Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[aart]

I just don't like the actual act of killing those little chicks, but it doesn't seem to get any easier if you let them grow up.

Exactly!
Not too keen on it myself, but at least they will be 'of good use',
and not go thru a grinder.

 

[RaZ]

Eggs from the last couple of days have been exceptionally dirty. All of the hens are jostling for the exact same spot on a bale of shavings. There are 4 other nest boxes but they all want the one they made in the bale. Eggs have been broken and some kicked out of the nest. I keep those for personal use or give them to the dogs as a treat. I need to get this corrected. I shouldn't complain too much; I have 9 dozen eggs for sale, no more than a week old.

It turned out to be a beautiful day once the snow stopped and the sun came out.

 

[aart]

I have 9 dozen eggs for sale, no more than a week old.

Seriously?!?! Out of how many birds?

What do your nests look like(pics, please)?
Fake eggs in them?
Frustrating, but could just be new layer craziness.
Would be a good time to 'train' them before you start ranging.


Snow is starting to disappear, fairly mild temps today but no sun here.
Got a thin shell layer, so dirty nest cleaning at least once a week....drives me nuts.
Worst frostbite victim, sloughed off the dead stuff, looks pretty good.
Was worried about infection but she pulled it thru.
Gratuitous 'cute' pic.

 

[RaZ]

I'm getting 15-17 / day from 20 new layers.
I just took out a fresh fount and made a new box for them. Within minutes, 3 hens were in it. It's an old drawer from a dresser. Maybe I'll get pictures tomorrow. I'm in for the night. Nice fire going and watching the sun set.

 

[aart]

I'm getting 15-17 / day from 20 new layers.
I just took out a fresh fount and made a new box for them. Within minutes, 3 hens were in it. It's an old drawer from a dresser. Maybe I'll get pictures tomorrow. I'm in for the night. Nice fire going and watching the sun set.

Might want to think about building a good nest bank for them.
Detailed plans in my nest gallery album.
Enjoy your evening!

 

[RaZ]

Might want to think about building a good nest bank for them.
Detailed plans in my nest gallery album.
Enjoy your evening!

You have a nice set-up. I had a decent set-up too. They started using it early on but then decided to create their own in a bale of chips.
They pecked through the plastic wrapper and made the nest. I have unconventional chickens.

 

[aart]

You have a nice set-up. I had a decent set-up too. They started using it early on but then decided to create their own in a bale of chips.
They pecked through the plastic wrapper and made the nest. I have unconventional chickens.

Block the bale...or stay special

 

[1muttsfan]

I would try some fake eggs too, it's kind of like staging a house for sale, a little furniture makes everything look better.

 

[RaZ]

I usually use golf balls as fake eggs. But the hens took to the new nest box. They are still using the bale and I'm fine with that. I have 4 nest boxes and they are only using 2. They pile in 3 or 4 at a time. Silly birds.

 

[SillyChicken]

hey, who you calling Silly!? lol!