Michigan

[chickflick]

Quote:
No fun in behaving, Shelley!! Looking for some trouble.

Been outside for the last 2 hours shoveling out the run. Girls are happy to be able to come out. The bunnies are running around like crazy! Fun to watch!

The snow mounds were getting mighty big from all the snow in the run. So, I got myself a wheelbarrow and put the snow in there and carted it out to the front yard. The driveway is now lined with mounds of snow! Sure hubby will be pleased.

Have a good one!!

 

[shelleyb1969]

Zephyrcreek: Logan had a blast...thanks for asking. We're getting ready to go out and play again today!

I've got 3 sets of eggs in the incubator right now...1st hatch due next Friday, and each week thereafter. My birds are in an uninsulated, non-heated coop. But they're free of drafts and the elements. I do have supplemental lighting in the coop, but it's only on during daylight hours...I don't use it to lengthen the days for them. I'm a SAHM, so I'm able to go check for eggs 3 times per day...so frozen eggs aren't an issue.

 

[iluvcks]

Everyone really seems to enjoy hatching their own eggs. What do you all do with them? Do you sex them right away and keep the boys seperate? What do you do with the boys? My kids want to hatch eggs, and it would be a great experience. But we can't have boys where I live. The neighbors would hate it. And I couldn't kill them. And never eat them thanks

 

[vicki2x2]

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How about a Livestock Guardian Dog? They would protect from all predators.

 

[Ooopsy_daisy]

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Sarah,

TSC has very cheap deer plastic fencing that works wonders to put over the top of the chicken run. It comes in black and bright orange so the hawks should then leave them alone. I saw a huge one fly in around 9 this morning and hide in the crotch of a tree out back, I ran out with cereal and called the chickens back in. He's not having McDonalds drive thru here today.

Also your rabbit population I will bet is from coyottes. About every 3 yrs we have none, so if you have enough property not to trap the neighbors pets, put out leg traps (call DNR first to make sure trapping is okay in your area) and you'll have rabbits back again , promise.

 

[Ooopsy_daisy]

Does anyone know of a breeder of cayuga ducks? I would like to get some hatching eggs or chicks/adults ASAP

I have a huge pond out back that only 1 pair of mallards use it for a few weeks a year and its a shame to let it just set there. Also if they are adults, I have a 10 stall horse barn that is completely empty so they would have a nice warm winter house until spring.

I just put 25 Isa eggs in the bator last night, and will put another bator up this weekend as my girls are laying like crazy. These are Isa hen's bred to a huge Rhode Island Red Roo that is the sweetest Roo ever. So if anyone wants chicks the first weekend in March, let me know as Im sure I'll have extras.

 

[shelleyb1969]

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I sell all of my chicks as straight run because I can't sex them at hatch. It's rare for me to have them until they're old enough to sex...they're usually sold while they're very young.

It is a great experience for kids. My 4 year old son just loves it. He has a calendar and he marks off the days until hatch day.

 

[wyliefarms]

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Depending on where you live, there is a local auction in Webberville/Williamston area every Saturday. The place is called Gyer's. We take our extra roos that we hatch up there or if they were straight run as most local breeders sell this way.

 

[wyliefarms]

Quote:
Sarah,

TSC has very cheap deer plastic fencing that works wonders to put over the top of the chicken run. It comes in black and bright orange so the hawks should then leave them alone. I saw a huge one fly in around 9 this morning and hide in the crotch of a tree out back, I ran out with cereal and called the chickens back in. He's not having McDonalds drive thru here today.

Also your rabbit population I will bet is from coyottes. About every 3 yrs we have none, so if you have enough property not to trap the neighbors pets, put out leg traps (call DNR first to make sure trapping is okay in your area) and you'll have rabbits back again , promise.

Thanks for the information about the cheap fencing at TSC. The budget is tight and the fishing line was free so that was the first and quickest choice.

We have a few coyotes run through our property, but none reside here. My dad said it is a whole area problem.

 

[iluvcks]

I live in Bay City. I am not sure where webberville is but I could find out. I am wondering though if any one ships their babies or will meet me. I was going to order them but if I could get the breeds I want from you folks that would be pretty cool to. I'm looking for Sliver Lace Wy, Golden Lace Wy, Brahmas (the white and black ones), White Orphingtons, and Black Austrolorps. Thank you