Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[snowflake]

Hello my fellow Michiganders!

While I don't have a flock of my own yet, ever since my husband and I decided we could start one when we purchase our own home, I've become obsessed with the idea. I'm trying to make sense of all the information available to me and I was hoping that some of you might have some advice for me.

I know we definitely want the following in a breed:

1: Heritage - This one is really important to me, less so to my husband. I want to be able to find quality chickens of a single breed and help to improve the breed with our efforts.
2: I'd like a dual purpose breed, one with good layers and meaty birds. If we breed for improving the standard, there will be culls, and we want to eat them. (tbh, my husband just wants to eat them. He doesn't care much about the egg part)
3: I'd like a chicken with some color to it. White birds don't appeal to me much, and bring to mind massive, unhappy poultry farms.

We will likely purchase a home in Oakland or Wayne county. Winters don't seem to be too bitter, but we do end up with a lot of snow on the ground for a very long time. Do you think we should focus on a cold-tolerant breed?

I want to start out with one breed. If I am happy with the results, I'm sure I could convince my hubby that we need a second flock.

Welcome,

,,,SOO many breeds to choose from,,,, White eggs, Blue eggs Green eggs tan,brown chocolate,

love the faries

 

[ladyrsanti]

Just some Friday fun. I'm sure you all have chickens that jump for treats or berries on bushes, etc. but Chip (the EE) is my only one and she teaches Custard to jump as I'm filming them. Kinda cool.

 

[RaZ]

That little voice said, "you should check on the chickens". So I did...just in time to see a hawk walking around just outside the run.
All hens were hidden in the fennel, raspberry patch.

The hawk flew away and the the girls all came when I called them. Treats all around for coming when called. Everyone is tucked in safe and sound for the night.

 

[RaZ]

Anyone notice that all the awards are missing?
No "Greeter", "Friend", "Golden Feather", etc.

 

[Elyssia001]

Just found out that breed SoP's aren't allowed to be posted in full online, and that I'll have to buy a book from the APA to get them ><

I'm thinking about visiting the next chicken show in my area so I can get a better feel for it. The last time I went to a show was a 4H one when I was 10 and I showed my cat.

 

[fuzzybutt love]

I had forgotten about the chocolate eggers. Marans are dual purpose, aren't they?

 

[BackyardFarmMom]

Cute! Where does she sell them?

Just at craft shows... I don't know whereshe will be this weekend. She is in one almost every weekend. She is always asking me to make different things for her to add to her table. Hope I get some good $$$ this weekend!

That little voice said, "you should check on the chickens".

YIKES!!!

Anyone notice that all the awards are missing?
No "Greeter", "Friend", "Golden Feather", etc.

There was a glitch in the site and all of them are gone... I guess they are working on it.

 

[BackyardFarmMom]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644877/comb-photo-contests

Please submit some pics so they will close and vote on these contests!!!

 

[chicken grandma]

There's a dead deer in a pond not even a half a mile from here. It's visible from the road so I suppose it could have been hit but it's laying in the middle of the pond. SE Kent Co.

I heard that we are supposed to report dead deer near water but I cannot remember where we report it to? Does anyone know?

 

[chicken grandma]

RaZ - always listen to that little voice! Good save!

Ladyrsanti - I love your jumping chicken! How cute!