Michigan

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
fireplace(s) going, chickens tucked in safely with deep shavings.

also have super awesome wooly socks. and lots of food/water!

what about the rest of ya?

 

[Opa]

I'm as ready as I'm going to get. Think I need to buy a snowplower just for getting to the coops. I swear they are moving. Getting further and further west of the house. If it keeps happening they could wind up at Wylie Farms. Butchered 2 deer today, all cut up, vaccum sealed, ground all packaged and in the freezer. Good feeling to have that done. Now I can go out and get some more. Best way to get ready for cold weather is food. Either processing it or eating it. They're both good.

 

[chickflick]

I HATE WINTER!!!!!!! No, I'm not ready for the cold Artic freeze that's coming. Did I mention, I HATE WINTER!!!!! It comes earlier every year. I'm tired of shoveling the snow. Poor chickens are stuck in the coop and I'm stuck in the house! Not fun. Anyway, you all have a good night!

 

[wyliefarms]

opa-

Make sure those coops are heading west


It is cold and windy.

Jon just took out an awesome snowmobile that we are storing (divorce thing). It is a lap of luxery(sp?) the handlebars are heated, the thumb throttle heated, heat blowing on your legs. Oh and the best part for a race car driver, it goes way over 100mph. Jon said he got his racing fix, it had been since beginning of September that he raced.

Rachel's older folk of chickens are molting...the poor girls! I don't think they ventured into the snow today. The young folk is another story, they are all for adventure!

I am going to open a jar of my canned cider and warm some up and enjoy it. A perfect way to end a busy day!

Have a good evening!
Sarah

 

[ConcreteFarms]

Quote:
Hey Opa,

I actually butchered a deer for the first time last week. I got a real nice big Doe up near Bath, MI she was a heavy one to pull out, and back in deep too. I really liked getting the experience of processing all of my own meat... makes me appreciative of what my ancestors did weekly for sustenance. It kind of makes the entire process of harvest, even more complete.
...And I'm curious what my winter is going to look like here in the city. If we get hit hard people get insanely stupid, I'll admit that it is a difficult maneuvering about the city when we get hit hard with snow, but geez... sometimes I wonder whats wrong with peoples heads. I'm like, "It's Michigan people!!! It's gunna get cold!!! You should be used to this by now!!!"

oh well,

hahaha...

Anyways, pleased to meet you Opa!
Also...

You will all have to inform me about what precautions you all take with your chickens when the temp gets extremely low. I've heard about having a coop with insulation and making sure the water doesn't freeze. What else do you guys do?

Thanx again!

Neal

 

[cristy17]

Here in the lower U.P. we got only 2"-4" of snow. My kids and hubby took out various toys - sleds and 4 wheelers though i think i heard a snowmobile at one time - and you could still see the grass!! My family wants the snow sooo bad. We have to go up to the Esky area to get some good sledding in. Me - i'm cuddling up with the cats and dogs around the wood stove with BYC. It could be a long winter, dreaming of spring chickens.

 

[miss_jayne]

snow...it's still coming down!

YEP...welcome to Michigan again.

i think our coops migrated all about an acre away....did Santa get my letter about a "Gator" for Christmas with a hitch and a cart???

better sell a lot of chicks, chickens and eggs i guess so i can save up. wonder if i can convert my 1973 VW Beetle into farm equipment????

 

[wyliefarms]

Jon is finally fixing one of the broken 4 wheelers. It has been 2-3 years now that I have gone without. It will be nice not to have my van not stink like manure!

Ohh and a gator, one with 2 rows of seats, (to fit everyone) has been on our wish list for years. It doesn't help that every time we go to Howell we pass the store that sells them. Jon stops regularly to see if there are any good sales

 

[Opa]

ConcreteFarms- Give yourself a well earned pat on the back. The more you participate in the processing of your own food the more you will feel connected to our ancestors. Also I think the feeling of satisfaction adds to the taste of the food. One of the best investments you can make to your hunting equipment is a 6' plastic toboggan style kids sled. Less than $15. Makes dragging a deer substantially easier, even on dry ground. I've probably processed over 250 deer and I've never tired of doing it. Just knowing that my efforts insure that the quality of the meat I give to my family and friends is better than anything they could get commercially is reason enough to never want to quit. As far as winter weather and chickens are concerned as long as you have a draft free enclosure, ice free water, and adequate food you're all set. If I can assist you in any way don't hesitate to contact me.

 

[cristy17]

Come this spring, i'll be looking to add to my flock maybe 5 or 6 birds. I'm really interested in getting some banty pullets, but i'm looking for any nice birds in general. Right now i've got the basic Heinz 57 barnyard flock going on. I'll drive pretty much within a hour or 2 of Menominee. Yes chicken fever has set in already and its not even January yet.