Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[saysfaa]

I want chicks.

Last month, I arranged to start some for my friends. They will take anything I want to start, whenever I want to start them. I'm thinking Buckeyes and Delawares. And bantams but not at the same time.

Now, I'm trying to talk myself out of swinging by Cackle to pick some up at the storefront. Resistance has been dropping and is really low right now. It would be on the way back from visiting my kids next week and it is getting more and more doable. The two sons that are (kinda, sorta) on the way back won't be available to visit on the way back anyway.

Last year, the whole day spent driving (and stopping, so much stopping) with five day old chicks was something I know I don't want to do again. Much better to do it when they can live off their yolks and aren't jumping out of the box.

Warmer weather would be better, especially using the wool hen brooder. But chicks!

Warmer weather would be better, especially since they will probably move on before being fully feathered out. But chicks!

Did I mention I want chicks?

 

[troyer]

I want chicks.

Last month, I arranged to start some for my friends. They will take anything I want to start, whenever I want to start them. I'm thinking Buckeyes and Delawares. And bantams but not at the same time.

Did I mention I want chicks?

Both are good choices.

 

[Folly's place]

From Cackle? Look at their white Chanteclers...
Mary

 

[chickflick]

Randy, we were planning on going to Cheeseburger Fest this year. Day after opening for reservations, Sleeper State Park was booked! Disappointed. Maybe next year.

 

[1muttsfan]

I know how badly folks want chicks, but it is still very early to have any young birds outside, even in March-April, in Michigan. Daytime temps may be warmer on many days, but some days are still very cold, and nights are usually far below ideal. I often see questions about how early you can put chicks out, meaning what are the lower limits of what they can tolerate and survive. Why should we shoot for the lowest standards of how chicks are raised, when with some forethought we could do much better? Young birds that are put out before they are large, feathered and sturdy enough to tolerate the cold do not grow as well as chicks in warmer weather. They can often survive, but that is not the same as thriving.

And as for having them inside, I'm sure there are others as well who are not thrilled about the dusty, smelly mess they make as they grow.

 

[1muttsfan]

Last night about 7:00 it started snowing, and I mean hard. We got 9" in about 3 1/2 hours. Very beautiful this morning, but took an hour on the tractor to clear up the drive. This is the first real snow we have had all winter and it is greatly appreciated. Pond Hockey weekend down on the bay, and over 160 teams are here, so lots for them to do when they are not out on the ice.

 

[1muttsfan]

More info on the AI outbreak
https://www.michvma.org/02.18.22-TW...oultry-Owners-to-Practice-Strict-Biosecurity/

 

[Folly's place]

Found in Suffolk County, New York, in a backyard flock.
Our birds are inside, doing our best to keep them safe.
Mary

 

[RaZ]

Randy, we were planning on going to Cheeseburger Fest this year. Day after opening for reservations, Sleeper State Park was booked! Disappointed. Maybe next year.

Cheeseburger gets crazy with the out of towners. Most locals try to avoid it. I usually volunteer to work the gate at the amphitheater a couple of nights and I do the car show on Sunday.
I have an RV electrical hook up here. No septic hook-up though. You are welcome to bring your camper if you want to. Wouldn't cost you anything, Well, maybe a couple of beers.

 

[RaZ]

I know how badly folks want chicks, but it is still very early to have any young birds outside, even in March-April, in Michigan. Daytime temps may be warmer on many days, but some days are still very cold, and nights are usually far below ideal. I often see questions about how early you can put chicks out, meaning what are the lower limits of what they can tolerate and survive. Why should we shoot for the lowest standards of how chicks are raised, when with some forethought we could do much better? Young birds that are put out before they are large, feathered and sturdy enough to tolerate the cold do not grow as well as chicks in warmer weather. They can often survive, but that is not the same as thriving.

And as for having them inside, I'm sure there are others as well who are not thrilled about the dusty, smelly mess they make as they grow.

That is excellent advice. I wish more people would follow it.

I used to use 100 gallon plastic water troughs as brooders. In the living room. When I built the coop I made a brooder pen that kept the chicks safe and warm (triple secured heat lamps). Even so I waited until later spring before getting the chicks.

The only impulse buy that I can think of might be if I find lavender orpington.