Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[BigHope888]

@ Holly, that is smart. I'd like to use some better biosecurity practices here, but there are some things out of my control. My neighbors (who are completely cool with my chickens, yessss!) have several birdfeeders hung three feet from our property border fence. And I love my boyfriend, but....meh, I won't even start.

On that note, though, would it be worth it to buy some cheap flip-flops and store them for visitors? Come over, put your shoes in a bag. Use loaner flip-flops until you leave. I love having visitors over to see my girls, I just don't want to expose them to anything that bf hasn't already.

One thing I am pleased with is that I do have a dedicated pair of feed store shoes. If ya'll see me rolling around TSC in the world's ugliest pair of old white workout sneakers, that's me. And sitting here, I just had the brainstorm to use my front door instead of the back (walking thru chickens' yard) when wearing my work shoes-I work with the public.

 

[uchytil]

Makes perfect sense now!

Ok, I am the last person to advise folks how to walk about on their own property, but I really think that we all should be doing this: These are *my dedicated coop boots* .... Meaning, I do not wear them in my house, into town, or really anywhere except in my yard and during my Permaculture Pursuits (ducks, gardens). Daily bleach bath. I feel better already!

...And on a side note. One of my family members went on a recreational trip a week or so ago. Near a river, where it is possible that migratory birds could be or have been. Guess where his footwear went immediately upon return? Yep. The bleach bucket/tray.

I think if you feed wild birds, the feeders should be quite some distance away from your home and personal flock too. But like @glambka told us, clean, clean clean. This $2.50 investment could be well worth it.

I knew a lady that also did that. She used some other product. It's a good idea.

I probably won't ever do it though. Not because it's a bad idea but because I have so many different jobs going on every minute that I'd forget anyway. I live in the country. You cannot keep the crows out out of duck pen unless you shoot them. The wild turkeys run all over my place as do about a hundred other bird species. Keeping any one of these potential vectors at bay is problematic best, not to mention illegal in some respects. I agree that going to farm auctions, fairs, etc. can bring home unwanted "things" but lets face it most of them cannot live outside the host for very long so they are more likely dead by the time you get home. Dander issues likes Marek's can travel windborn from farm to farm. I live in farm country and my neighbors, all being very social, are usually here borrowing, or gifting, and I'm pretty sure it would be a cold day before some of my dyed-in-the-wool old timers would step in a bucket on purpose, LOL!

By all means bio-secure but remember that kids that rolled in the mud and played outside were more immune to little things than ones that lived in a plastic bubble.

 

[wannahomestead]

One of my roosters has started to crow. We heard some light crowing this afternoon right before I left for work.

 

[Trexroo]

One of my roosters has started to crow. We heard some light crowing this afternoon right before I left for work.

I claim status of crowing king, I think I have 14 roos running around right none. Lol, anyone need a tired old roo, or 10? Ha Ha..(I still like to hear the youngins that are just figuring it out).

 

[bigmrg74]

One of my roosters has started to crow. We heard some light crowing this afternoon right before I left for work.

My cockerel has started to crow as well. Just not as much lately now that I've kicked him and his brooder mates out into the tractor with the big girls. past two days we've had to dig him out from behind the nests in the tractor. They're finally getting a little more used to the idea of being out there with the big girls now, not just totally huddled in a corner.
I do want to find him a new home as I really just don't need a rooster right now.

Home practicing some bio-security today. home sick from work coughing and hacking. not really terribly sick, but when you're a massage therapist, nobody really wants you coughing and hacking while you're dropping an elbow into their glutes.

 

[wannahomestead]

My cockerel has started to crow as well. Just not as much lately now that I've kicked him and his brooder mates out into the tractor with the big girls. past two days we've had to dig him out from behind the nests in the tractor. They're finally getting a little more used to the idea of being out there with the big girls now, not just totally huddled in a corner.
I do want to find him a new home as I really just don't need a rooster right now.

Home practicing some bio-security today. home sick from work coughing and hacking. not really terribly sick, but when you're a massage therapist, nobody really wants you coughing and hacking while you're dropping an elbow into their glutes.

That sounds great though

 

[bigmrg74]

That sounds great though

Not when your massage therapist has sniffling and a runny nose. Other than that, its awesome.

 

[OldMissionChick]

Makes perfect sense now!

Ok, I am the last person to advise folks how to walk about on their own property, but I really think that we all should be doing this:

These are *my dedicated coop boots* .... Meaning, I do not wear them in my house, into town, or really anywhere except in my yard and during my Permaculture Pursuits (ducks, gardens). Daily bleach bath. I feel better already!

...And on a side note. One of my family members went on a recreational trip a week or so ago. Near a river, where it is possible that migratory birds could be or have been. Guess where his footwear went immediately upon return? Yep. The bleach bucket/tray.

I think if you feed wild birds, the feeders should be quite some distance away from your home and personal flock too. But like @glambka told us, clean, clean clean. This $2.50 investment could be well worth it.

I was thinking the same thing about the boots. Once our coop is finished I will be getting several pairs of boots, enough for the family and a couple extra for family/friends. I dont normally have bleach on hand (not supposed to use with septic tanks) but OdoBan is a great cleaner / sanitizer.

 

[Opa]

Many people consider the upcoming 3 day weekend as the official start of summer, but it is much more than that. Original called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was a day to honor and remember our fallen soldiers and sailors. While I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, I hope you take a few minutes to remember those who gave so much. Better still visit the grave of a family veteran or visit our national cemetery. Great Lakes National Cemetery near Holly is a beautiful and humbling resting place for our veterans. Last year I had my father's cremains interred there and I've request that my sons place me there as well. While it is no were near capacity, the number of graves in such perfect order is both sad and inspiring

Alll gave some, some gave all.

 

[aart]

Quote: For coop boots get boots that don't have deep treads, they just get massively clogged with poop.