Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[snowflake]

@snowflake : i would suggest some salvage yards for prices / availability . . . . or maybe check the internet

thanks, you and silly both, hadn't thought of salvage yards

 

[uchytil]

thanks, you and silly both, hadn't thought of salvage yards

If you had a stock tank ( like they use at the stores)? That's what I've always used anyway. I have a camera tripod that I modified with an extendable arm that hold a heat lamp. Then I built a wood frame with hardware cloth for a cover. It's rodent proof, easy to clean, and I can adjust the light as needed for heat. In the off-time I use it to store bags of chicken food. Keeps the food dry and rodent-proof.

 

[SillyChicken]

Ordered my scrapie tags from the USDA yesterday. Kind of a no choice plan if I want to sell the sheep or goats. My two goats are registered with two different organizations and I haven't found out if I can transfer one to the other registry.. I hate having to pay for a membership for only one goat. I rather have them all under the same one. More research to do I guess. Friday, I think the sheep will be getting sheared. Excited to get my hands on the wool!

Saturday March 22nd and 23rd, is the fiber expo at the Saline fair grounds. I hope to go on Saturday.


My poor uggo roo looks like he will lose most of the toes on one foot and the other foot may be dead entirely. I'm not sure if it isn't so high up that I may have to have his leg amputated or cull him. I am still resisting this option. He and I have "conversations" out in the garage and he seems to not mind being held and picked up and stuff. I have a soft spot for this one.. he was a single chick I hatched last spring...such a sweet, silly boy. As long as he is healthy, I'll wait I guess. It's a struggle, normally I would just have just sent a bird to freezer camp rather than let him suffer or deal with the cost/time for dealing with this kind of injury. But there is always that one darn bird that makes it hard.

Farmer, She looks like a sweet goat... I find Fias Co Farms site helpful for managing the goats. I'm including the link for what to do, and look for pre labor in a goat. I noticed the ligs in my doe seemed a little softer than they have been. At first I had trouble figuring out what is what, till there was a slight change. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't have her kids a week earlier than I expect. http://fiascofarm.com/goats/prenatalcare.html

 

[eatwhatyougrow]

so my chickens are smart, or well trained. I always carry the fermented feed out in a white bucket. Yesterday I brought some water out because the water tank heater got unplugged and they were all following that bucket, trying to get into it, I'm like its just water in there. on a side note, my carrots are starting to grow along with the beans and peas, now if it would warm enough for me to clear off the raised beds so they can start to warm, clean out the coop into the compost pile, i am still considering the greenhouse over my whole backyard, i think i can get one of those Clearspan buildings big enough to do it.

 

[mara1]

Quote: you could try a cage muzzle less restrictive than the nylon beats replacing car parts.

 

[Nigellas]

I've used the 100 gallon water troughs in the past. Just need some supported chicken wire on the top. I have an extra one if you want to borrow it.

I just got the idea of using one of those plastic deck boxes. They are fairly inexpensive and you can use it for other stuff later in the year. You would still need a supported wire covering.

Let me know if I can help (even though I'm mad at you for not keeping me out of TSC yesterday).

LOL, I'm glad you *did* go - I was *almost* considering going to check out the Wellies. Thanks for the offer of using your trough - I have a really large Rubbermaid tub for now - I think I want something I can actually connect wire too versus just laying something over it. These cats are really tenacious, I'm sure they would find a way to get into the top if it was not attached - they have already tried pushing in the base of the bathroom door in to get to the chicks. Crazy cats.

How big of a box do you need? I may be able to help you out.... I'm not sure what size shipments my DH is expecting, but they are on the way. He said you'd be welcome to them. I'm just not sure when they'll arrive. Next week maybe?

I currently (currently! haha) only have 4 chicks, but something they can grow into since I have a feeling they will be inside longer than usual… If you do get a wooden shipping crate with his order I would love to try it - I think I can fashion a tight lid to one to keep my cats out.
Thanks for the offer!

 

[uchytil]

Ordered my scrapie tags from the USDA yesterday. Kind of a no choice plan if I want to sell the sheep or goats. My two goats are registered with two different organizations and I haven't found out if I can transfer one to the other registry.. I hate having to pay for a membership for only one goat. I rather have them all under the same one. More research to do I guess. Friday, I think the sheep will be getting sheared. Excited to get my hands on the wool!

Saturday March 22nd and 23rd, is the fiber expo at the Saline fair grounds. I hope to go on Saturday.

You can still sell the goats without tags can't you? Maybe not? I remember when I got my Toggies they came with ear tags. I registered the doe with ADGA for future sales. My rescue has NO documentation. So, I guess I'll have to look into what to do if I breed her in the fall. What 'membership" do you pay. I recall it cost 15 dollars to register the toggie. No fees after that. I'm lost on the scrapie issue though. Can you provide what you are doing via PM? Thanks, John.

 

[RaZ]

i am still considering the greenhouse over my whole backyard, i think i can get one of those Clearspan buildings big enough to do it.

There are grants available for hoop house / greenhouse / seasonal high tunnels. You can contact your local USDA and/or NRCS field office for information and applications. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mi/programs/?cid=nrcs141p2_024617

I have an application in the works. It is a rather slow and tedious process but I figure I'll take a shot for free funds. The deadline for applications is March 21, 2014.

I also am aware that some people do not want to register their farm operation with the government.

 

[eatwhatyougrow]

I currently (currently! haha) only have 4 chicks, but something they can grow into since I have a feeling they will be inside longer than usual… If you do get a wooden shipping crate with his order I would love to try it - I think I can fashion a tight lid to one to keep my cats out.
Thanks for the offer!

I have used shipping crates to make coops, brooders, they are great. and the price I usually get on them is the best part, free all about the freecycle.

 

[uchytil]

There are grants available for hoop house / greenhouse / seasonal high tunnels. You can contact your local USDA and/or NRCS field office for information and applications. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mi/programs/?cid=nrcs141p2_024617

I have an application in the works. It is a rather slow and tedious process but I figure I'll take a shot for free funds. The deadline for applications is March 21, 2014.

I also am aware that some people do not want to register their farm operation with the government.

Without going backwards too much, where did you find the info on hoop houses/ Is that a Fed thing, or state? I'm looking for "other" incentives that may be out there. And yes, I hate involving the government. I worked for Uncle Sam for 31 years and already know about once his foot is in the door. It can go your way, or the highway...