Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Dr HaHa]

I'm back SURPRISE! Got the coop done and noticed a little frostbite on 2 of the girls combs. I just told L the other day that I need to run some more wire and put in a heat lamp above their roosting area. Someone said they found an intermediate watt heat bulb somewhere. Someone refresh my memory please! PLEASE! I let them out today after several days with the wind and the cold. They loved it. Brownie came up to the back door while I was unloading wood and wanted attention as always. I picked her up and she squawked and Peaches came unglued. HEY HEY HEY what are you doing to my woman? I put her down then picked her up again and she didn't fuss. We talked for a bit and I carried her out to the coop and put her down. Peaches was watching the whole time. When I put her down he swelled up as if to say that's better good thing you brought her back otherwise you'da payed a hefty price fella! He's so cool! fordmommy I'll owe you for the rest of my life. Doing a hot burn in the stove after disassembly trying to clean out what's there. Fingers are crossed.

 

[BigBadCryBaby]

Quote:
That was along the lines of what I was thinking, but we just measured out the area for the coop and run today and I'm hoping to have everything built and up by the end of April. I've been searching best I can but if anyone can say off the top of their heads what it costs to feed 15-20 birds per year? Any info, of course, is mucho appreciated.

 

[Terri O]

That happened to one of my hens too...she inadvertently got locked outside the coop and her only baby froze...I was so sad! November is a REALLY bad time to hatch eggs! Silly girl! Terrio

(PS) I tried to edit my post about the event but this site must hae gotten really busy at noon or so! I wanted to say that if you PMed Fordmommy about your intentions to attend you are also on the list! Thanks!

 

[Hens and Roos]

we have 8 chickens(6 standard hens, 1 bantam hen and 1 bantam rooster) and they go through about a 50 lb bag of layer food per month and it costs about $10.50 per bag. In the warmer months they might eat a bit less than when it's cold. Starter feed I think ran $13.00 per 50 lb bag when we were using that. That doesn't take into account treats or such. Hope this helps someone with a bigger flock might have a better idea for you.

 

[BigBadCryBaby]

Quote:
That gives me a good feel for it, thanks a bunch!

 

[fordmommy]

Annarie,

Dr Ha Ha, It was me who posted on that light bulb. DH got me a 85 or 90 watt red light at Menards. I love it. Not too hot and not too expencive. I just got the electric bill and it was less than $150.00. And that was with a ton of chiristmas lights, inside and out. So I'm not complaining on that bill. And NO. I don't sleep much.

Beware~

Bigzio, I'm glad you're back. Glad you had fun with those grandkids. And I'm glad you'll let us name our party after your Bigzio. "The First Annual Bigzio Bash" I really like that!

Babylady4, We're leaving the sign up to you! I think we should keep the DATE off the sign. That way we can reuse the sign every year. I wonder if Carrie has any way to put a chicken on the sign. I'm sure there is. Do you think it needs a chicken? It might get expencive. I'm sorry. I'm thinking as I'm typing. You figure it out. It's yours to do.

I'm thinking the party should start around noon and go til whenever. That way if people are early okay and if their late, it's no big deal. What do you guys think? A whole day! Party!!!

RIR are great girls. My youngest's fav is a RIR. I also love my BA. They are super friendly too.

 

[babylady4]

I was thinking if Bigzio would not mind (and everyone else too) if we put Bigzio the chicken on the sign.

Of the chicks I hatched out, the austrolorpe was pretty sweet..... but we had a EE that was really friendly too. I am hoping to get some of the heritage breeds or the darker colored egg laying birds like the BCM's when I do have the ability to have chickens

Dr. HaHa, when are you making up your custom title?

 

[bigzio]

I'm back again too! I would be happy to contribute a pick of Bigzio. I can have a 8x10 made or print a 8.5x11 from the pics we have. This may sound really stupid, but he would be proud. Again, it's up to you guys.

The hens really enjoyed the sunshine today. I placed a large pad of hay in their attached pen today, and their feet scratching it apart and their singing was really a joy to watch and hear.

This may also sound stupid, but I've felt for a long time now that folks should be able to work and learn for 100 years and then be able to retire and share your knowledge for another 100 years and watch the trees you planted grow. I've become anxious in someways, somedays, somehow....just a thought to share.
I wonder then after 200 years if that would be long enough?

Might be cabin fever, eh!

~ bigzio

 

[fldiver97]

Quote:
Kelly G....sounds like we traded places... I used to live in Tampa (Palma Ceia) and moved to Middleton....

 

[babylady4]

Bigzio I think I need a digital image for the sign so you could just send it in an email to me (I'll PM you with that). When I know for sure I will send you the PM.

If we want to re-use the sign; should we call our get together the Bigzio chickenstock? Or the Bigzio Bash?