Michigan

[FunnyBunnies12]

Thank you, I had NO IDEA what breed they were, they didn't have them labeled. All I know is I couldn't say no to my son or this baby that would have ended up as someones dinner, human or mammal/reptile, and all they had for ducklings for breeds was her breed and his breed. But I'm not entirely sure he is full runner though, he doesn't stand straight like a runner. But he is one very handsome boy that is for sure! What kind of geese do you breed? I've thought about a goose/geese when we get into a different place, both my husband and I want to have our next house on a lake or pond. Me for my ducks and to fish, and him for his RC boats and to Kayak.

 

[Olive Hill]

I breed American Buffs -- mostly for meat

-- and also have a pair of American Blues. If you get geese I would definitely recommend getting more than one. They're very social birds and do best in a group.

Ming-Ming is just another example of hatchery breeding. Hatchery runners don't tend to stand like a really good quality show runner would.

 

[FunnyBunnies12]

I was looking at the American Buffs on Metzer Farms awhile ago. I'd like a calm goose/geese and heard the buffs are just that. Or maybe I read that on another breed. I like big breeds, ducks, rabbits, dogs, I have a Great Dane, so I got to keep them big. Ming-Ming I do have to say though is a better "Watch Duck" then my Great Dane is of a "Watch Dog".

 

[Olive Hill]

It was probably the buffs, they're known for being calm and docile. And they're great watch dogs, too. Nothing out of the ordinary gets past them and their honks are louder than a dog barking when they get going as a group. If you're in a populated area I will say they could be a problem if you have light sleepers in the neighborhood. They know no time boundaries. They go off night and day. Mine go off once or twice every night -- usually right in the middle of the night, 3am, for example.

 

[FunnyBunnies12]

I know for a fact it wouldn't go off well here where I live, I'm surprised no one has mentioned my ducks so far, but they are quiet and keep to themselves in the backyard, my 2 adults went into my neighbors yard once while they were home nibbling just at the edge of the woods and the drake was chasing a squirrel away. I live in a 9 house association, but so far so good. Now we'll see what happens this year now that I have 11 rather then 2, but that is why I'm getting a large dog kennel so they aren't free range like the 2 were last year, plus preditors. Can't always have them on our deck that is our social place when we have friends/family, which isn't often but still, even if we as a family want to sit outside it's not fun doing so with duck poop all over our deck. Plus soon as the weather gets nicer neighbors will be sending their kids up to my place as I start my seasonal neighborhood babysitter(NOT by choice by any stretch of the imagination, especially when they aren't willing to have my boys at their houses, but "Do onto others as you want others to do onto you.) Besides, I'm the FUN mom.

 

[CricketYang]

One of my hens was attacked and killed tonight. DH found her in the cows room, looks like an animal tried to drag her underneath the wall.. He promptly set out the trap and we shall see if we get anything tomorrow. I hope this doesn't become a big problem. I also hope that it wasn't one of my pullets, one of the older hens I could deal with.. but not one that I haven't made my money back on yet.

 

[Mom 2em All]

oh Cricket so sorry to hear that. Hope you catch the predator soon.

Vicki, your geese at ChickenStock....oh so so tempting. Then they let out their HONK-a-thon and reminded me that I have all illegals and my neighbor would probably shoot me, THEN call the pound.. but goslings are so darn adorable and tempting. Thats how I ended up with muscovies. The next best thing to owning a goose. Big, friendly, and silent.

Happy VD everyone. I hope you all have a great day.

 

[Olive Hill]

Happy Valentine's Day, All

45 Days Until April 1!

 

[Opa]

Good morning all and welcome to FunnyBunnies12. Be sure to click on the link in my signature line so that you can get the latest info on Chickenstock. Each year they keep getting better and this years is on track to be the highest attended one yet.

Yesterday I went out to check the birds and discovered a possum in the run gorging himself on layer pellets. Needless to say he will no longer be eating anything. I never did figure out how he was able to get inside the run. Once this snow goes away I will get the hot wire back on and feel that the girls are a little safer.

 

[michickenwrangler]

38 degrees this morning!

Is it too soon to hope for spring yet?