Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Huntress78]

Morning all

Welcome Elmo. What part of the state do you live in? If north, I'd protect from the cold but if you're down south I'd say heat might be too much. Then again you said you're getting Silkies....I think they can handle the heat better than the cold. Guess I'm not much help.

BigZ, I've had a craving for sandwich spread for weeks! I'm down to my last few rings and no venison or bear to make more so I've been hording them. We do have a lot of ham in the freezer so I may use that.
My grinder was my Grandmother's. Years ago Dad made a special stainless plate for it just for sandwich spread. It's one of my prized possessions!

The girls are slowly starting to lay again...about a dozen a day now. I've been planning out breeding pens and think I'll start moving birds around this weekend. I'm still looking for a Gold Brahma male to do an outcross, so if anyone hears of one available please let me know.

I'm also looking for someone interested in partnering on one or more color project LF Brahmas. I'll be doing limited hatches of Lavender, Blue, (black) BLR and Buff/Gold Laced and large hatches of Gold (partridge). So if anyone is thinking of starting a project and is willing to trade eggs/birds in the future let me know.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Hello! I am a chicken newbie. I've read a lot, but have a Wisconsin question (actually about a thousand questions, but one specifically related to WI). I have ordered a large, fixed, coop. We live in the country, with lots of choices for placement. I have read that keeping the coop cool in the summer is more important than keeping them warm in the winter. As I hate the cold, my inclination is to put the coop close to the house, protected from the wind, on the south side where it would receive much sun, but very little shade. When there is not snow on the ground, I expect to move a large pen from place to place in the yard to let them be out but protected. The coop will have electric, so I can use a heat source if desired. I could have the coop farther away from the house and in shade if that is really what is best for the chickens even though it would be less convenient for me. I am just wondering since our winters are SO cold, and our summers are mostly mild (and since in summer I can move their portable pen into the shade) should the permanently placed coop location be driven by our winter weather or summer? We are getting six silkies, and with my four kids, they will be an important part of our family, so we want to do what is best for them. I know I'm not a chicken, but it seems like the cold will be so much harder to deal with!

Welcome. I would make it easier on yourself. There are many things you can do in Summer to help them keep cool, but I would think you'll want the easiest access and most protection for them in Winter. Good luck!

 

[cuties]

Jim, so sorry to hear about ol Tommy. I he somehow weaseled his way into your heart.
Elmo, I would keep them protected best from the winter especially since you can also provide adequate shelter in summer. We have silkies. And they are actually very winter hearty. Good layers other than the fact they are continuously broody.
T he very most important thing in your coop in wonter will be ventilation.
Goodnluck!

Warmer temps here. Can't wait for Saturday! !

 

[Terri O]

Just popped in to say HI! Welcome Elmo. I second on the comments to make it easier on yourself! (sorry about Tommy Jim) My Tommy is still alive...and living in the living room! He still have that raspy wheezy thing going on but it doesnt seem to affect him in the least.

Foster dog had a good visit last night...I think I see a family in her future! Good thing--pregnant dog arriving from down South on Saturday! I think she is a german shorthair type but there are also pics of shepherds that are also coming...it will be interesting what I will get for sure!

Gotta head out...I hope the pump isnt frozen. That makes chores a real pain in the a_ _ for sure!
Stay warm--maybe 40 on Saturday????

TerriO

 

[birdman55]

well 13 hatched and some still hatching..yea..getting practice for the pheasant season soon to start

 

[bigzio]

Pleasant Late Morning to all. The sandwich spread turned out great like always, dang stuff keeps calling me for another sandwich...it will be...there it is...gone!

Belated Happy Birthday Terri...sorry I missed it...hope you had a great one with a few drinks of choice at least. We had shorthairs for prolly 10 years. They originate from Germany, where they were strictly house dogs used for hunting....they are wonderful in the house, being bred for years that way.

I'll think about your offer huntress...although I need to hatch out more Bucks for sure....I'll let you know if I decide to help you out....It is really easy to work with only one breed, and I'm lazy that way lately.

Welcome Elmo....if your coop is going to be in the full summer sun, I would be sure it is insulated with plenty of windows for a cross breeze....it will allow the coop to cool down in the evenings. I think birds can tolerate the cold better than the heat, as long as they have a draft free, dry environment, and plenty to drink...just my thought. The closer to the house, the better...mine are farther from the house than most folks, and the winter paths are prolly 40 to 45 yards.

Peace...bigz

 

[irishrovr]

Good Afternoon to All!

 

[cuties]

Happy belated Terri!

 

[cuties]

Here is our GSP Ammo. Good natured dog for sure. He is soft and sweet. Total ball of energy when I need it. But very mild inside

 

[CherMoz]

Good Afternoon to All!

LOL