post your chicken coop pictures here!

[MeepBeep]

It's now legal to grow industrial hemp in a bunch of states, but the DEA is still refusing to allow it.

Yep, until the Feds get their collective heads out of you know what, hemp isn't going to be a viable competitive commodity in the US, even in states that have legalized it...

The best alternative we can get affordable in the US if you don't want to use wood chips would be ground corn stover, but at least in my area the farmers don't even bother harvesting it as there is little market for it, instead they just till it back into the ground...

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Yep, until the Feds get their collective heads out of you know what, hemp isn't going to be a viable competitive commodity in the US, even in states that have legalized it...

There was a provision in the cromnibus that forbids the federal government (aka the Justice Department and the DEA) from using any resources to impede or interfere with state medical pot laws. It will be interesting to see if this also ends up covering the growing of industrial hemp and what the JD/DEA think this means for interstate commerce between states where hemp/pot is legal.

And boy are we off topic, LOL!

My coop finally arrives this weekend, so I'll have something ON TOPIC to post then.

 

[Free Feather]

Who is the DEA?

 

[MeepBeep]

Who is the DEA?

Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal drug police...

As for the funding bill and de-funding them from going after states that have legalized medical it's a start, but it's really not going to have much effect as it's only temporary... Also consider that medical marijuana can net a profit of $500 to $1000 a plant, that is huge incentive for investors and growers to take a legal risk, hemp isn't going to turn anywhere near that kind of profit so the incentive is diminished greatly, few if any farmers are going to risk losing everything to drug charges over the minimal profits hemp will return over a traditional crop like corn or soy...

Also there are other legal issues as we are starting to see, where some states are suing the states that have legalized it claiming they are in violation of Federal law and exceeded the state's authority, and like it or not IMO the courts really have to side with that argument as the courts can't realistically set a precedent that says states can ignore Federal law, as that would collapse our entire Federal legal system... So it's going to be interesting to see where it leads from this point on, something really needs to happen at the Federal level soon as it's coming to a head...

 

[Free Feather]

I thought it was something like the DEP, but that did not make sense.

 

[Latestarter]

Just as a point in fact, the federal government has overstepped it lawful bounds at every level. The laws are the responsibility and RIGHT of the states to enact, and enforce, NOT the fed. The constitution clearly states exactly what the federal government can do and limits it to that and nothing more. The lack of states using their right(s) and allowing the fed to usurp those rights has led us to the predicament we are presently in. All of these federal agencies that are making and enforcing laws and policies are doing so in direct contradiction of the powers allowed to the federal govt. In fact, your local elected sheriff has more power than ANY federal officer... yes... ANY! They can (& SHOULD) arrest and imprison any federal agent that is doing anything against state law or policy. The fed had best be very careful as they have already angered many people who know and understand the principles of how/why/what this nation was founded on. OK... climbing back down off my soap box after one more statement... both fed and state govt has been "dumbing down" our nations youth through "core curriculums" and "public education" for the sole purpose of allowing them to establish full control over this once freedom loving population.

Edited for spelling

 

[Free Feather]

True, true, but I will keep quiet. Back to coops.
I am in the process of tearing all of my old wooden ones down but two (old being just a couple months old). In their places will be hoop coops. I have one already, 10 x 8, and I freaking love it. These ones will be portable. My current one is very permanent. Anyone else have experience with them?

 

[bowman11]

I started with 2 buffs. I had a broody hen who hatched 2 fertile eggs last year and 3 this year. I added the run on the left earlier this year. I just built and installed an automatic door which I painted white. Now they are let out in the morning and safe at night.

 

[MeepBeep]

In their places will be hoop coops. I have one already, 10 x 8, and I freaking love it. These ones will be portable. My current one is very permanent. Anyone else have experience with them?

Hoop coops are quick, dirty and low cost, but be aware they generally offer inferior predator protection so you have to take that into account especially if you live in an area where there is a high likelihood of nightly visits and sustained attempts to gain entry...

 

[Free Feather]

They are inside a fence. I am not quite that stupid, we have TONS of predators. None have tried to get inside at night, but I have lost lots from dogs, fishers, fox, and people in the day time.