Virginia

[canesisters]

riane'smimi :

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I am about 40 minutes from you Welcome to the forum. What breeds are you thinking of getting?

I'm still doing 'research' but I'd like to get an assortment of the large breeds - only looking to get 6 or so. Any suggestions?​

 

[riane'smimi]

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They need to worry about the cases of MG already here.They tell people that have flocks with it to either destroy their birds or close their flock but do not inforce either.So it is spread by the surviving birds which are carriers being sold to unsuspecting buyers,as carriers do not appear sick in any way.After a month the bird doesn't appear to be sick so the buyer puts it with their flock and then their flock has it.The carrier though still appears healthy as it has already been treated and now just gives the illness to other birds.
You have to destroy your flock and clean .After a few weeks then you can start over as MG doesn't live long in the enviroment .ALL in ALL out approach is best. If not then they need to close their flock and not sell any birds or eggs. The Virginia Dept.of Agriculture needs to worry about what is already here and take action on it.
Once the flock gets MG and the survivors are left ,it is still safe to eat their eggs or meat after said time on bottle of meds used. But is it really right to sell the carriers to affect others people's birds?

 

[riane'smimi]

I really like the Barred Rocks for egg laying and the hens are very gentle birds. I just love my silkies though their eggs are not that big .

 

[KDbeads]

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Here in Stony Creek! Wanna stubborn broody silkie or a ee mix cockerel? Just PM me! Also have 2 older barred rocks, they are about 3 years old and molting right now.

 

[canesisters]

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Here in Stony Creek! Wanna stubborn broody silkie or a ee mix cockerel? Just PM me! Also have 2 older barred rocks, they are about 3 years old and molting right now.

Would love the barred rocks - but I've got A LOT to do before my 'coop' is ready. I'm going to try and turn an old minivan into a coop. Just starting to remove things, so it's going to be a while. I figure that I'll be ready for chickens by spring (I hope).

 

[1jirving]

Very new egg question, but do most people just let the hens go broody to add to the flock or do you purchase eggs and incubate? I'm in Northern Virginia

 

[ultra1classic]

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Hi and welcome....think everybody is different with that one...how fast do you want your flock to grow, what kind of birds are you dealing with, what do you want to do with your birds, think you might find once you get bit by the chicken bug its very hard not to ad different breeds or varieties.

 

[riane'smimi]

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Hi and welcome....think everybody is different with that one...how fast do you want your flock to grow, what kind of birds are you dealing with, what do you want to do with your birds, think you might find once you get bit by the chicken bug its very hard not to ad different breeds or varieties.

You can call it a chicken bug but we both know it's an addiction !!!!! LOL
Your right though it's really hard not to add new breeds as you will see so many that you like. I will say this though pick one or two breeds to begin with and set your number as to how many you want and stick to it.It's hard though.
I love hatching eggs in my incubator. I don't think I will ever tire of watching those babies pop out of those shells .I always wonder just how they fit in such a small space.

 

[Orange Ribbon]

riane'smimi :

Quote:
They need to worry about the cases of MG already here.They tell people that have flocks with it to either destroy their birds or close their flock but do not inforce either.So it is spread by the surviving birds which are carriers being sold to unsuspecting buyers,as carriers do not appear sick in any way.After a month the bird doesn't appear to be sick so the buyer puts it with their flock and then their flock has it.The carrier though still appears healthy as it has already been treated and now just gives the illness to other birds.
You have to destroy your flock and clean .After a few weeks then you can start over as MG doesn't live long in the enviroment .ALL in ALL out approach is best. If not then they need to close their flock and not sell any birds or eggs. The Virginia Dept.of Agriculture needs to worry about what is already here and take action on it.
Once the flock gets MG and the survivors are left ,it is still safe to eat their eggs or meat after said time on bottle of meds used. But is it really right to sell the carriers to affect others people's birds?

I didn't know there already was a problem with MG in Virginia. But, I agree, if it is around then it needs to be taken care of. And, no, I wouldn't want to sell birds that are carriers to that disease either. Boy, that would stink; having to kill your whole flock and start over. I hope I never have to do that. I hope nobody here ever has to!​

 

[riane'smimi]

Yes it's here in good ole Virginia but it is my understanding it can be controled. I called the state just to get info on biosecurety and NPIP and I really learned alot just from talking to the gentleman.Anyway I had asked about MG along with A1 testing and he told me MG was here in Va and it could be controled and how.Thats how I know about it.
My birds are healthy and I have been very careful about where I buy them from.Just be careful and buy from breeders that are well known for their reputation .