Michigan

[vjwilmoth]

Good morning!!!

Did I mention my house is CHICKEN FREE!!!!?

Well I did but I think it was skimmed so I'm posting all by it's lonesome..

My house is chicken free-ee, my house is chicken free-ee!!!

Should I and an OLIVE in here too?

Back to reading posts and formulating responses.

 

[vjwilmoth]

Opa, remember that the woman always has the last word in any argument. If the man says anything after that, it is the start of a new argument.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

All the mothers will appreciate this one. Last night we took the kids shopping. The rain had ruined our original Mother's day weekend plans (and my present -- which was for DH to finish all the garden prep work for me) so we decided to go into town. My youngest is and has always been a handful. She's a good kid, but what many would call "spirited". She requires a bit more... supervision, than some. I'd had to get after her a few times already so I stopped the cart, took her by the shoulders and said, "It's Mother's Day Weekend. Can you please behave yourself for one weekend just for me?" She thought for a moment, crinkled up her nose and replied, "I don't know, but probably not."

At least she's honest.

I have to give her credit for honestly.

Happy Mother's Day all you wonderful moms.

I have a new mom here...at 21 weeks, both Uggos have gone to the nest box. One egg was laid earlier by Pepper and Lemon is on the nest now.



And yes, both Uggos were groped.

ETA: The egg is a nice light cream colour and weighed 36 grams.

That is one pretty Uggo...probably cuz you can't see her neck.

YAY on her egg though!

They are not going to like it when ever you do. I just put them on when ever. They fuss, try to get out of them and then usually by the next day are ok.

Sunday's seem to be predator days. Couldn't find my magazine for my gun so I woke up hubby up yelling and he shot the chupacabra .... ok the mangy coyote. Poor thing had sores all over it. It wasn't early in the morning either, about 9 when I was going to let the chicken out.


Now it's off to work on the little coop.

If anyone is interested in a bantam pet chicken let me know, I have about 20 of them and need to decide who I am keeping.

Eeewww! I'm glad you guys got it though.

This is my showgirl roo that I dyed. He is really a lot brighter than he is in the pictures. Poor thing everyone makes fun of him.

That's kind of a face only a mother can love...but somehow strangely attractive.

After having read some of the posts of recent days it reaffirmed a decision made years ago to stay away from hoes. I think adding rakes to the list of things to avoid might also be prudent. Worked in the garden for awhile today and have planted 2 varieties of pole beans, 3 types of lettuce, 2 kinds of cucumbers, 4 types of sweet corn, and spinach.

Opa - I actually did what your little smilie guy is doing. Not only was it beyond surprising to be hit that hard THAT fast but it hurt so bad I wanted to cry.

Sounds like you got a lot of gardening done...no hoeing though?

Had a great Mothers day. After church family took me to lunch then went to a park for the afternoon.

Beautiful family! I have 3 boys as well.

I hope everyone had a Wonderful Mother's Day. We certainly couldn't of asked for nicer weather to celebrate the day with family & loved ones. I'm currently finishing up on the celebrating. This is the wine my 12 yr. old son picked out to get me when he went with his father to the store. He said he knew I would like because it had a rooster on it! lol

Cheers To Everyone!

I've always wanted to try this brand of wine. Not so good, eh?

Helped plant over 10,000 strawberry plants at a strawberry farm yesterday.

I have been working at that farm for 7 years now, picking berrys and hoeing the fields. I only work there during the berry season, so its not a year 'round job. But its a tasty job, for the berries are good to eat while picking them.

Let my CX free ranging today. Some will be ready to be processed in a few weeks!
Ok, I think that I got it all.

Have a good night.

I can't imagine planting that many plants. I have 12 cotoneaster bushes to plant that my mom gave me and I'm dreading it.

Actually it occurs to me that I haven't really seen him today. Did he find a nice mallard to run off with? Is he in the neighbors yard like everyone else seems to be (the geese were there when I came back from Opa's - well 5 of them. The other two are trying to brood the same nest. Sometimes side-by-side, sometimes on top of each other. Why are two geese brooding the same nest, but more importantly why does my yard apparently suck for every bird?!)? Is he napping in a shadow and not pursing anything with feathers, for a change? Is he stalking my (indoor, male) cat for loving - you know, just for the challenge?

Morning all! I've been busy and haven't been on here as much lately. Some very exciting news...my husband FINALLY found an awesome job (so long Walmart!!!) and starts on the 22nd. I've been working on my flower beds and yard lately and will be potting up plants for Chickenstock soon. Not sure if I'll have much in the way of Hostas because the frost damaged some of them so it will take a while for them to bounce back. Our rebuild of the coop project was put on hold due to lack of funds but I'm hoping we'll be able to at least get the new roof on this weekend because all we need are the two sheets of plywood...I already had an old roll of tar paper and a friend had a few extra bundles of shingles laying around. I really really need to get that coop up and running because I've got about 40 silkie/showgirl/speckled sussex chicks and no where to put them until it's done! Right now they're taking over my garage and just get to play outside when it's nice.
OH! I also figured out why my styrofoam bator I'm using for the lock down/hatching part of incubation isn't holding humidity. I gave up and figured it was because it was letting it out around the edges so I put two big Stephen King books on it and WALLA! Humidity is holding at 65! Eggs were wiggling last night so we'll see what pops out in the next couple days.
Yesterday we started prepping the garden...going to try a few new gardening ideas this year and I'm pretty excited because some of it will help cut back on weeding...which I HATE.
ChickenStock is right around the corner so if anyone has any requests for Silkies, Speckled Sussex or Showgirls PM me. (can also bring hatching eggs if anyone is interested but need a heads up!)

