Michigan

[Opa]

I alway felt Silkies weren't really chickens, now I'm positive they aren't.

 

[Nigellas]

Hey Michigan friends - I have a question for you all...

I have 2 broodies that just wont quit (ugh).

I'm considering giving them a few babies each to raise, but am kind of worried they will not have grown big enough to handle our cold by the time it hits. What do you think?

Also - Do you think it's reckless to raise babies if I don't have the space to keep them as adults? My neighbor mentoned wanting some, so I may be able to pass them to her once my hens are done, but if not, what are your thoughts of raising babies just to list them on craigslist?

(Or... what are my chances of having my husband build me a bantam coop? lol)

 

[RaZ]

It was so hot at dusk last night that I decided to wait for a bit before putting the 6 week olds back in the brooder in the garage. I went out around 11:00 PM and they were all perched together, sound asleep so I decided to leave them out for the night. They have protection so I wasn't too worried. Still, I was happy to see all 6 when I went out this morning.

Off to another tour at Matthaei. The director has shorten the tours today because of the heat index, but it will still be cooler in the woods.

Stay cool folks.

 

[babigyrl22]

Quote:

That is one crazy doggie. I wonder what Sachi's fascination is with your BCM's. It's super adorable.

 

[fifelakelooper]

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I don't know how others feel...I think that you will have NO problem getting the chicks grown enough...feathered enough before cold hits!! They are pretty much feathered out and ready within 8 wks.
Also....if you are doing it for friends...that is kind. If you are doing it for the broodies to make them happy...that is kind. If you are doing it to sell...that is business. All ok I think.

 

[Ferrret]

After reading the thread last night I decided to freeze some water in 2 liters to put out today. As it gets warmer the chickens should find them since I put them in their usual cool spots. They'll get some chunks of watermelon this afternoon too.
Has anyone heard a 4 week old rooster try to crow?
Our BCM chicks are a month old and we're pretty sure we have 3 boys and 3 girls. One is definitely a boy, big bold comb and wattles coming in, all bright red now. This morning I heard a squeal that made me think a cat had gotten in the brooder, so I rushed out to check only to find the wee roo was making the noise. He wasn't hurt or scared, he was just squeaking out what I assume is his crow. Silliest noise I have heard from a chicken yet.

 

[Chickmate]

Quote:
Hey Ferret, one of my BCM little roos started "crowing" at 3 weeks while he was still in my spare bathroom bathtub "brooder"! I thought the same as you, "what the heck was that?" I have cats but knew they couldn't get in the bathroom with the door closed. I went in just as he was letting rip with another of the funniest squeaky little crows I've ever heard!

I have eight BCM roosters but only that one and one other are crowing at 11 weeks old.

 

[Avalon1984]

So hot here in Muskegon. I am panting...the chickens are panting...horses are panting...cats are panting...fans don't work, just toss more hot air around...

Think I might have to get the old kiddy pool out tonight and take a cold tubby.

 

[RaZ]

Before leaving this morning for my docent tour, I noticed that 6 week old chicks escaped from their segregation pen and were hanging with the 11 week olds. Rather than do a chicken chase, I let them on their own. Since I've been home, both groups will move in together and them seperate. No fights, no pecking, no problems so far. The leghorn roo that I was concerned about is a big sissy. He tries to crow but it sounds horrible. The other chickens just laugh at him.

So I guess my flock is intergrated now. I'll still keep an eye on them.

 

[Opa]

I sure hope all of you lovely ladies and staying out of the sun and sitting somewhere so you won't glow as much as yesterday.

I got a large fan installed in my main coop and it sure has done a great job in ventilating the coop however the dust for the chickens keeps fouling the armature brushes burning them out. This is the third fan that has failed so the birds will just have to sweat. Oh I forgot, hen don't perspire, they glow.

Does anyone know why the animated gifs will sometime load fine and at other only the picture.