Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[mistyhollow]

I need suggestions for housing 20-25 Muscovies for next winter. Last year I only had 4-5 and it wasn't such a problem. Unfortunately duck math works a lot like chicken math. They were quite happy staying outside under my trailers....even made a nice wind break for them but in these frigid temperatures they realized it was nicer in the barn. Since they free range they get into everything. On top of my chicken tractors, my round bales, my hay inside the barn and my barn floor is completely covered with you know what....
Is it possible to teach them to all stay in a confined area?

 

[preciouskitty]

My mom is in Arizona for the month & sent about 6 "winter" cartoons...the one with the dog looks just like the path to my one shed (& I am pretty sure that is EXACTLY how my dog has felt for the last month )

 

[Ezs Choukies]

My mom is in Arizona for the month & sent about 6 "winter" cartoons...the one with the dog looks just like the path to my one shed (& I am pretty sure that is EXACTLY how my dog has felt for the last month )

Those are hilarious!

 

[Ezs Choukies]

Hey Michigan,
You are my favorite state! You are versatile with mountains, great lakes, fishing hiking history football hockey the Ford Museum Mackinaw Island the Grand Hotel Frankenmuth sault st marie lochs ...and you have chickens!!! I love you so much I could marry you... ok, breathe, get a grip...contain myself...composure...hey, Michigan Peeple, your states alright.
PS Go Blue

 

[Opa]

While technically this is the month with the fewest days it sure doesn't seem like it is. I'm not sure exactly why February was selected to be the month with the least number but as I listen to the weatherman calling for more subzero temperatures tonight I'm glad that it doesn't have any more days than it does.

Just watched a news story about a woman who discovered that someone had been in her home without her knowing it until she discovered his picture on her cell phone. It would be bad enough to have someone violate the sanctity of your home by breaking in, but to find out that they had been there at the same time as you and you had been totally unaware would have been very scary.

A couple of years ago, near Howell, an old WWII vet had two guys claiming to be gas company workers come to his home. They almost beat him to death because they thought he had lots of money. When they couldn't find any money they cut off his finger to get the ring he was wearing.

I worry about my old friend living alone. About that same time someone came to his house wanting to reseal his driveway. He was working in his barn when he was approached. As he walked along his driveway with the supposed contractor he saw a second individual coming out of his house. He asked them to leave and fortunately they did, but he hasn't felt quite as safe since.

I think I'll get myself another cup of coffee and then work the three crossword puzzles that I work each day. They claim that doing so is a good way to insure mental function as you get older.

 

[preciouskitty]

Agree on the crosswords. Just finished the USA Today..about to start NY Times. Grew up doing crosswords/puzzles. My Nana in Colorado always had crossword books & other types of puzzle books on the night stands in every bedroom. She also has a card table (strategically place so when you looked out the window you could see the Flat Irons of the Rockies) set up in the great room that had a 2000+ piece jigsaw puzzle set up ... I sure miss that, & her...

Oh, here's one more from mom in honor of the past & upcoming subzero temps:

 

[taprock]

Busy weekend! Sounds as everyone is still "loving" the winter! I may have to share some of those funnies.

I had a great day on Saturday taking the chicken to work. She helped me meet a group of ladies who were thrilled with her. The two new kids loved her and their parents were busy snapping pictures. She sat for them just like a pro. Then the chicken introduced me to a local small farmer who understands the whole state of the state on small farming. We talked for half an hour. I am very fortunate to have a job where I can take my chicken to work and have lots of fun!

My scalped button quail is doing much better. She has scabbed up enough that she can now see out of her eye. She must have done something to her wings while flapping to get away. They do not lay against her body right and she just looks rumpled. Otherwise she seems bright and alert and her boy is standing guard over her very protectively. And after running lose all day we did capture the run away button quail, without the dog's help.

Some of you have heard this before but I know we have some newbies, My DH works for the road commission and in the winter brings home road killed deer. We stake a couple out in the back field so that is where the coyotes go to if they are around. We have not seen any this year, not even tracks. Anyway, we always have bald eagles in, usually starting the end of February and then nearly every day through March. This year they started showing up in January. I have never worried about my chickens because they stay in the back field and seem more content with something they don't have to hunt down. However, Yesterday....

The bottom left is the chicken's yard. Bottom right is a summer coop, not in use.


I may have to pay closer attention to the Eagles, I know they must be hungrier right now than past years. Thankfully, no one was really out much yesterday in the 10 degree weather.

 

[aart]

@taprock Yikes!! but oh my isn't he beautiful (easy to say from here when he's not stalking MY chickens!)


Where do you work that you can take chickens to (and I love this concept!) introduce you to new friends?

 

[taprock]

@taprock

Where do you work that you can take chickens to (and I love this concept!) introduce you to new friends?

I am the Youth Librarian in Mackinaw City. I started a program called Beaks 'N Books, where kids can come and read to a chicken, like Paws for Reading does with dogs. I am very fortunate to have a director who said sure try it, when I suggested it.

 

[uchytil]

I need suggestions for housing 20-25 Muscovies for next winter. Last year I only had 4-5 and it wasn't such a problem. Unfortunately duck math works a lot like chicken math. They were quite happy staying outside under my trailers....even made a nice wind break for them but in these frigid temperatures they realized it was nicer in the barn. Since they free range they get into everything. On top of my chicken tractors, my round bales, my hay inside the barn and my barn floor is completely covered with you know what....
Is it possible to teach them to all stay in a confined area?

Why not! I've heard of people that let their's free range and then herd them into the barn at dusk. I would just build a stall, or whatever to keep them confined at night. My ducks are out all day but have a modified A-frame house ( sort of like a big dog house but actually a scaled down version of a pig house I built ). My wife is already speaking the "we need more duck talk, and if she goes over the quota that can fit in their present building they may get a spot in my barn next winter. It sure would be easier keeping there food snow free.