Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[chikenscratch]

Hello, hello! It's been a long time since I've checked in. Everyone okay? Fill me in!
Life here hasn't changed. Critters are all still good, mostly, we lost one cat.
We are looking for fertile eggs, in case anyone is willing to ship.

 

[GranolaGirl72]

Evening everyone.
April 6th is chick day here and the conversation has been one of numbers and rotation. We started with 5 last year at that time, had one just die. Want to end up with a total of 12 so planning for a 3 year rotation just wondering about time of year.
Last spring was flock A, this spring will be flock B, next spring would be flock C...
When flock A molts in the fall of next year we would cull and then new flock (2A) would be the following spring.
My question is more one of efficiency of adding new ones in the spring that do not lay till fall. You are headed into slower production winter, why not just wait till fall to get the new hens. As long as they are not keen on egg production during that time, why not use it as growing time instead so that the eggs all start coming in the spring?

 

[jvls1942]

Evening everyone.
April 6th is chick day here and the conversation has been one of numbers and rotation. We started with 5 last year at that time, had one just die. Want to end up with a total of 12 so planning for a 3 year rotation just wondering about time of year.
Last spring was flock A, this spring will be flock B, next spring would be flock C...
When flock A molts in the fall of next year we would cull and then new flock (2A) would be the following spring.
My question is more one of efficiency of adding new ones in the spring that do not lay till fall. You are headed into slower production winter, why not just wait till fall to get the new hens. As long as they are not keen on egg production during that time, why not use it as growing time instead so that the eggs all start coming in the spring?

to me, I think the ideal time for them to start laying is
in the spring/summer. It is hard to get them to start in the late fall for winter laying.

I just fed about 20 POL all winter. I think they are starting to lay now. we got 15 eggs today. yesterday we sent at least 6 layers back home.

I have about 30 hens now. some might be beyond their laying prime. the next few weeks will tell the story.

..........jiminwisc.......

 

[chikenscratch]

Good morning all! I've just ordered some welsummers and sussex eggs. I've already got broody hens, so I figure I need to get them some eggs, right? These hens are enablers. Of my 7 hens, I plan to cull ~4-5. In the event anyone wants a black orp, a blrw, a buff cross, or a blk orp/maran cross, let me know. They are all from Vicki's stock birds. They are all good for soup stock or breeding. Vicki (Delisha)-if you want them back to work on your show birds again, you get 1st choice!!!!

 

[babylady4]

Dang it CS, if only i was already moved......

I am so excited to FINALLY get chickens! I need my ducks again too!!!! Been on this board for roughly 8 years and was never able to get birds..... stupid ordinances. I still hear chickens at the one rental in town too; I hate this pick and choose how ordinances are enforced garbage.

Off the soap box.

Took this week off between jobs to purge the house of unnecessary items. My oldest DS is on Spring Break so I have been putting him to work. It will be so nice to rid ourselves of this albatross. It's been a nice house, but would be better for a couple just starting out, not someone with a small tribe of kids.

Back to work!

 

[chikenscratch]

babylady4 - When will you be moved? I've offered them to Vicki 1st, but I can hold them during the incubation phase if you want?

 

[jvls1942]

good morning,

day 2 of the mushroom farm, no progress to report, yet.

I was chosen to be the one who goes to the cheese factory/store 10 miles away from here. they have
Zimmerman's Jalepeno grape jelly.. grape jelly with a bite.
I am going to get 3 jars of it. $3.25/jar .. yummmm

nothing of great importance going on here today.
Just going to water the plants and chickens
and haul the garbage out to the road.

I keep getting a phone call from 212 121 212. it is one digit short of a real phone number and nobody is there if I answer. anybody else get such a call ?
I am not answering it anymore..
........jiminwisc.......

 

[bigzio]

Dang cs, it's nice to hear from you...hope you plan on attending the upcoming bash. It's always good to see you. Do you still have the lone Buckeye roo you hatched?

I should do the mushroom's too on the north side of the pole shed. Maybe I can find enough morels and not have to grow any? Always more to do than ambitious time to get it done here.

Did you find a place in the country bl4? The work never ends there you know?

bigz

 

[jvls1942]

well, I got everything done I planned to do. even added charging up the Blazer's battery..
Next I have to charge up the Silverado's battery. we hardly ever drive those two vehicles. and the clocks and whatever, keep on running, after many weeks the batteries go down.

when I was feeding the chickens, two black ones jumped out of a nest, cackling like crazy, I checked, NO EGGS, liars, both of them.. Just trying to convince me to not sell them for soup chickens..

I should go find my 1 1/4" drill bit and make another feeder.
I want to see how it will work for ground oats and corn.
I am really pleased on how well the one I made works with the layer ration I use.. No waste and the bucket empties all the way out ..

.I hope you can fill your tags this year Brent. should be easy peasy if you pop one or two of those pets coming into your yard all the time..

 

[chikenscratch]

Bigz-I do not still have the lone roo, we culled him.

What is the date this year for the bash?