Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[snowflake]

Checked on the chickens today after work and found Big Boy dangling by one leg from the roosting platform. He got his foot caught between 2 pieces of wood and was half on/off the roost. No idea how long he was hanging like that. I hope he didn't break the leg. I just freed him and set him on the floor. He already had a gimpy leg. If he is lamed then I'm not sure he could fight off Little Boy if LB decides to try a challenge. Tomorrow will tell me more about his condition.

Hope he is OK, they are resilient.

 

[snowflake]

Woke up to snow on the ground this morning. Ugh!

The wind storm on Sunday brought down several dead trees and I've been doing my best to tidy up the forest. Pick up a little here and there on my way home from work. How do you like my wood toting vehicle?
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must have been fun getting them up there, I know even though they are skinny they are heavy. DH moved several off the walking path we use.

 

[RaZ]

Hope he is OK, they are resilient.

I didn't get home until after dark today. I had left the run gate open for free-ranging when I left for work this morning. Big Boy wasn't in the coop. He was outside the run and bedded down for the night so I left him be. It is supposed to be mild tonight so he should be fine. Ground predators haven't been around for quite some time.
I have tomorrow off so I'll be able to tend to him.

 

[Coykoi]

Hi everyone,
I'm not a Michigander yet, but wanted to make some connections and gather info on chicken-friendly, or at least chicken-tolerating areas. I'm mostly looking at the West Coast of the mitten, but I haven't narrowed it down in the least. I'm looking forward to any info to be able to find my retirement home that will allow me to keep being a chicken lady.

 

[aart]

Hi everyone,
I'm not a Michigander yet, but wanted to make some connections and gather info on chicken-friendly, or at least chicken-tolerating areas. I'm mostly looking at the West Coast of the mitten, but I haven't narrowed it down in the least. I'm looking forward to any info to be able to find my retirement home that will allow me to keep being a chicken lady.

Welcome!
You'd have to check the local regs to know if they allow chickens.
Where are you moving from?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Makes sure you can do what you plan before buying anything!
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Welcome Coykoi! Are you familiar with Michigan? Have you visited any areas you like?

 

[Coykoi]

Welcome!
You'd have to check the local regs to know if they allow chickens.
Where are you moving from?

California. That sounds like

Welcome!
Makes sure you can do what you plan before buying anything!
Mary

Thanks, thats why I'm here. The regs seem to be confusing and inconsistent. In in many counties and towns in California, backyard flocks are allowed, even in the 'burbs, but I'm having real problems interpreting the regs in counties that I'm interested in. I want to be in a rural location but all I'm finding are what appears to be aimed at suburban settings. I figure that watching and learning from people currently there can only help.

 

[Coykoi]

Welcome Coykoi! Are you familiar with Michigan? Have you visited any areas you like?

Yes, I grew up in Indiana and my oldest friend currently lives outside of Lansing. I owned property in Holland until a few years ago and try to visit regularly. I want to retire in about 3 years and get back to the Midwest. My friends want to move to the Lelanau Peninsula, but that's a little outside of my budget. Im targeting coastal counties up the Lake Michigan coast, but more inland. My friends want lakeview, I want "chickenview". I know that I probably won't be able to relocate my current flock, but I dont want to leave chicken-keeping behind.

 

[Folly's place]

School districts matter if you have children still in school. Otherwise, look at 'farm country', not suburbia. Many fewer choices as far as houses go, but better rules for livestock, including chickens!
If you like the property, the house on it can be fixed.
Mary