Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[vintagegem]

We are getting our first chickens ever in a couple of weeks, 6 hens only. Our coop is 8x8x8 high with a run of 12x25, is this going to be sufficient do you think? we are aiming to extend the run sometime in the future.

 

[jlynnet]

We are getting our first chickens ever in a couple of weeks, 6 hens only. Our coop is 8x8x8 high with a run of 12x25, is this going to be sufficient do you think? we are aiming to extend the run sometime in the future.

That's a good starting point.

 

[ladyrsanti]

I can understand. Sorry for my ignorance, and thank you for explaining.

-Jeym

By the way, there is no limit as to how many chickens is too many chickens.

In my limited experience, it is nearly impossible to even give away a rooster or old hen to someone who won't eat them. It does happen, especially if it's a rare breed (rooster) or given to an animal activist/vegan/PETA/sanctuary type. My sister put an ad up on craigslist to give away an extra rooster and found someone, a woman came to pick it up as a pet for an elderly gentleman and hugged the rooster in the car (we assume) all the way home. It was also felt that she did this as an act to save the rooster. So there are people out there who do it but I don't think there are many. But craigslist is one way to go. You see ads for free roosters there all the time.

 

[SillyChicken]

Hiya guys, my mom and I were thinking about where to give our male chickens. We don't want to give them to a place that will slaughter them when they have finished their primary use (egg laying). Anybody got any good places? Thanks in advance!

-Jeym

I was also wondering if anyone has seen Smoky and the Bandit? I'd like to say I'm not the only one, but I don't know.

I don't think anyone thinks your ignorant or anything... but if you re read what you wrote you can understand why someone would say something. There are people who actually don't understand how all that works. Good luck rehoming. Please also keep in mind, that once they leave your care, they may end up as someone's dinner regardless of what was agreed upon etc. Roos are a dime a dozen.

 

[gladahmae]

@gladahmae

I did the same thing-- overbought snap peas in the giant packs. Ended up leaving them over the winter, in what I call my duck garage. It actually is an upcycled pickup truck bed toolbox, wood, and it holds all my feed, corn etc. plus it locks!! So my peas spent the miserable winter out there, and I wondered if they'd be no good bcz of that, but I tossed them down anyway. So far nothing. Is it too late to plant Kohlrabi seeds?

No idea on kohlrabi. Never plant the stuff. What about carrots, parsnips and beets? I need to do some reading up on those.

Only the small pack of peas was from last year. No sense in throwing them away when I can just toss them in the trench! Supposed to rain all week so hopefully I get germination soon.

I have thyme, cilantro, carnations, and I think the sage too sprouting in the milk jugs. Woo hoo!

 

[fuzzybutt love]

General post, not at anyone in particular

I sadly have dh put my roos i can't keep down. I won't allow for eating as mine are much beloved but too many and theh fight together, hurt hens. Also since mine are primarily cooped most roos just can't handle it, get mean. Also if you want to hug on hens your roo must like hugged or he will think you are the enemy. Puberty and spurs make them forget your kindnesses...I have only had 3 true lap roos in 5 years....i will breed for it but keep in mind rarity of this trait if you have a smaller setup and plan on having pet hens. I regret this as i've always had a soft spot for roos and i am sure others do too but unless you have a lot of bird experience it is not a good idea as you will not be able to understand the body language to see when he's getting mad or nervous.

Last weekend i was fortunate to find a kind and experienced couple to adopt the son of my pet mini roo and a little hen with him. The couple petted and fussed over them, if any of you are them please pm me!
But as a rule most "kind souls" only tell you what you want to hear. I have met some. Unless you are like me and attempt to pick out pretty roos to put in my breeding pen once in a while )
I make the decisions on my boys as acts of kindness so they never have to suffer or be afraid. (Gun, we try not to let them see it coming just give a treat out back away from the others... )

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

@fuzzybutt love I'm sorry you had to put your birds down. I think its best for the flock as a whole, like you said, too many males isn't good.

@gladahmae awesome on the jugs! I brought mine in since they were saying 60mph winds. The best looking one here right now is eggplant in a peanut jar of all things! And peppers galore. Think all my herbs died Carrotts & Beets I finished planting last week, radishes I think have been in I think 2 wks.

 

[RaZ]

I'm sorry you had to put your birds down. I think its best for the flock as a whole, like you said, too many males isn't good.

I guess that is why there aren't many of us guys on this thread.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Y'all are fine here. Opa, meant to say, the don't overthink it advice was true and good.

How's you weather RaZ?

 

[RaZ]

How's you weather RaZ?

A nifty thunderstorm just rolled through. Some hail but it did not last long. The day was nice enough to get the lawn mowed though.