Congrats to your DH on the new job!!

Good morning Michigan, sunny and breezy here but warm for a change. We could use rain, but really it is hard to complain about sun.

Opened the pop door in the little coop this weekend so that my Easter chicks can go out into their pen at will. there is a litte cadre of 6 or 8 that go in and out and love it, the rest remain lurking inside. I see one of the EO cockerels has a deformed leg, looks like he slipped a tendon and walks down on the hock. He seems fine otherwise, so hopefully he will grow big enough for the freezer without needing to be put down sooner. On of the new blue Orp babies had to be put down, it could not stand and kept it's head curled underneath all the time - too bad, it was the biggest and fluffiest of them all.

Jen, glad to hear about your husband

I'm sorry about your blue orp.

 

[Momma K]

Someone please explain Chickenstock to me and what goes on there!!! I told my BF and my DD's about it and they looked at me like I was crazy!!! OK, crazier!!
I think it would be a hoot to meet all of you! I laugh so hard everyday.
Thank you all for sharing your stories (funny and not so funny), your wisdom and your strength.
I didn't think I could do this "country living" thing. but, with a few tips and tricks I've picked up on this site I went from depressed and isolated to appreciating the things around me!!

 

[Opa]

My garden for the last several years is 36x36' and is enclosed with a 7' fence to keep the deer out during the summer and the chickens in during the off season. I also have a hot wire at 6" for raccoons and one 4' high on 12" standoffs to keep the deer from feeding on the beans that grow on the fence. With the amendments I've added to the soil over the years it is quite fertile. As is always the case, the more fertile the soil, the more prolific the weeds tend to be.

Over the years I have ran the gambit of methods to keep weeds under control. Anything that will keep me from using the dreaded hoe. Plastic, newspaper, grass clippings, and straw have all been used with varying degrees of success. Three years ago I tried a deep layer of straw and was pleased with how few weeds were able to penetrate the barrier. However, I unwittingly provided an ideal environment for voles. They completely devoured my sweet potato crop. Ate the majority of the carrots. Gnawed their way through most of the beets, and then turned to attention to my tomatoes. I constructed a dozen vole traps and without exaggeration managed to kill over 50. But the damage was done.

Last year I decided to try using Preen garden weed preventer and pleasantly surprised with how little maintenance the garden required. A pail that covers 2560 sq ft costs about $25 but it sure was a worthwhile expenditure.

 

[RaZ]

Someone please explain Chickenstock to me and what goes on there!!!

Chickenstock is sort of like the forum. We meet and one place for a get together and talk about chickens, trade them, buy them and stuff for them. We seek out our old friends, we meet new friends.

Think of it as the forum in the flesh. The only thing different is you don't need a smiley emoticon because you're having very so much fun that a real smile is plastered on your face.

And don't forget that there is good food as well.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

She thought for a moment, crinkled up her nose and replied, "I don't know, but probably not."

At least she's honest.

EeyoreD came this afternoon to pick up the enhanced trio of Spangled Hamburg bantams. Isn't wonderful how a mutual desire to raise chickens and this site allows us to meet so many nice folks. I truly enjoyed her visit and when you meet her you should be able to recognize her. She only has one ear. I think I probably talk her other one off today.

Had a great Mothers day. After church family took me to lunch then went to a park for the afternoon.

Wonderful! I have three sons too, all grown and on their own.

Happy Mother's day to all of you mothers! Especially to my own mother!

She has given birth to us 9 kids, and took very good care of us. And worked hard to get us 6 deaf kids to be able to talk and hear. I am very grateful for that.

This was my 2nd oldest brother's wedding, it was taken in January. My oldest brother and his wife are on the right, and they are expecting their first child in October.

Beautiful family!!

RaZ, congrats on the Uggos becoming big girls.

taprock, wow! congrats to your DH for getting rid of the coyote.

Daron, good luck with finding another job

Jen, congrats to your DH on his new job!

mutt, how are you liking the EO's? If I had the room.....and the money....... Sorry about your blue orp

babigyrl, I see your 4 bunnies and 3 dogs and raise you 1 Husky, a 17lb long haired cat and a 12 lb poofball cat

vj, I am glad your house is chicken free... that is if you are glad.

Momma K, I will try to find the link to last years chickenstock to help you get a better idea.

Opa, thanks for the tip. I may have to give that stuff a try.

