds are ~15 wks old, so... Is it "normal" for a pullet to kind of hide/avoid others when she is the object of the boy's constant attention?