Michigan

[briana1975]

Well today is the day I get to learn how to butcher my own chickens. I think the kids get to learn how to help pluck the feathers out. My kids are weird they can't wait to help with butchering chickens due to all the older family members telling them about chickens running around without there heads. I think they will be disapointed cause Grandpa hangs them upside down to do the deed. My Mom says when they were kids they would have the whole clothes line full of hanging chickens.

 

[Opa]

Just sitting here drinking my coffee and thinking about what I might need tool wise for a job I must go to. An elder couple I ocassionally to repairs for called and asked if I would mind coming today rather than tomorrow and given the weather forecast I think that today would be much better.

M2EA, the area you wish to come isn't that difficult but the pine tree does present something of a dilemma as it will be necessary to cut it or have or netting higher than the tree, or I think I know of a method of framing around the tree.
The area you wish to cover will require the installation of a minimum of 8 posts around the perimeter and a center post. A top perimeter rail is installed upon which the rafters will bear. The height of the center post is determine by measuring the distance from center to side, muliply that distance in feet by 6 and adding the total to the height of the perimeter rail. (example: side height 48", distance to center 10' , center post height = 60 + 48 =108". raft length is the square root of A2+B2) The number of rafters is determined by the length of the sides, you will need at least one rafter for each 4' of length.
If this sounds clear as mud I assure you it really isn't that difficult. PM me if you need further clarification.

From the sound of the weather forecast I will be firing up the snowblower tomorrow evening.

We really can't complain about the amount of snow that we have had this year given that this coming storm will only be the second time that I have needed the plow.

 

[iluvcks]

Opa,
Sorry I wasent on here earlier. I slept in. Was up a bit to late last night. The chickens were pretty excited to finally get outside at 11am. Anyhow I will PM you about the coop. We have never had a problem with any predator but you never know.

Thanks

 

[Opa]

Well another day is drawing to a close and it has been another good one. I had to remove a sump pump and replace it for the elderly customers. Fortunately I was able to get the pump replaced at no cost to them other than my labor. I try to cut my labor as much as possible as my of the elderly must deal with limited funds. I have seen to many instances where they are taken advantage of and since all of them are referral customers they know that I'm not going to take advantage of them.

One sad note was that I did find the gold seabright, that I got at last years Chickenstock, lying dead in the bantam run. I guess to only lose two birds over the course of the winter isn't horrible but I still don't like it.

 

[vicki2x2]

Anyone need a incubator or brooder? How about this one??? I seen this posted on my local online classifieds.

Isolette Hospital Incubator

This is a huge incubator used in hospitals to keep new born and sick babies warm.
I bought it to be used for raising baby parrots but I don't need it.
It can be used by dog or cat breeders will fit whole litters, comes in really handy if you get a litter that a mother wont care for and you not only have to feed them but keep them warm.
I've raised litters of abandon kittens in something similar to this.
It is large and will need to be moved by van or enclosed truck bed.
200.00 firm, I have pics of it if you need them

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Quote:
Opa, That was a very kind thing you did. I am sure your kindness will not go unappreciated. We need a few more folks like you in the world. Give Granny a hug and tell her what a wonderful job she did raising you.

Also I am sorry for the loss of your chicken, do you have any idea what happened to it?

 

[iluvcks]

Bedtime snack

Yogurt Anyone?
Appoline, Carmel, Emma, Ruby, Adrianna, Molly, Polly, Dolly, or Lola?
Anyone?

Gabby too

 

[iluvcks]

Hillbilly hen, yes that is what we were told. The other EE is Lola she is the gray in the top photo. Thats funny that they both have the same name. My son named her after a girl. That one and Adrianna, he already named one that we don't even have yet Capri. All after girls he likes.LOL

 

[Mom 2em All]

Thanks Opa-
I will revisit your instructions once winter leaves and I can actually get outside and plan. Dumb snow. I have to work today. Kids go back to school, they had the week off.
Snow is covering everything out there- looks cold and wintery. *sigh*

I want tulips and daffodils, and warm breezes.
My chickens are gonna be TICKED off when they come out of the coop this morning!

 

[Opa]

With snow continuing to fall we can but dream. Perhaps this might give temporary solace to the winter blues