I had a lot of catching up to do so I hope i didn't leave anyone out. I have a BR hen that has decided to go broody for me. Just in time too since I am getting some eggs shipped. How many can I put under her?

 

[M.sue]

What another fabulous day. I have a shrub that I'm going to plant this evening, wanted to plant it this morning but other things got in the way. I'm waiting to go out and collect eggs. Then I'm going to put that saddle on my hen. Say a prayer for me that it's not too much of a battle....she wasn't really cooperative yesterday. And I think my Buff Orp that was broody was broke her streak. I went out last night to lock up and she was up on the roost.

I will bring some wine to chickenstock you all will love!! We are opening a winery. My BF makes some of the best wine!
OK, maybe I'm partial.

Sounds great, don't know if alcohol is allowed in the parked but we can certainly chug in the truck if we need too!!

Bring some business cards & flyers also!

I've always wanted to try this brand of wine. Not so good, eh?


It's OK after you have a glass or two, it's more on the dryer side. I have another bottle, a Mascato, it's a new release they put out. It's not red but I might like that one better. I'll let you know when I try it.

Did I mention my house is CHICKEN FREE!!!!?

And dust free too....What a mess those chicks make!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Chickenstock 2011 https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/443960/michigan-chickenstock-2011/120

 

[EMAW]

I will bring some wine to chickenstock you all will love!! We are opening a winery. My BF makes some of the best wine!
OK, maybe I'm partial.

OK now you have to give details, what kind of wine will you guys be producing, sweet or full bodied reds/whites?

This is my showgirl roo that I dyed. He is really a lot brighter than he is in the pictures. Poor thing everyone makes fun of him.
This is one of my modern game pullets.

Bad hair day for Billy Idol.....

What did you use to die his feathers?

I hope everyone had a Wonderful Mother's Day. We certainly couldn't of asked for nicer weather to celebrate the day with family & loved ones. I'm currently finishing up on the celebrating. This is the wine my 12 yr. old son picked out to get me when he went with his father to the store. He said he knew I would like because it had a rooster on it! lol

Cheers To Everyone!

I've had this too, not a bad wine but far from my favorite (not "spicey" enough). If I remember right it was a lot better with some food vs. drinking it on its own. I also buy wines because of the label, so far I think I have 4-5 different chicken labels from wines over here.

 

[NovaAman]

Good afternoon! Almost... 45 minutes to go.

First, I'd like to respond to a few things I didn't in my post last night. I was tired... Still am.

Daron, you have a lovely family.

For those of you moms with more than 2 boys... you have my sympathies. Or maybe I should have yours since I am in the, "Give precise instructions, and direction, something to do that entertains me, or I will destroy your sanity," stage of the game. Na, Bianca, lovely family. And that is the right of it. Take them hiking, and WOW! They are some happy kids. I took the boys on a walkabout yesterday. Then Jace went with daddy to move stuff to the storage from his apartment, and I played with Aiden on the swing set, and he helped me get chicken poop all over myself chasing the chicklets around their new run and putting them away. Good times.

Jen, I need silkie pullets... Colors do not matter really, but just pullets.

Olive, I see where your girl gets it. However, you've been cracking me up the last few days, so I think I know where she gets that sense of humor as well. I am looking forward to meeting you at chickenstock. Well, Looking forward to meeting everyone.

I hate putting chickens down too Mutt...

Jen, congrats on the hubby getting a better job.

Opa, thanks for the tip on the garden add ins.

Ok... I think there was probably more, but hey, thats the jist of it.

NOW, I got up this morning, very late. I looked out the back, and what do I see? LD's twin sister is OUT! How the heck she got out I do not know. I actually am thinking she was out all night. There are not injuries on her, so I have no clue. How I could have missed that she was out, especially since I didn't close anyone up until after 9 pm... Well... SO, wonder if she got herself a little lost and spent the night hunkered down somewhere. I am just glad she is home. She's this big black puffy cheeked beauty. I would swear she's part cochin, except, that is not one of the breeds that Avalon included in the breeds that were mixed in. SO, maybe she should be named SD... Smart Dummy? Really the only way I can tell her and her sis apart now is this, LD has no tail.

Roopert is still gimpy in the leg. Hope he just chills out today.

Leila had her babies down today. YEAH! Only they don't know how to get back up for their water and food yet. Hope they figure that soon. By the time I got out there with their food and water, they behaved like they were dying of thirst... Maybe for them they were feeling that way. I have no Idea how long they were down. I love that they can come down out of their coop no matter what time I get out there.

This summer, Carls kid will be home from college in Cali. They are going to help me move the littles coop over to the other side of the big coop so I can have that door opening into the summer run. Right now they are the only ones, and the ducks, who can not go out at will in the morning. I could just go and get a few 2x4s and a roll of fencing and build another run for them... Something I can take on and off easy then expand the summer coop later... however, once the roo's are all gone till the next set gets big enough to go to camp, the summer coop will be ample room for them all, and that will leave an open coop... See where I am going here?

Well anyway, guess I had best get to work.

RaZ, congrats on the uggo egg.