Michigan

[Freebie]

KrisRose, I got two isa browns in the 10 I just got from the feed store. I have no idea what they are like, all I know is they are suppose to be good layers. Can you tell me anything about their personalities? Right now I can not tell them from the buff orphingtons. I got 4 of those.

 

[Alphagamchick]

Thought I'd post a Michigan reply, as well. We live in Clarkston, which is between Pontiac and Flint. I had 60 fancy chickens as a kid and loved them! Went to Michigan State as a poultry science major but changed my major as a junior. First term up there I started volunteering with kids from the Michigan School for the Blind and did that for two years. Ended up being a special education teacher. Taught for 14 years and now have 3 little boys and 6 new acres. Can't wait to get some birds. Have some ordered from the feed store, the first of which arrive next week. Finally some warm weather here, eh? MP

 

[Alphagamchick]

Also, I just thought of this for some of you who aren't too far away... FYI Hamiltons Feed Store in downtown Ortonville has many breeds of baby chicks starting, I think, next week. Ortonville is off of M-15 between Goodrich or Davison and Clarkston.

 

[Alphagamchick]

Sorry, I should have put all of this in one post. I'm new and going crazy on this board. Nice to know there are other chicken crazed people out there. My hubby is a subdivision boy. He's about to get a crash course in chicks. Anyway, where and what is Big Acre?

 

[Keleka]

Big Acre is a feed store located in Davison. It is on M-15 north of I-69 by a few miles on the east side. If you cross the railraod tracks you went too far.

Also, I bought 5 new baby chicks last night from a place called "The Duck and Coup Hatchery and Feed Store". It is run out of a guy's house that lives near Columbiaville. He has a great selection and a very nice set-up. They sell supplies and everything there. I highly recommend it. If anyone is interested I can pass along the address and phone number.

Derek

 

[KrisRose]

Hi Freebie!! I don't know a whole lot about the ISA Brown's. First saw them at the farmers where a get my hay. I read somewhere that they are a cross of RIR and Light Sussex, are " low maintance" , and are good egg layers. I think the low maintance has to do with them not being a pure breed. The ISA's at the farm were doing alright in with a would call basic living conditions. They got Australorps last year and they did not do as well. ChickFlick got two Austro's from them in July and they started laying in maybe September? But the farmers were still not laying in November and gave ChickFlick another Austro that was starting to eat eggs. It's feathers were dull and it was undersized.
The peeps are vary active. They are 9 days old and "fly" averywhere. More so than the Barred Rocks and the EE's. Of course they are all eating and pooping machines!!!!!

 

[Alphagamchick]

Hi Derek, I am interested in the address/phone for the hatchery/store near Columbiaville. I tried information and they could not find a listing. Seems like I passed that place on the way to pick blueberries once. Thanks. MP

 

[Keleka]

Also, forgot to mention. I have an Isa Brown that I got last year and she is my favorite hen. A great personality and leader of the flock. An egg a day and it is rare that she misses a day. She laid right on through the cold harsh winter with no problems.

 

[Alphagamchick]

Also, Michiganders,
Did you know that you can purchase hatching eggs from Michigan State Univ.? If you google "Michigan State University hatching eggs" it will take you to the poultry farm site and all the info is there. They have several different chickens, however, not all are laying right now. I think they are $5.00/doz. CHEAP! I also have the name of a guy in Holly who sells chicks - several Old Eng games. I'll find his # and pass that along, as well.

 

[Alphagamchick]

Also, you can order chicks from the feed store in Highland - one or many. I keep hearing about those Isa Browns. May try to pick up a few. Davison has some right now and they can be ordered in Highland. Sound like a nice hen. Anyone have any Buckeyes? Wondering about those. I think they are on the "endangered" list.