Michigan

[Olive Hill]

Last night I was up quite late, just not tired and I surfed BYC for a while. This morning I am reading back through the replies on those threads I responded to last night and I am reminded why I usually log on, check the MI thread and log off. I guess what I am saying is Thank you, MI BYCers, for not making me want to

 

[Stacykins]

That stray looks in too good a condition, I would venture to bet he is a lost house cat, specially since he is declawed. I would package him up and take him to animal control. Also, post a picture and his description on the local craigslist, stating where he is going. Being at animal control where he is fed and cared for while he waits is better than life on the street.

 

[chickflick]

Anyone want/need a parakeet cage? My last one just died, and I don't think I want any more. Enough birds outside to take care of.

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
I don't know about all areas, but here, they're all perpetually overrun with cats. They tell most people straight up if they bring a cat in it'll be euthanized because there is no room to house them. You might get lucky and find an open spot occasionally, but it would seriously be a very lucky break.

 

[yorkchick]

Quote:
Ooooh, dianaross, is that a fiberglasss roof or metal? I am thinking of building something along those lines as a winter shelter for the goosers (only with an open front, closed on three sides). I realize the geese don't really want shelter usually but I'd like them to have somewhere to get out of the snow and the wind this winter, if only for my own peace of mind. And also I was planning to make it big enough so they could use it to nest in in the spring. I was thinking of doing the fiberglass roof thing. or maybe metal. I'm going to start with a practice project of a smaller version to keep their grumble dry when it rains.

 

[yorkchick]

Quote:
I don't know about all areas, but here, they're all perpetually overrun with cats. They tell most people straight up if they bring a cat in it'll be euthanized because there is no room to house them. You might get lucky and find an open spot occasionally, but it would seriously be a very lucky break.

Depends on your area. You'll likely have better luck with a Humane Society if there is one in your area, or possibly a private rescue (although I'm sure there are exceptions to this), than a city/township/county animal control or pound. I know in this area, a friendly declawed cat has a very good chance at being adopted at the Humane Society--though there's no guarantee of course. And if he was there, that is a central place where people missing their pets go to look. Or, if you are willing to keep him a bit, it would be a good deed (an additional good deed, I should say) to file a found report with whatever your local shelter happens to be. Also if you're in the mood for even more good deeds, posting signs in the neighborhood, maybe? I know it's a lot to do for a cat you never asked for and which is in your yard due to someone else's oversight or negligence or maybe abandonment. But I agree with Stacykins, he looks in too good of shape to have been lost very long. Could he even be hanging out at your house a lot but still returning home?

 

[yorkchick]

Quote:
Thank you, Olive Hill, for all your wonderful posts and willingness to share your knowledge! The Michigan thread is really a terrific place to hang out, and you are definitely one of the big reasons why. A lot of us, myself at the head of the list, are really newbies and our "experience" consists of just what we have learned about a few birds in a short time. You are one who has the practical knowledge of working with birds over the years as part of making a living, not just as a fun hobby, so your posts have a lot of real-world common sense behind them, not to mention a lot of very good facts about nutrition and genetics and behavior--but you explain everything so completely and patiently to us head-in-the-clouds types. We are lucky to have you!

Oh, this is of course completely not related to the above. Don't forget the nomination list for BYC awards, everybody.

ETA: OK I seem to have hijacked the thread here. 3 posts in a row. Stopping now. Will give someone else a chance...

 

[Mom 2em All]

yorkchick-

Give my henry a big hug and kiss from me! I miss them much.

 

[keyt1969]

Hey everyone!

Long time no see. I've missed you all. I've been dealing with terrible abdominal adhesions which will require surgery soon. On the few hours a day I'm not in excruciating pain, I am working on restoring an almost 50 year old tricycle I found in my best friend's collapsing barn.

Oh, and helping Aric build things like this...

Approx. 54x62. It looks shiny but i took the pics right after my daugther painted it. The roof is wood slats with metal. VERY heavy and sturdy. It doesn't look like it in the pics, but it's on legs. Asking $175

Approx. 50x42. Very sturdy! Asking $75

Approx. 34.5x27. Roof is wood slats with metal. Very sturdy! Asking $50.

We accept best offers for all 3. We would also take trades of things like feed. Also looking for any scrap lumber such as OSB, plywood, 2x4, 2x6, etc. Any kind of building material you're not using. Just not scraps or anything that's been in the weather for long.

If you're interested in any of the above or have questions, call 517-663-8035 and ask for me, Keyt (Kate) or Aric. We are 20 miles south of Lansing.

 

[dianaross77]

Mom2,
Sorry to hear you're having cholesterol problems. The biggest contributing factor in triglycerides is simple carbohydrates. My mom has heart disease and has had stents put in for a 95% blockage. A few years ago she had blood work done, went on Atkins for a month, and then had blood work done again. There was a dramatic drop in both her bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Atkins has a free website now that details how to do the diet. It isn't done the way people did it a few years ago, you really need to read up on it. Another option that might help is the South Beach diet. It's less strict but was developed by a cardiologist. I've done both, Atkins takes the weight off faster but South Beach has more options for meals. Also Dr.Dean Ornish wrote at least one book on a diet to reverse heart disease but it's really restrictive. Really the important things are lean protein, healthy fats (olive oil, fish), and complex carbohydrates (whole wheat, brown rice, NO WHITE SUGAR). Take good care of yourself, your girls need you.

Yorkchick,
The roof on my duck house is a recycled asphalt from Lowes. It was really easy to work with because it's flexible and not brittle. I just cut it with my circular saw. Here's a link!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_12749-1115-...pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=roof&facetInfo=