Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

While I won't comment on the above Craigslist post, I will say that you should use great caution on getting birds from individuals, as it is easy for people who have breeding operations to end up with serious and potentially fatal diseases carried in their lines. Personally I never add birds except from reputable hatcheries (of which there are not many), or eggs from breeders that I trust.

 

[trailrider330]

While I won't comment on the above Craigslist post, I will say that you should use great caution on getting birds from individuals, as it is easy for people who have breeding operations to end up with serious and potentially fatal diseases carried in their lines. Personally I never add birds except from reputable hatcheries (of which there are not many), or eggs from breeders that I trust.

This is true too. With every thing out there, it seems like a calculated risk any time you bring new chickens into your flock, from anywhere. Obviously there are things you can do to cut down on the risk, but it seems like it's always lurking.

 

[TreeTree411]

I went into the chicken coop, one of my hens could not move one side of her body. The other birds where attacking the poor gal, she was fine this morning. I am have separated her, but she not sounding good either. Dang it.. I hope I don't have Marek's disease.

 

[Folly's place]

Maybe she flew into a wall or window? Injuries can happen too/ So sorry, Mary

 

[JackieandChicks]

Thanks Just looked into Townline since its about 20 minutes away and unfortunately the minimum to order is 15. And they stopped allowing people to pick up chicks there to fight spreading any diseases.

Family Fare in Holland will have them soon from Townline.

 

[JackieandChicks]

He has very healthy birds by natural selection. They range free and the strong survive to breed, the weak do not. I have about 5 that are over 5 years old this year from him.

Sorry. I guess things have changed since I last dealt with them.

If you are not picky about breeds, you could also try this guy (Marty) @ https://holland.craigslist.org/grd/5981332985.html in the Borculo area. Our original chicks came from him and I've also used him to hatch some surplus eggs for me. The chicks are all mixes, and straight run, but very hearty. His chicks are typically only .50-$1.00 each.

He has very healthy birds by natural selection. They range free and the strong survive to breed, the weak do not. I have about 5 that are over 5 years old this year from him.

 

[TreeTree411]

I think your right.. the wing seems broken. they all were vaccinated for Marek's when hatched.

 

[bigmrg74]

I think your right.. the wing seems broken. they all were vaccinated for Marek's when hatched.

Isolate her in a small cage, a pet crate or dog carrier would work. put a little fresh bedding in it and some food and water. yogurt containers would work well for that. Giving her some time to heal up away from the flock is what she'll need right now.

 

[jasonvanorder]

Well the kids talked me into it. We picked up 8 chicks last night. 2 Rhode Island reds. 2 Isa Browns. 2 Barred rocks and 2 leghorns. Also bought the bigger coop and the stuff I need to convert the bunny hutch. Between the two we should have enough room for all 8. I plan on having the nesting boxes off the side of the bunny hutch so that will leave more floor space for them. Wish us luck with our first flock!

 

[trailrider330]

Well the kids talked me into it. We picked up 8 chicks last night. 2 Rhode Island reds. 2 Isa Browns. 2 Barred rocks and 2 leghorns. Also bought the bigger coop and the stuff I need to convert the bunny hutch. Between the two we should have enough room for all 8. I plan on having the nesting boxes off the side of the bunny hutch so that will leave more floor space for them. Wish us luck with our first flock!

Good luck!

So did you end up finding chicks at TSC or FFH or somewhere else? On second thought, don't answer that. It might be too tempting for a lot of us.