Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[gladahmae]

the cattle pannels work real well and easy. I have an old instant garage frame, the plastic has long ago weatherd and gone, I have some old leftover steel siding I put on the top and I tarp the sides, makes a great rain and sun shelter in the summer and in winter I put the sides on and have extra outside, snow free space

Cattle panels would probably work the best (and be the quickest install) but I'd end up spending over $100 in materials by the time I got 3 panels and the lumber to frame it in (and all the hassle of taking the capper off the truck for transport). PVC is not an option for us as we almost routinely get 30-40mph winds when the lake-effect snow blows in. I'm wondering about maybe just shoving one of the meat tractors up to the pop door and calling it good. I'd have to put in a little bit of cross-bracing for snow-load, but it would work. I just want something bigger than 8x8. I want a lot of things though.

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

thanks for all the input on ages for processing chickens....I have 3 GLW boys who were born in March....and a few more boys from May on - thanks again!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Need to figure out a CHEAP way to get them a more useable winter run area as well. Maybe I need to find one of those plug-in snowblowers on CL and just dedicate myself to blowing out their run regularly.

I was going to suggest a hoop house as well but....

Sam, glad to see you this morning....... Yes we enjoy your ramblings... and to know you're still kickin', no matter how high. If you don't pop in, then I worry that something happened to you or granny and well, that just wouldn't be a good day.

Agree!!

 

[NovaAman]

I am right off of lake michigan here. I have a 12x20 foot by 5 high run. I ran wood post 2x6, up each end. Ran a 2- 2x6x10ft top beams up the hard way...after I had the hoops and the tarp up... To support the hoops. Ran 2x6 posts to the ground from the top beam. Use 3/4 in PVC, PVC brackets to hold in place at the beam, and run walls. It held. Yes, I had to knock off snow, and I worried when wed get those 60 mph winds, but it held. I am going to get the marans run built using the same premise, only much smaller scale. 3 birds don't need such a large area.

 

[preciouskitty]

On that note, I keep their living area clean. I spot clean every day, I change their bedding when needed. I scrub quarterly. I make sure they always have fresh water with a shot of acv. I mix their food with a homemade blend that is whole food oriented. They get goodies from the garden, berries, oatmeal and yogurt on a regular basis. But when one of them gets the sniffles I feel like a horrible chicken parent.
Someone please tell me I am normal.

Well. Let's use an analogy.

I don't know if you have children or not. I don't. BUT, I know LOTS of people that do.
I know they do everything they can to keep their kids safe & healthy. But, kids still get bumps, bruises, broken bones, the flu, colds, etc.

Most everyone I know are EXCELLENT parents, & it is thru no faulty parenting that leads to kid mishaps or illnesses!

So, no, I don't think you are a bad chicken momma

 

[NovaAman]

Ok... I have this blog address that I found that has a hoop house. I think with an added brace along the top, even with wind and snow, it'd hold up.
http://wholeviewfarm.blogspot.com/2013/07/building-hoop-coop-how-to-construct.html

 

[NovaAman]

Got a question for you experienced keepers.

I noticed today a few of the older chicks are walking stiff legged. And then rocking/wobbling back and forth when they go to stop, a bit of hesitancy when they are placing their feet forward. They are active, eating, and it seems to be both legs, not just one or the other, no one leg forward or back ward. The only chicks it seems to be affecting are a pair of sisters. None of the other chicks in the group are showing anything, though I will continue to watch them. Aside from what I have already mentioned, there is nothing else. So any ideas or treatments?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Nova-- not sure if this applies at all -- but lots of ducks having similar symptoms with legs & walking or rather falling. Also a couple botulism cases too

 

[Lisa and girls]

Well. Let's use an analogy.

I don't know if you have children or not. I don't. BUT, I know LOTS of people that do.
I know they do everything they can to keep their kids safe & healthy. But, kids still get bumps, bruises, broken bones, the flu, colds, etc.

Most everyone I know are EXCELLENT parents, & it is thru no faulty parenting that leads to kid mishaps or illnesses!

So, no, I don't think you are a bad chicken momma

Thank you for that. I don't have kids. And God bless all those who do. I can't imagine. I'd be a wreck!

 

[kimmie6067]

Sorry everyone the Grandkids only got bumps, bruises, and a concussion boy it was a close call