Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[purelypoultry]

We found out tonight that Purely Poultry won the UW Oshkosh Business plan competition!

 

[ZohBug]

I've been lurking around BYC off an on for a long while now and since my kids have been pestering me for a pet cat (which I'm allergic to) or a fish (which I think my 3yo might actually try to fish for with his hands), I decided to get the chickens I've been wanting for some time instead.

Chickens seem far more practical and now that we looked at tons of pix and started reading up on chickens, they weejuns are on board with the idea. I ordered a pair of Nankin banty hens which we'll go pick up in about 4-5 weeks. They're already hatched, but we're allowing time for sexing since we can't have roosters in the city. I've a feeling we're going to become real chicken people and have to move somewhere we can have more or just get good at hiding them from our neighbors.

Hi All!

 

[ZohBug]

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Congrats! That's awesome!

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

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[Buck Creek Chickens]

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[fordmommy]

ZohBug

from Waupaca. Where do you call home? Glad to have you join us.


purelypoultry - Tyler, that's so awesome. Your hard work is truely paying off! Congrats!

Is everyone ready for this cold blast???? I just wish the snow would come with it. I'm still waiting. Maybe I'll have to get out there and do some kinda "snow-dance". Maybe like this......

.....now to the right

...... now to the left......

Put that in your thoughts.....

not a pretty sight......

Bigzio-When do you think I should start putting the vasoline on the combs???? With this cold front coming....I'm just not sure about what the temps should be when I should put it on.

 

[Amyable]

ZohBug! Whereabouts are you?

Great job Tyler!!!

I'm putting this out there for anyone interested:

There is a new Raw Milk Bill that was just put into circulation in the WI state legislature. It will allow Grade A dairies to sell raw milk directly to consumers. Being raw milk drinkers, we are excited and trying to get as much support as possible for the bill.

Here is info about it and how to support it - http://www.ftcldf.org/aa/aa-23nov2009.html

Right now, all we can do is call our reps and voice support for the bill. It is in circulation until Dec 4. It may be some time before there is an actual vote. Please help support family farms and local foods!

 

[ZohBug]

Thanks for the welcomes! We've been in MadTown for almost 3 years now but are originally from ChiTown.

amyable -- I'm thrilled you mentioned the Raw Milk Bill! We've been trying very hard to get this on the table and if enough people call and show interest, the reps will sign on and we can move forward toward making it legal to buy raw milk in The Dairy State. One of the farmers I used to buy milk from was shut down by DATCP in September for "suspicions" that he was selling raw milk. Now he's scrambling to find a way to save his farm and provide for his family as much of their income came from milk sales. He's certified organic and has 100% grass fed, healthy cows. No one ever got sick, he always passed inspections and had awesome reports, and there weren't any problems until he was reported for selling fresh milk. The other farmer we sometimes buy from is 50 miles away.

This is happening all across the state and the effect is that small farmers are facing the tough decision to sell their cows or slaughter them to sell the meat. Seems a shame for this to be happening here in WI. I'm one of the lucky ones because I have friends who own goats and one even has a cow, but for all of the families who can't tolerate -- or just don't want to have -- pasteurized dairy (it makes my kids very sick but they've never had a problem with raw dairy) their ability to purchase it is being taken away.

Raw milk sales are legal in 28 states, shouldn't The Dairy State be on that list? Right now we need to get the bill on the table and in order to do that, we have to let our reps know that we'd like them to co-sponsor it.

Even if you don't drink raw milk or don't believe in raw milk, it's an important thing to do because of the farmers and families involved and because we should all be able to choose healthy, wholesome foods. There are lots of foods and beverages I don't like, but I don't think they should be illegal.

Ah... sorry for the soapbox. A lot of my friends are farmers and I hate to see my friends legislated out of their livelihood.


I'm looking forward to learning more about chickens! My kids and I are getting ready for our Nankins to arrive and are going to start looking for supplies this weekend.

 

[babylady4]

Thank goodness somebody in Madison is getting a brain about raw milk......

Congrats Tyler! I'll get those photos to you ASAP!!!! I have a few papers and projects to finish by the weekend so send me a PM to remind me about it along with you email so I can send you a zip file of the pics.

Welcome Zohbug! I live about a stones throw away from fordmommy......

 

[Dr HaHa]

Congrats Tyler!

And WELCOME Zohbug! Having chickens isn't for everyone all you need is a heart and like to laugh. A few of us here are in our first year and all agree their GREAT! Wait and see you'll be moving to the country. I too love a tall frosty glass of fresh milk but I can only drink one or two. I'm raised on 2% and real milk is a bit on the rich side for me. But I'll go on the site and back it. I think we're all too over medicated and protected. Speaking of medication. I'm having a beer. Not a normal weeknight thing but I endured more stupid than normal at work.

162 Days! It really makes the end of my day to come pulling down the driveway and see 10 chickens come running and when I open the car door they are at my feet greeting me. See how they are Zohbug? fordmommy; I had to put my vest away and wear my winter jacket to work. I hope your happy! No seriously I truely hope you are! And for your sake I hope you get to ride your sleds soon. The ground is just about covered here. I'm waiting to see how the girls handle the deep snow. Laura asked if I was going to shovel out the run for them this winter. I said NO! But I think we all know the true answer to that question. Spoiled little snots!

Their coop door is right on the edge of a large turn around in the drive so they'll have plenty of room to run. Watching the waterer for ice but so far so good. Kind of want to try out my home made water warmer, guess I'll have to wait till fordmommy gets her way. HA!