Minnesota!

[Chickenchick11]

WOW. MY white rock is one of my friendliest. 

One of my White Rocks is friendly, the other two will let me pick them up but they have a temper tantrum. LOL

 

[Cluckies]

From the Elk River Star News:
Article Dec. 6, 2014:

Philosophy turns physical
An Elk River man, 39, was arrested for domestic assault after allegedly using violence to sustain his side in a “chicken or the egg” debate at a family gathering.
Several people apparently joined the argument that transpired the evening of Nov. 29 at a home on Lincoln Street but the suspect was said to have focused on one opponent, a woman with whom he had a past dating relationship.
The suspect allegedly pushed the woman during the group discussion, and then picked her up and threw her into another room.
Cripes, now we will never know which came first...

 

[destiny_56085]

What kind of chickens does everyone have?
I have a BSL, RSL, Australorp, Silkie and two mixes!

Our family is from southwestern MN and NPIP #1058. Layer flock of buff orpingtons, guineas and peafowl that free range. On the breeder birds quite a bit here too. On largefowl chickens: just a few standard light brahmas and a quad of standard cochins. On bantam chickens: salmon faverolles, silkies (black, white, & buff), and polish ( buff laced; WC black, blue, & cuckoo) in both frizzle and smooth. On waterfowl: a pair of dewlap toulouse, 20 or so African geese in both brown & white, exhibition type rouens, and muscovies. On pigeons: Bohemian Pouters and American Show Racers. 2 huge aviaries in the house with many types of finches, canaries, button quail, diamond doves, etc. Still have a few miscellaneous ornamental pheasants, mandarins, pintails, and other types of quail in 1 of the pigeon coops too.

 

[AmericanKraut]

From the Elk River Star News:
Article Dec. 6, 2014:

Philosophy turns physical
An Elk River man, 39, was arrested for domestic assault after allegedly using violence to sustain his side in a “chicken or the egg” debate at a family gathering.
Several people apparently joined the argument that transpired the evening of Nov. 29 at a home on Lincoln Street but the suspect was said to have focused on one opponent, a woman with whom he had a past dating relationship.
The suspect allegedly pushed the woman during the group discussion, and then picked her up and threw her into another room.
Cripes, now we will never know which came first...

What is wrong with people?!! Those poor cops that had to listen to the ranting excuses.

 

[Dandelioness]

I have Chanteclers (White,Buff & Partridge)

ejb3810 - in a couple seasons, I'll be looking for Chanteclers myself. I have been looking online for them and have had zero luck, except for the whites which I am not interested in. Where on earth did you find yours?

Quote:

I just googled some partridge silkie images - what a beauty!! If she can do some hatching and raising for you, she'll be worth her weight in gold - or her chicks' weight anyway LOL My silkie lays a small, very light brown egg. It's almost a tinted white. Maybe you'll see some come spring.

 

[Dandelioness]

I've wondered about putting shavings down in the run. I get the pine shaving bales at L & M for my coop but this winter I put down straw in my run. Wasn't sure what would work best in there. Up until Novemberish I just left it bare (used to be yard until the girls showed up last spring). How do the shavings handle the snow and rain?

Quote:

I have a tree guy a few driveways down that used to bring me loads of fresh woodchips from cleanup he'd do for the city. (I'd buy the loads for a nominal amount, otherwise he'd have to pay a tipping fee at the county compost site). They had a lot of leaves and things included, not the pure bagged wood chips you'd get from the store. I used it in the gardens and a little right outside the coop and to make some pathways - the chickens loved it!! All year round. The chips stayed moist in the heat and drained well in the damp (but we are on pretty sandy soil), so they might be something to try in your outdoor run, if you can find a source.

 

[duluthralphie]

I use chips in my coop. I tried straw but found it held more moisture and was badly interwoven making it a lot of work to muck out. The chips stay dry mostly, in moist weather everything feels damp, but at least I can clean the coop in 15 minutes. I am on the sandiest soil known to mankind, the Sahara of Minnesota here.

I was wondering as Dandelioness said if the sand makes a difference.

I could not keep straw or grass in the nests, the darn EE's pick them out one strand at a time.

 

[ejb3810]

Sorry to any involved for delayed response to questions of me. I live in Hermantown (suburban Duluth). Minniechickmama has done a good job in illustration of the pronunciation of Chantecler. I got my original whites and buffs from Dan Powell then of Plum City,Wi. but now of New Zealand I believe. I then upgraded quality of Whites with birds from Pres. of Chantecler Fanciers International Jim Fegan, he is in Michigans UP. I got my Partridge last spring from Mike Gilbert, Secy/Treasurer of CFI, and he is located in Holmen,Wi.
I really like the Partridge color (especially of the females) but they seem to be more flighty than the Whites or Buffs that I have. In general terms I am not fond of White chickens, but the White Chanteclers are an exception for me.
I generally do not sell chickens, and I do not hatch chicks early in the season. I like to keep my life as uncomplicated as possible, and chicks do not come into my residence, and I will not heat a coop. If someone wanted chicks in the May, June or later time frame I might be persuaded to do that?

 

[lightchick]

Our family is from southwestern MN and NPIP #1058. Layer flock of buff orpingtons, guineas and peafowl that free range. On the breeder birds quite a bit here too. On largefowl chickens: just a few standard light brahmas and a quad of standard cochins. On bantam chickens: salmon faverolles, silkies (black, white, & buff), and polish ( buff laced; WC black, blue, & cuckoo) in both frizzle and smooth. On waterfowl: a pair of dewlap toulouse, 20 or so African geese in both brown & white, exhibition type rouens, and muscovies. On pigeons: Bohemian Pouters and American Show Racers. 2 huge aviaries in the house with many types of finches, canaries, button quail, diamond doves, etc. Still have a few miscellaneous ornamental pheasants, mandarins, pintails, and other types of quail in 1 of the pigeon coops too.

Wow! You have a lot of birds!

Sounds like bird heaven!

 

[lightchick]

Quote:

ejb3810 - in a couple seasons, I'll be looking for Chanteclers myself. I have been looking online for them and have had zero luck, except for the whites which I am not interested in. Where on earth did you find yours?

Quote:
Originally Posted by lightchick

My Silkie is a partridge. She's over 9 months and never has given even one egg!

I just googled some partridge silkie images - what a beauty!! If she can do some hatching and raising for you, she'll be worth her weight in gold - or her chicks' weight anyway LOL My silkie lays a small, very light brown egg. It's almost a tinted white. Maybe you'll see some come spring.
Yes, I love partridge Silkies! She was absolutely adorable when she was a chick (still is pretty cute).