Surviving Minnesota!

[MNChickMom]

Nobody really hatchs this time of year. There will be a lot of year old birds. Some younger bird and some older. Most that I’ve seen have all been good quality.

I bought my starter breeder flock here, very high quality. Take some time to listen to the older “veteran” Breeder’s. They are in it to help the younger generation of poultry fanciers. My kids and I have gained a wealth of knowledge from these much more seasoned members. In fact last year my kids were talking on Friday night to a gentlemen (breeder) about rye tail. Next day one of the showmanship questions was, describe rye tail. It was an epic win for team Mom saying, “listen to your elders.”

 

[holm25]

I bought my starter breeder flock here, very high quality. Take some time to listen to the older “veteran” Breeder’s. They are in it to help the younger generation of poultry fanciers. My kids and I have gained a wealth of knowledge from these much more seasoned members. In fact last year my kids were talking on Friday night to a gentlemen (breeder) about rye tail. Next day one of the showmanship questions was, describe rye tail. It was an epic win for team Mom saying, “listen to your elders.”

I know who you’re talking about but can’t remember his name. He picked out my Orpington Cockerel for me! Awesome guy to visit with and I hope he is there this year.

 

[Jenile Volz]

I doubt it. However, there is a sale corner in the main building where there are quite a few birds for sale

That’s what I meant! Last year it didn’t seem like their were many

 

[MNChickMom]

That’s what I meant! Last year it didn’t seem like their were many

I agree the amount of sellers were way down last year. Normally the parking lot had sellers as well.

 

[Jenile Volz]

I agree the amount of sellers were way down last year. Normally the parking lot had sellers as well.

Maybe someone will magically have a couple cream legbar pullets/hens just for me

 

[MNChickMom]

Maybe someone will magically have a couple cream legbar pullets/hens just for me

Have you reached out to @duluthralphie . He has been somewhat absent from this thread due to workload but I know he breeds them.

 

[Varagol]

Got the coop finished, put the chickens in this afternoon. Pics in the morning.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I have to tell you about the leaf/hay litter I removed from the run. It absolutely was shredded down awesome compost. Nothing looked like an oak leaf from a year ago. And the hay in bits. I don’t know why I’m surprised. We all know this about chickens. Chickens were on it for 6 months of winter and then in a covered run with dirt (worm access) for the summer. I’ll have to get it in my gardens this fall i think. Get a winter break down in the black dirt. Kind of fun to get it out and see its potential.

New oak leaves in place. Nice and fluffy ready for a bale of hay to mix in and another winter.

 

[holm25]

Morning

 

[Varagol]

So they are six weeks old tomorrow, and they spent the night in the coop for the first time last night. Temps got down to mid 20's, and everyone seems to be just fine. I've got some more to do on the inside (more nesting boxes, a few more perches), and to add the top to the run outside (not connected to inside the coop yet).

I used three or four rakes worth of birch/maple/oak leaves, with bale of straw. I've got a couple extra bales of straw if I need them for later. Depth is four to eight inches. Still need to finish the inside door.

So far so good!