Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[kristip]

Hello All... I am new here too. Totally addicted to this website though! So finally talked my hubby into doing the chicken thing... so I am taking it slow as not to scare him off (lol)
So we are looking into coops this fall and get the babies in the spring.

We are 20 minutes south of Madison.
Anyone know of any decent places to get coops made? My DH is not feeling handy about this. I saw a guy on Craigslist that was near Milwaukee but he keeps changing his prices on the page so makes me nervous.

Do any of you hatch babies and then sell the babies? I know Farm and Fleet has babies in spring, but dont know if they are sexed/seperated by breed etc.
I am anxious and already have a good idea what I want for babies ( we are getting 6 is the plan... 2 silkies, 1 black australorp, and 3 wyandottes) In reading, all are winter hardy, friendly for kids and decent layers.

Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[Hens and Roos]

to everyone new!

Not sure about who builds coops- we built our own which holds no more than 8 and currently house our older laying hens in it. We are trying to figure out how to place a bigger coop so all the birds fit and yet keep it out of the flood plane by us

DH figures a 12' x 16' will be a good size and the kids have to keep their numbers to that. Of course with the Welsummer eggs hatching next week we will be over 30 birds. We have some younger birds but not of the breeds you are looking for, maybe someone else will be able to help you out. We did pick up the cochins we have at a swap.

Working on another unit today-this one not too bad so will probably be done with it tomorrow-which leaves one more to finish

Terry O have fun canning.

Who was it looking for a bread & butter pickle receipe-the one I use can from my Grandma and DH really like them-have to hide a few jars so they last through the year.

 

[raimnel]

Quote:
ok BCC what DOES apply to 'scovy's? That is what I have.... they are 9 1/2 weeks old! mine are outside all the time except at night. where do you get a feed that is JUST duck feed??

kristip~ I have black/blue/splash (or b/b/s) silkies. and def. need a reason to hatch more this spring!!

as far as friendly.... the hens not so much the roos. good layers? HA!

(the thoughts of a silkie) 1....2....3....4....5....?? should I lay more? Naaa! BROODY!!! I have 2 hens and they both think alike! I've heard I'm not the only one with this problem.

but they are nice. I can't help you with the other breeds, I dont have those! You looking at getting just hens? can't really order that few from a hatchery?

we ta ta for now! got some cleaning to do!

 

[bigzio]

Balmy Afternoon To All...Welcome to everyone new...alot of good folks here to help you out. Just ask.

Yep the pressure canner is the only way to go for canning. You not only have a even perfect temp, but you cut the time it takes to get er done. We have two that never rest from now til the hard frost.
One taken off the burner, and the next ready to rock on!

The harvest season is such a blessing. I'm glad and thankful for every one.....if this is as good as it gets...that's ok by me and suzie, eh!

~ bigzio

 

[Terri O]

Oh man I am really warm....Bigz you gave me a chuckle when you described it as a balmy afternoon.

I am still laughing and my DH asked me what I was laughing about. Yup, it's balmy alright! This is all I did for today:

The first time I have tried these but they were discussing it on the canning board so I thought I'd try them. There was a variation in my book for cauliflower so I did that too. Bigz--I do have a question for you: does your canner have a weighted gauge or a dial? The one that I dont get along with has the weighted gauge and I was looking for tips if you have experience with that one. I cant seem to get the pressure regulated with it and I lose a lot of liquid from my jars. I got the dial one at St Vinnies and after I replaced the seals it is as good as new and I dont have any trouble with it at all. I would like to use both though...especially when I am doing something that has to process for a long time.
I think I am going to get my suit on and head to the beach for a cooling dip. Sounds like just what I need to do! Terri

 

[friskebluegills]

Quote:
I'm the one looking for the recipe. If you have a good one, I would love to try it. Now I know this is a stupid question, but what does DH and DD and all those other abreviations mean?

 

[friskebluegills]

Quote:
Farm and Fleet actually get their chicks from Cackle Hatchery. You can order them any time through them. I've never ordered through Farm and Fleet during easter so I don't know if they sex them or not

We are going to be hatching Buff orpingtons, blue and blach cochins, and welsummers in the spring so if that's anything you'd be interested in let me know. buffs are very gentle and cold hardy. and honestly the cochins are the most friendly chickens we've ever had, they are only a medium layer though and like to brood. Welsummers lay a dark egg almost as dark as a maran. All of the chickens you plan on getting are very pretty birds also

 

[Godsgrl]

Hi everyone! I have a question about WI. My dh is from Denmark/Green Bay area. When we go up to visit, I notice the water has a strange smell to it, like bad eggs or something. I thought it was just my in-laws place, but it seems to be everywhere we visit in the state. Can you please explain why the water smells that way? I've been in a lot of places around the country, and never encountered it anywhere else. Thanks!

 

[Terri O]

Dont quite know what to say to that Godsgrl....just got back from the beach in my town and there wasnt any smell except "lake smell." Kind of like seaweed and fish...but nothing like eggs! Do you always visit at a certain time of the year? Terri O

 

[bigzio]

Afternoon again, must be wanna stay far way away from outside today. Summer is so short here, but close at times, eh! Anyway...terri we have one of both. The pressure guage rocks and makes life simple. The simple basic weighted ones are a comfort of simple jiggles....kinda like no need to meausre...one to two jiggles per minute, no matter what the lb pressure you choose will make life better. The receipe may call for 5, 10, or 15 lbs...the one to two jiggles per minutes is the same good way to success...Gotta keep a close eye to keep er goody and just right....I know you will be a happy canner. It all turns out ....nothing like trying to get er perfect...kinda comes with every batch and a close eye. I'm always workin on the next, just right one..

I hate to admit the hours suzie stood over the hot water bath...priceless now someway. We were always trying to save the harvest going on 38 years of the best food for the family and friends that don't garden and need or can use the food. We love to grow and share the goodies!

Stay Safe, Have Fun.... ~ bigzio