Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[bigmrg74]

Hi all! New to BYC and well, chickens. Hoping my fellow Michiganders can help a girl out!! Any and all advice will be much appreciated. Looking to start my coop out with some egg layers as we eat ALOT of eggs. Wanted to order me some chicks to be delivered by the end of Feb. but not sure if the ground will be thawed enough for the husband to build my coop and run. I'd like them to free range. Again, any and all advice welcome!! Thanks!!

Invest in Hardware cloth and you'll never regret it. That stuff will stop just about everything from little weasels to large dogs and coyotes. And be sure to put the wire in the ground as well to have a skirt around your run and coop so that critters can not access their way into your run.

 

[aart]

@aart

Congratulations.

Thanks @RaZ ....but, um....for what? <scratches head>

 

[snowflake]

Were it green and she was missing the blue overcoat maybe... but rare. Genetics says it isn't possible

I win the prize then cause this egg is definitely tan, I had some Tiny lavender roos but got rid of them as I really don't need tiny eggs but the hens are so sweet I had to keep them

 

[snowflake]

I know I don't need a roo for eggs, didn't word that well, just don't want more tiny hens

 

[RaZ]

Thanks @RaZ ....but, um....for what? <scratches head>

Look to the left, under your signature panel.
You won an award.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/812597/byc-recognition-awards-educator-friend-spirit-greeter/120

 

[aart]

Quote: Oh hmmm.....didn't notice. I must have a proactive fan, huh?

 

[tntchix]

Or you can be like me and keep them in the house for 8 weeks until you have the coop built Hubby not happy with that LOL!

Never wants to have chicks in the house for 8 weeks ever again!!!

X3 never again

but seriously, you don't want to have to rush because you will take shortcuts you think are probably fine. Then one day that shortcut comes back to bite you. My biggest regret is I got the coop and the birds at the same time and was NOT prepared. It just makes it harder. Like @aart said spend some time on here digging around and ask more questions, but please do not rush. You want to enjoy the fluffy butts not be stressed by the situation.

 

[aart]

Got a broody hen out there, if she sits for another 24 hours, I'm going to transfer her to a portable floor nest and if she sits that I'm going to give her some fertile eggs.

Won't THAT be fun.....momma hen with babies in my flock?!?
Never experienced that before and plan to hatch in late Feb anyway/also.

 

[tntchix]

 

[iamfivewire]

@aart : broody hens are awesome - better than the "electric hen"