Michigan

[Mom 2em All]

I have gotten chickens of all ages from a lot of different places and people and have never had a single problem with disease or anything. If they do then I will treat for it. It sure wouldn't stop me from getting chickens from someone else.

I don't mean to diminish any biosecurity concerns. I also don't get too distressed over what may be a potential risk when it comes to expanding my flock.

My current group has come from at least 5 different sources over the last 2 years. Plus, other BYCers have brought birds here for swapping. My girls are hale and hearty and I haven't heard from anyone who has visited here that their flock has had any communicable bug. Even with the wild ducks that have grown up here, not to mention the wild birds that visit every day.


My sense of humour has me imagining a bunch of chickens in plastic bubbles, rolling around the yard.

Chickenstock is my most favorite chicken activity, and our mini-stock at your house. So, I have to agree with you.

And there may be a market for little chicken habitrails out there....

 

[RaZ]

Chickenstock is my most favorite chicken activity, and our mini-stock at your house. So, I have to agree with you.

And there may be a market for little chicken habitrails out there....

I have been fortunate that I've been able to visit the homes and chickens of several BYCers. No matter what the set-up, the care and welfare of the birds is obvious.

 

[Mish]

Sadly, my eggs never started Still, cool experience !! And now I know how to handle eggs ! Anyone know where I can get CHEAP breeder eggs ? Hint hint; I don't mind mutts. How have all y'all been doing? Leaving to new orleans tomorrow and my baby hamster looks like she's in labor Hope all is well with u guys !

I'll give you some free eggs if you want. Mutts will be Silkie mix since my only rooster is a Silkie. Hens currently laying are a Salmon Marans, French Black Copper Marans, Bantam Frizzle, mixed Bantam Cochin / Silkie and a Polish. My other 4 hens are occupied with chicks and my Serama are too young. Give me about a week notice and I'll start saving eggs. We can meet somewhere between W. Bloomfield and Macomb Twp.

 

[RIRJen]

RAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So since we haven't had to mow in forever...my $$&*&*^%^&$ husband mowed over my tree the first time he mowed!!! ARGH!!!

 

[Amy PT]

I really appreciate all of the responses to my questions. And I am grateful to have access to people with such varied perspective and experiences. Thank you. Olive, you had it right. I have 3. One leaves tomorrow. I was concerned about the warmth of the remaining 2. Should we replace the 1 with chicks, we would get 2 chicks (and not just one).

I am sorry about the attack, Kim. I found a headless wild rabbit in the yard last week. I'm still a little haunted by the carnage.

Raz, that was very nice of you to help your neighbors. I'm glad you have some normal folks near you.

 

[keyt1969]

Something killed my porcelain d'uccle..was only a week old at Chicken stock so how old does that make her? Anyhow...she still stuck with Mama Hen, but not all the time now. I just found her BODY- no head, neck, legs, or wings. Horrified me.
Disgusted then horrified me.

then pithed me off.

I want to blame the dogs. Its not their style though, and they have virtually ignored this chick. they never remove the parts.

So, Im pithed enough to go on ebay and get me some more for my broody.

Awww I'm really sorry Kim!!

You know though I had never heard of them before til I looked it up on google. Now I want one!!

 

[keyt1969]

Oh you are right, a rooster won't fit into your neighborhood!

I would get two more from Townline. I honestly think it is best to get them from the same place for biosecurity health reasons.
I know it is not a guarantee of good health but whenever you go to someones farm or even the feed store, you risk bringing home a bug you don't want to have at your place!

You can also get diseased animals from hatcheries too! It happened to my sister and not only did almost all 46 chicks die but the majority of her laying hens! We have also seen it happen with farmers near us that had perfect (if there is such a thing) cleaning practices!

I have been a rescuer of animals for over 25 years of every animal from reptiles to farm animals (even high priced fish!) and I have seen just about every situation. Guaranteed if someone who was picky came to my house they might think my animals were sick because our place is old and a bit run down. But our animals are healthy and we've only had a couple of sick birds but they were quarantined as soon as we knew about it.

So in my opinion, a hatchery doesn't mean anything. This Spring's chicks we purchased also taught us hatcheries can't even promise full breeds anymore. That seriously upset me after all the money I spent and I couldn't get my money back.

 

[RBahmer]

You can also get diseased animals from hatcheries too! It happened to my sister and not only did almost all 46 chicks die but the majority of her laying hens! We have also seen it happen with farmers near us that had perfect (if there is such a thing) cleaning practices!

I have been a rescuer of animals for over 25 years of every animal from reptiles to farm animals (even high priced fish!) and I have seen just about every situation. Guaranteed if someone who was picky came to my house they might think my animals were sick because our place is old and a bit run down. But our animals are healthy and we've only had a couple of sick birds but they were quarantined as soon as we knew about it.

So in my opinion, a hatchery doesn't mean anything. This Spring's chicks we purchased also taught us hatcheries can't even promise full breeds anymore. That seriously upset me after all the money I spent and I couldn't get my money back.

X 2

 

[BackyardFarmMom]

Mom2 That is so sad! I am sure DH would love for you to order more eggs! Just as mine was excited to have 2 more uggos!
Them uggos is stinkers! they don't want anything to do with me until a little boy comes chasing after them... then they are huddled on top of my shoes!

Not that I'm bragging or anything, but isn't that what neighbors are supposed to do? Help each other.

YES!
I found a cart in the neighbors garbage... we had only met a few times here and there...
Anyway, I had to make sure it wasn't left out on accident, so I knocked. His granddogs greeted me! A great dane, that looks A LOT like Gunny, and a huskey/greyhound mix... The poor mutt was blowing coat like crazy!! I HAD to get my Furminator and show off...
This dog lost a whole other dog in hair! His mom and dad were very impressed and his gma tried to give me some money... I told her NO WAY!!!
They, also, mentioned that the nieghborhood was just now becoming a 'community' like it was when their kids were growing up!
So not only did I get a cart that has been passed from neighbor to neighbor, but I now have good friends!
I was glad to be included in that community!
PS They say they love my noisy kid running around AND my roos!!! Them are keepers!

I have been fortunate that I've been able to visit the homes and chickens of several BYCers. No matter what the set-up, the care and welfare of the birds is obvious.

As is with yours RaZ!

BF is building a tractor now out of the brooder! He won't admit he loves the chickens... but he does!
Sitting in the yard watching the chickens is my personal meditation, my zen.

 

[Mom 2em All]

As is with yours RaZ!

BF is building a tractor now out of the brooder! He won't admit he loves the chickens... but he does!
Sitting in the yard watching the chickens is my personal meditation, my zen.

X2 on Randys set up. His are spoiled chickens definitely....even if the chickens neighbors are bees.

And the chickens are my zen, as well...
now on to chicken math...
I am not going to order eggs.
I am taking a trip out to Robins'.....gonna be like a kid in a candy store. Will probably have my husband with me, so thats adult supervision- of course, I may drop him off at his hunting grounds first...