Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[SillyChicken]

Though I agree Tap.. secure also should take into account structural integrity and health safety.. the mold needs to go and it looks like it was made with minimal materials as possible... 2x3's and no end studs to speak of. The building is structurally weak, not secured to the ground in anyway.. and a heavy snow or wind could easily take it down.

I know others on here have done construction work as well, maybe they could offer some suggestions?

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Western Fox Snakes, also known as Pine snakes, are a very welcome visitor here. They are rodent eaters! This one was very tolerant of getting handled and getting passed around to some visitors at the house. Didn't even musk! A very beautiful animal. I especially love their checkerboard bellies.

He or she is back in the field to snarf on mice.

W

Yikes! A little warning next time please

I nearly fell out of my chair

I had carpal tunnel relief surgery back in 1998. Best thing that ever happened to me.

DH is going through workmans comp right now for that. I told him he can't have the surgery till I get back from my trip since I know more about his medical stuff than he does

Please everyone don't feed apple cores to your birds. I fed some to my little d'uccles and my sweet rooster ate the seeds. He got really sick and is dying. I am crushed about this since he was my little love and i was the one who did this to him. Many happy hours together in the old lawn chair....

So sorry Fuzzy

Opa and Rose, I hope your hand issues will improve.

That shed looks like it could be a good coop. If my rotted out bedroom could be converted that I don't see why that couldn't be done to the shed. Good luck!

 

[NovaAman]

Thanks tap! He is so Pretty and dizzy to look at!

Me on that shed.. I'd take out that section of roof and replace with plexi so I could take advantage of natural light as much as possible. Vent ridge cap along the top. If you can't do that, the gable vents at the tops of both ends. I'd also replace the top squares on the doors with windows that can be opened in the summer months. Also, more natural light. I'd lift it for sure, then use blocks all the way around to keep critters from making a home underneath. Does it have a floor? Probably should have asked that... If it doesn't, I'd dig down all the way around to bury hardware clothe or fencing a foot down. Or I'd run fencing across the floor on the inside and then cover with a few inches to half a foot of sand or crushed concrete. Sand would be better, easier to clean. I have hardpacked earth in mine and I really like how easy it is to clean up. But I do have to add soil as well. Other wise put in a floor with vinyl/linoleum to make cleaning and wash outs a breeze. A cement floor is also easy to clean, but can hold moisture so be sure to turn the litter of choice. What else... 2x4 roost bars. Neighbors have a coop like this, and they've run a foot wide shelf around the whole back and one side. Use milk crates or plastic tubs for nest boxes. Even covered cat boxes or small animal pet carriers. Dish pans too. I use sterite bins with lids, set lid side down and a hole in the side. Makes for easy cleaning and moving of a broody hen. Definitely need to get that mold out. Mold will kill the birds.

I am sorry if that was all over the place, but I have a habit of thinking faster than I can remember... I go off on tangents real quick. My kids dad says its hard to hold a conversation with me cuz I jump all over the place. Lol

 

[tsetse9]

I'd take out that section of roof and replace with plexi so I could take advantage of natural light as much as possible. Vent ridge cap along the top. If you can't do that, the gable vents at the tops of both ends. I'd also replace the top squares on the doors with windows that can be opened in the summer months. Also, more natural light.

I am sorry if that was all over the place, but I have a habit of thinking faster than I can remember... I go off on tangents real quick. My kids dad says its hard to hold a conversation with me cuz I jump all over the place. Lol

No worries there...i have the same problem so i follow you perfectly!

 

[tsetse9]

Oh and sorry I didn't realize my location wasn't listed for those that asked...changed my profile now. In grandville which is just outside of grand rapids.

 

[snowflake]

sorry Fuzzy, hope your roo is doing better,


Tap, glad you caught your pheasant,

the shed looks good , needs some work but can be fixed

Chicken grandma had a list of vets that would see chickens but don't know if you an get at it, she went to a vet on 28th st, near S. Division, in GR he was/is the vet zoo and would see chickens. Don't remember his name, just E of Division up on a hill

 

[snowflake]

DARN WOODCHUCK, walked right into my run I leave the door open so the birds can free range during the day, Saw somthing out there nocking the feeder around ran down and yelled at my DH to get his gun but by the time he got it ready and outside it had sqeezed through a hole in a corner, ;won't get through there again, That succer was HUGE and no hair on his back half, mangey looking bugger,going to try to trap him tonight. he seems to like chicken food and maybe eggs, maybe why soe days I don't have as many as I should

 

[tdhenson86]

That is such a cute chick!

 

[SillyChicken]

plexi isn't a bad idea.. but..... the only concern I would have would be that it could make it like an oven and hot in the summer time.

 

[NovaAman]

But not with that tree there shading it.. Might not be bad then.