Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[jvls1942]

Hi everyone,

Green Bay checking in! Very excited to be here and start my adventure!!

glad you found us.. tell us all about yourself. you do not have to confine your posts to chickens. we talk about a lot of things here..
.......jiminwisc........

 

[wyoDreamer]

Welcome to BYC, @Hyde7788. Looking forward to reading what you have to say! The Cheeseheads group is very helpful, so don't be afraid to ask questions if you need help with anything.

I live north of you, towards Oconto. But I work in Green Bay, so I am there at least 5 days a week. That rainstorm last night around 5 was horrible - not a good time to be crossing the Leo-Frigo Bridge, let me tell you.

 

[Hyde7788]

Welcome to BYC, @Hyde7788
I live north of you, towards Oconto. But I work in Green Bay, so I am there at least 5 days a week.

Awesome to hear! I am originally from Marinette but currently reside in GB w/ my wife and daughter. Finally convinced the boss of the house to let me get some chickens

-- Question for everyone; What breed do you recommend for our climate and are very friendly?

 

[wyoDreamer]

We go to the Menards in Marinette on Saturdays for supplies when needed. In fact, we just bought the last 15 Cornish-X from Tractor Supply on Sunday, lol.

Most any breed of chicken will be fine, with the proper coop. Good ventilation but not drafty. I would worry about Silkies or any of the odd feathered ones like Frizzled or Sizzled.
I have been having good luck with the Browns that I ordered from the Hardware store. They are fairly friendly, pretty and lay tremendously! Nice sized, brown eggs. My DH has trained a couple to stand on his hand - his idea of holding a chicken, lol. The drawback on them is that they have fairly large combs, so I have had a couple get frostbite on their combs. The Blacks from Sunnyside seem to be more skittish and the only mean chicken i have had so far.
I want to try Buckeyes, if I can find a good breeder who has chicks when I am ready to add to my flock.
If you get chicks, try the Mama Heating Pad method for raising them. There is a thread on BYC about it. It really works well for me as long as there are less than 15 chicks. I raise chicks out in the barn and have never had any cold related problems with them, like piling up in the corner or getting too cold.

 

[bigzio]

X'2...welcome to the cheeseheads Hyde.
Yep, I had to cross that bridge with my work truck when it was windy....the truck was a step van and it was a rockin and scary for sure...

bigz

 

[bigzio]

Forgot to hit the post button...must be old age issues....I prefer birds with small combs and waddles...I raised buckeyes for 10 years with no issues of frostbite....I do believe that single comb birds will be subject to the frostbite more often, and the birds to suffer from this....I would consider rose comb breeds a thought....check out the feathersite for a pleasant reading fun...scroll down to chickens and enjoy A through Z
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html

bigz

 

[jvls1942]

everybody has chickens and everybody has different kinds of chickens.
so, you are going to hear from everybody how their chosen breed is best.
except from me. I will tell you the truth.
Buff Orpingtons. Barred Rocks, both good egg layers through the winter.

production reds are good egg layers, but their life span is rather short. not much for meat..

cornish/X for meat. their life expectancy is short..

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

 

[babylady4]

The Poulty show in Portage is a great place to go if you are looking for specific breeds. It is held in just a few weeks.

 

[wyoDreamer]

@jvls1942
Here is the Plum Sauce Recipe:
Plum Sauce
BALL Complete Book of HOME PRESERVING

Prep time:
Cook time:
Yield: 8 cups

Serving size: 8
Calories per serving: 272

Ingredients:
2 c lightly packed brown sugar
1 c granulated sugar
1 c cider vinegar
3/4 c finely chopped onion
2 tbsp finely chopped, seeded green chili peppers (ie. Anaheim, poblano, jalapeno)
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp salt
2 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp finely chopped ginger root
10 c finely chopped, pitted plums

Directions:
In a large stainless steel saucepan, mix all ingredients EXCEPT the plums.
Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add plums and return to a boil.
Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy. About 1 3/4 hours.

Notes: I doubled the garlic, used powdered ginger, and did the final cook down in a crock pot with the lid propped open.

 

[jvls1942]

good morning, (3AM)
ate a rueben sandwich late after supper time..
had a good helping of strawberry short cake too.
It

They talked back to me all night. got up and took an antacid tablet. feels better to sit upright for awhile.
thanks for the recipe. I will definitely try it.
might have to use two pints of the plum jelly.
I like the crock pot idea. I have better things to do than watch plums simmer..
I mowed most of the grass/hay yesterday.
shouldn't have to do that many more times this fall..
.........jiminwisc.....