Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Candy442]

Hi all,
Please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong place and if so, where I should post?
I have a friend in the general Lansing area who is looking for hatching eggs. She's would like to build a small layer/therapy flock of standard-sized hens and has plans in place for any roosters that result.

Many thanks in advance!
Anne

Hi Anne,

We have some hatching eggs available of different breeds or occasionally thin out our flock where they may be able to buy young pullets/hens.
Do you know if she has a breed preference? We are out near Williamston. We raise Chanteclers, Easter Eggers, and Bielefelders where those three breeds are our most docile and friendly. Then we have our Iowa Blues who are curious, intelligent, active free range birds who are great at self protection.

Let us know if we can help and welcome

Candy (and DH Iamfivewire )

 

[wannahomestead]

Thx everyone for the explanation. I kinda had a feeling that was the case. We'll be 18 weeks at the end of the month so I'm starting to keep an eye out for eggs. I still have the nest boxes blocked off. I've definitely noticed some changes in the older birds; their combs are starting to grow taller and wattles are starting to come in. I also notice some color change. I find it interesting that one my EE's comb area is super red now, but she's one of the younger ones (13 weeks.)

The ducklings are about 2 weeks old today. They're jerks, but at least they're cute .

 

[RaZ]

I am throwing out a shameless plug for a T-shirt fundraiser for the MSFC (Michigan Small Farm Council)

http://www.booster.com/msfcindependenceday

MSFC has been actively fighting for the right to keep a small farm operation where ever you happen to live. Since the ruling last year, the fight is going through the courts and we have been working with lawyers to file Amicus briefs on behalf of and in support of real farmers. It is a long and expensive fight.

Please help if you can. Thanks.

 

[aart]

Thx everyone for the explanation. I kinda had a feeling that was the case. We'll be 18 weeks at the end of the month so I'm starting to keep an eye out for eggs. I still have the nest boxes blocked off. I've definitely noticed some changes in the older birds; their combs are starting to grow taller and wattles are starting to come in. I also notice some color change. I find it interesting that one my EE's comb area is super red now, but she's one of the younger ones (13 weeks.)

The ducklings are about 2 weeks old today. They're jerks, but at least they're cute .

That reddening of the combs can drive ya nuts when you're waiting for pullet eggs!

If you watch closely, the combs can redden up and then pale out again with exertion or excitement.

The best way I've found is to feel the pelvic points, here's my notes/blurb about onset of lay:

New layers can be quite goofy acting, they don't know what they are doing at first and can be confused and anxious, it can take up to a month or so before they get it all figured out. Putting some fake eggs or golf balls in the nest might help show them where to lay. They may scratch around in the nests for weeks before laying. Meanwhile, eggs everywhere, some of them can be rather funky looking, soft or thin shelled, huge double yolked eggs.

Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.

2 bony points on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

 

[snowflake]

I am throwing out a shameless plug for a T-shirt fundraiser for the MSFC (Michigan Small Farm Council)

I happen to have mine on right now, could use another though as a lot of my T's are getting shabby looking.

broody hens are funny, I have one that hatched her 1st about 5 weeks ago and she is already laying again. don't think any of my others started laying while still mothering a little one

 

[wannahomestead]

I noticed one of my ducklings legs were looking a little funny today when I was deep cleaning their brooder. I'm going to stop after work and get some niacin supplement since they may be not getting enough. I also noticed he has a very dark looking vein in his legs, not sure if that's normal or not. They don't seem to be acting out of the ordinary at all, but would rather be safe. They're in the mini brooder today while I dry out their big one. Fresh bedding and all tonight for 'em.

 

[dportfamfarm]

Advise!!! What should i do to get rid of this? (See picture)its been 2 days and im cleaning his/her bum several times a day by running under warm water and also using a qtip soaked in water and gently letting it kind of moisten the area. Its almost like he/she is constipated! It will stick its feathers out and drop its butt and chirp three LOUD cries and just a little poo comes out but doesnt leave its butt!!!!

 

[Opa]

The accumulated mass of excrement needs to be removed. Not a quick operation. Slow and easy are the watch words. Repeated applications of a warm wet cloth will soften the mass, It can then be removed with your fingers

 

[wannahomestead]

The accumulated mass of excrement needs to be removed. Not a quick operation. Slow and easy are the watch words. Repeated applications of a warm wet cloth will soften the mass, It can then be removed with your fingers

With chickies prone to repeat issues I've read that a bit of yogurt can help.

 

[uchytil]

I think Mary asked me to post the Kunekune's I just got. Two gilts and a boar.