Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Juise]

Thought some of you may be interested in this seed bank giveaway.

 

[Delynne77]

Hi Everyone!

I am new to posting on here, but I've been reading the posts and exploring the site for weeks now! I finally decided to give it a try and join the fun. I call Sumpter Twp (close to Monroe) home these days and I'm married with two girls, 10 and 15. It's very nice to meet you all!

I am also new to chickens! We haven't gotten any yet, but we are anxiously awaiting the day we do. So, being that I'm such a "Newbie", I was hoping you guys could give me some advice on getting started? Also, I have a couple questions. Does anyone know of any breeders in Michigan where I can get chicks at this time of year? I'd like to pick them up in person. For some reason, I'm a little worried about shipping them. Realistically, I figure I'll start with about four or five, as from what I can tell from other members, this may become addicting... and I'll probably get more in the future...

I'd like to start out with some Plymouth Rocks for sure, and maybe some Cochins, Australorps, Orpingtons... any other suggestions? My first concern is temperament, and next would be eggs laying. It's really important to me that they are part of the family.

Oh, and I think we may attend Fowl Fest. I figure it's an great chance to learn about the different breeds. What should I expect? Are chicks available for sale there?

Goodness, I'm so sorry that was so long. I've gotten a lot of info from my friend and my neighbor, but I'd like to hear from more people. I really appreciate everyone's help!

 

[Opa]

Coffee is ready. Help yourself.

 

[Mom 2em All]

Do you have any cream for the coffee, Sam?

Good Morning!

Housefull of people here, and nobody can think to grab a gallon of mil while we are out. Its just a terrible thing around here.

I hope you and Hope and Granny are doing well.

 

[Opa]

I just worked the morning crossword and I've come to realize that I'm dumber as the week progresses. Monday's puzzle takes about 5 minutes. By Friday it's up to 15. By Sunday I'm a idiot.

Since I'm awake I think I might as well turn the oven on and start the last batch of tomato sauce. I've got 3 gallons of pulp and juice to reduce by at least half so it going to take awhile. I've also got all of the peppers in the freezer on cookie sheets. They need to be placed into ziplock bags. Heck at this rate I'll have my day's work done before sunrise.

Kim, hazelnut, Italian sweet cream, or caramel. Take your pick. I've also got some half and half as well.

 

[Mom 2em All]

I will take the hazelnut, Sam!

I like the new recent photo feature! taprock, Silly, BYFM, VJwilmouth....the chickens look familiar..lol.
So nice to see everyones pictures in a group like that.

 

[snowflake]

Nova, how many holes do you have in your feeder? I have 4 not sure that is enough to get a good flow, or I need a better funnel in the center?

Does anyone use a seed tray heater mat to keep their water thawed in the winter? It seems like this would work because it doesn't get too hot and it is water proof.

I have not used these but I read an article were a guy used them in his nest box to keep the eggs from freezing

some one will get sewed big time for this, I would think

thanks for the seed bank info looks interesting

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the MI thread

you may also consider Delaware's I just purchased some from a BYC member and they are also super friendly,,,,I love the Orpingtons and Sussex for friendliness, there is a fowl fest in Burch Run this weekend you may be able to get some chicks there,
Thurston (BYC) may have some chicks, others on here are hatching also,,,,,

Quote:
Sam and Mom 2 hope all is well with your family, Nova hope your sister is well also
Prayers to all

 

[ladyrsanti]

Hi Everyone!

I am new to posting on here, but I've been reading the posts and exploring the site for weeks now! I finally decided to give it a try and join the fun. I call Sumpter Twp (close to Monroe) home these days and I'm married with two girls, 10 and 15. It's very nice to meet you all!

I am also new to chickens! We haven't gotten any yet, but we are anxiously awaiting the day we do. So, being that I'm such a "Newbie", I was hoping you guys could give me some advice on getting started? Also, I have a couple questions. Does anyone know of any breeders in Michigan where I can get chicks at this time of year? I'd like to pick them up in person. For some reason, I'm a little worried about shipping them. Realistically, I figure I'll start with about four or five, as from what I can tell from other members, this may become addicting... and I'll probably get more in the future...

I'd like to start out with some Plymouth Rocks for sure, and maybe some Cochins, Australorps, Orpingtons... any other suggestions? My first concern is temperament, and next would be eggs laying. It's really important to me that they are part of the family.

Oh, and I think we may attend Fowl Fest. I figure it's an great chance to learn about the different breeds. What should I expect? Are chicks available for sale there?

Goodness, I'm so sorry that was so long. I've gotten a lot of info from my friend and my neighbor, but I'd like to hear from more people. I really appreciate everyone's help!

Welcome! I grew up in Monroe Co. (Bedford twp.) but unfortunately did not keep chickens there so I don't know any breeders. I really like my Buff Orpingtons. They're so friendly. The Barred Rocks and Easter Eggers I have are good birds too. I was disappointed with the Silver Laced Wyandottes though because they are very flaky and won't let me near them.

 

[NovaAman]

Nova, how many holes do you have in your feeder? I have 4 not sure that is enough to get a good flow, or I need a better funnel in the center?
I have not used these but I read an article were a guy used them in his nest box to keep the eggs from freezing

I put a hole every 4 inches. Maybe be more than needed, but so far, so good. No lost feed at all. I bought a bag of feed Monday, the bag previous to that was on a Saturday. So, 11 days on the feed for the 37 birds... I Still have about 10 pounds of feed in the bag and about 35 in the corn bag. I am doing a 2/3-1/3 ratio on the feed. The feed is also upped to 24% protien, calcium on the side. We are down to 5 eggs a day. Its been a steady drop off the last week, one less a day. Going to have to start turning away the egg customers. I am not going to add any light until January, Then I will add an hour every few days until we are up to 13 hours of light a day. I figure, a few months off aint going to kill me. AND I am really sick and tired of all these broads wanting to go broody. I just broke one, and now another is broody.

 

[Delynne77]

Quote:
Thank you! That's a bummer about your Wyandottes, they're so pretty though! I'm glad you told me, I was thinking about getting some! My oldest would really like a Cochin, mainly because of their fluffy appearance. Do you know if they're pretty friendly?