Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[uchytil]

One Mature Pekin Drake needs new home ASAP. Good yard duck, never leaves his assumed area, needs to be secure at night from predators. I have two drakes and he needs to go. Would make a great pet, or companion to hens (any breed). In a few days he goes on CL for $ but here he's free or B/O...I'd rather find a good home before offering him up to the masses.

Bump - one and only and he's on Craigslist I guess...poor guy

 

[chyna]

Help I have a problem with the netting over my run every time it snows it comes down from the weight of the snow. What could I use that would stay up? This is annoying to redo.

 

[ToniTalley]

Can you put a tall pole in the center, like a circus tent?

 

[chyna]

It is along a 4ft fence on one side another 10 ft fence on the other side so it is a weird configuration. Ty for the suggestion.

 

[snowflake]

Help I have a problem with the netting over my run every time it snows it comes down from the weight of the snow. What could I use that would stay up? This is annoying to redo.

best thing I have found if you cant support it with a wood frame, is a sturdy rope tied on to fence poles to help hold up but you still need to get out as soon as possible and knock the snow off. it can be very dangerous to have it come down on your chickens

 

[chyna]

They stay inside when it snows, no danger to them. Thank s for the tip.

 

[1muttsfan]

Chickens can indeed be smothered under snow-covered netting. A tall pole in the center is really the best solution regardless of the configuration of your pen. Put an inverted plastic planter over the top of the pole to support the netting.

 

[WalnutHill]

I use rope rafters for safety in case the side ties break, but you have to dump the snow off frequently no matter whether tarp, shade cloth or netting.

 

[chyna]

I like the rope rafter idea. They could be spaced to give the net good support and prevent the sagging even when not weighted down with snow. Since one side is 4 ft and the other is 10 ft it has a good slope. As soon as this weather calms down I am out to give it a try. My main run is fine with wire on the top and metal poles to hold it up its my silkie pen that the problem.

 

[gladahmae]

Dh went to Cadillac today so I asked if he might pick up chicks or ducklings for me. The reply I got was to call and see if they had what I wanted before he got there. FFH had KC ducklings so I asked for 2 (so hopefully I have at least A girl) and nothing more. He came home with what I asked for AND another duck HE picked out. It's either Rouen or Mallard.....will have to do some researching after dinner tonight. So much for him not being thrilled with the idea of ducks. Hahahahhahahhahaha