Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[babylady4]

FINALLY feeling better!

Welcome newbies! You will have to come to our little get-together at the end of May in the middle of the state, we have a great time and it is nice to be able to put faces to the profiles.

I know some people do not like Cesar's methods, but IMO he is absolutely correct. If you have ever watched a documentary on wild dogs and watched how they interact, he is spot on.

Nothing new on this end, just trying to get everyone healthy so we can get ready for Easter!

 

[kristip]

Our puppy has decided that he liked the warm weather and has left us lovely "presents" throughout the house instead of going out. little stinker... especially in the middle of the night.
Trying to decide if I want to keep all these bantams that someone gave me. Super sweet little old english, but they are all different colors and I really should have a matched pair for breeding if I am keeping another rooster. I was told that more than likely the rooster is a duckwing color, I have two red something (look like they could be buffs also) and one that is dove colored and I cant remember what I was told it was called...needless to say no "matches" in color with the roo. Still trying to find out more abut our 4H group down by us. There are alot of cow people and almost no chicken people to answer questions and such. But we need to get to some meetings and figure it out I think. Morgan loves her chickens and if I can find something to use Andrews energy for good, it would be great. With no sports scheduled for this spring...he is going to go bonkers.
Hoping to set a hatch soon.

Glad you are feeling better Mel...how is the job front? Cindy how are you holding up to your changes... Terri O...if I was allowed anymore pets, those pups are so stinking cute. How big do you think they will get? My sis in law is looking for a pup. Ok back to work... oh did I mention we got 12-14 inches yesterday? Some of you might be getting some tonight it looks like. Stay warm

 

[babylady4]

The job front?

I have been told by many that I interview more than anybody else they know.

Otherwise, nothing to report. As soon as I have news I will let you all know.

 

[glarnerchicks]

I hope it's ok if I ask questions here -- I've browsed probably a hundred different coop designs now, and I'm so confused about insulation/ventilation/draft-free now! How does everyone do it with WI winters?

This is the design we're looking at, but pulling down the dimensions to 5' wide by 4' deep, with 5 nest boxes across the back (to satisfy our town's one box per bird ordinance, silly I know). Do we need to insulate it? How? Is there enough ventilation in it?

http://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/free-chicken-coop-plans/

What else do we *NEED* for chickens come mid-May? I ordered a hanging feeder - 7lb hanging plastic poultry feeder.
What kind of waterer should I get? Nipple kind or no? I know feed, grit, oyster shell, DE, bedding. What else do I need for them?

Do you guys use the deep litter method? The lady at Cluck Chicken Store said it doesn't work well other than winter...

I feel like I'm having another child.

 

[bigzio]

Late Afternoon To Everyone...glarner you win my heart with being prepared before you start! It''s the one thing I've been preaching on deaf ears for years. The ventilation can be tricky and depends a lot on how many birds you have in your specific coop. I say that because square foot per bird can make a huge difference when it comes to how high the ceilings in your coop are....small squares with no height aren't the same as spacious coops....it's a work in progress (in my opinion) to get the perfect situation that you have....we are managers of the flock....some more serious than others....but all of us have the chickens best interest in mind. What backyard flocks are all about....the chickens.

Yep, jennie makes pet beds by the more than you can count and ships them for the needy kennels that are stressed for funds. She is a animal angel for all the pets that need homes....comfort for critters, or the snuggles project..can be found on their web sites....

Peace..bigz

 

[glarnerchicks]

Thanks -- we'll have a maximum of five hens. Rhode Island Reds, with the slim possibility of other breeds if they're available, but 5 total.

I overthink and over-research everything to death -- it's how I roll.

 

[kristip]

I do too...no worries. Everyone does different things and you need to see what works. I tried nipples and my birds could not figure it out. I use w heated dog bowl in winter and that works great and a gravity waterer.

 

[cuties]

Gchicks 5?




Thunder went colic today :,( the vet says we cought him early and his gut is he will do just fine. I am so worried about him.

 

[cuties]

 

[Terri O]

Hi all--make sure with the spring grass that you only let him on in small amounts at first...once colicky always a chance for repeat ! I hope he will be OK!

My broody that started with 6 eggs is down to 3...no idea what happened...the other one started with 10 (bigger bird) and now has about 18! One day I will just NOT use broodies at all!

I am heading to bed...crazy legs tonight and they are driving me insane!
Welcome Newbies! And good night! TerriO