The State of MA showed up today to inspect our chickens

[hinky toes]

Wow! Remind me not to move to MA...I'm sure it's a nice state, but over-regulated in my opinion.

No such regs in MT to keep chickens. The gov't has no need to mettle in backyard poultry affairs.

 

[purr]

well after saying that I would not want them inspecting my flock I must say after yesterday I am changing my mind. I was at a poultry show yesterday and I bought 2 cookoo marans, a trio of white silkies and an EE and It was a relief to come home and not have to worry about quarantining cause all the birds at the show had to have health certificates to get in

 

[dlaciv12]

I am a newby here and am thinking about getting chickens this spring. I would think farmers have been raising chicken in New England for quite some time now but I care about animals and just wonder how these birds do in he winters around here. I am in Brockton and didn't have to do anything through the city. I called animal control and they directed me to the board of health. The only requirement is that I have a coop and a fenced in run. I didn't ask if they had to be in the run since I expect to let my birds range all over the back yard.

Is there a local organization w/ meetings or shows, I'd love to be involved.

Thanks for your input,
Dave

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
Purr:

You should still quarantine since the Health Certificate is typically a visual inspection and diseases and parasites may be present and not yet visible.

Jim

 

[the simple life]

Quote:
This club meets once a month in Westford:
http://www.nasbirdclub.org/index.html

There are other shows that are around, they aren't clubs but are fun to go to, this one is in Springfield:
http://nepoultrycongress.homestead.com/

There are also meets that are called Chickenstocks, they are planned by various members of this forum in their states.
I just went to one on Saturday in New Hampshire and they are planning more.
Go to the search engine and look up chickenstocks and you will see what is being planned.

As far as getting them through the winter, make sure your coop is warm,dry and well ventilated.

Some people choose to insulate their coops and others do not.
I would suggest picking breeds that are known to be hearty and do well in the cold.

To name a few, barred rocks(most all of the rocks), buff orpingtons, Ri Reds, Nh Reds, the sex links, marans,cochins, there are others I am sure, but most anything with a good size body and lots of fluffy feathers.

I also feed my chickens hot mash on those cold mornings or sometimes before they head into their coops for the night.
Hot mash is usually layer crumbles or starter crumbles depending on the age of your chickens, and cracked corn and scratch, if I have quick oats on hand I will throw those in too, I mix it all in a feeding pan and pour hot water over it and mix, then serve the chickens.

It helps warm them up and keep them warm and happy.

Since it also gets hot here in the summers, you still need to make sure you keep the coop well ventilated and keep the chickens cool.
Make sure they have a shady place to hang out in, a continuous supply of fresh water and you can put frozen bottles of water out for them to lay against. Just fill up a jug or soda bottle with water and freeze.
They also like nice cold watermelon.
Good luck and have fun with your chickens.