Tag Archives: michigan
Plants that are TOXIC to chickens
Spring has sprung, and the chickens are getting much more outside time. With that in mind, while doing spring yard cleanup, it’s smart to pay extra attention to things that … Continue reading
Feather Pickin’ Chicken, Pt2
The Jerk is at it again. She’s even pecking me, hard, on the leg while I’m out in the run cleaning. I’ve put cat toys out there; cabbages; low-energy treats … Continue reading
1 year down, many more to go!
Second year coop license! Coop license renewal went well, and the hens behaved themselves in front of the city inspector. While the inspector was out, we showed him our water … Continue reading
Snow Chickens
The ladies have been completely terrified of the snow, until recently. I had to show them that it wasn’t dangerous by opening their door and calling them out with some … Continue reading
Chicken Coop Site Map & Structural Plan
As part of our ordinance, we had to submit a site map and structural drawing for the chicken coop. Ben put his engineering background to good use and put together … Continue reading
MYTH: Chickens stink!
The fear of odor problems caused by backyard chickens is unwarranted. Chickens themselves do not smell- only their feces that have the potential to stink, which is also true of … Continue reading
MYTH: Chickens are noisy.
Only roosters crow loudly, not hens. Hens never crow and are generally quiet animals, with the exception of announcing the arrival of a freshly hatched egg. This sound is short-lived, … Continue reading
Chickens in Hot Weather: 17 Ways to Help Keep Your Flock Cool This Summer
Chickens in Hot Weather: 17 Ways to Help Keep Your Flock Cool This Summer. I’ve been worrying about this for a while- it seems silly right? Worrying about chickens getting … Continue reading
We’re legal!
Yesterday, the city inspector walked into the backyard saying “This should only take about 2 seconds, I’ve seen the paperwork you submitted”. Basically, the inspection centered around the coop being … Continue reading
What a hard life!
The girls are enjoying a nice warm day, perched on the edge of their coop window. I’m pretty jealous of them. Today is the big day- we’re turning in the … Continue reading
Chicks dig dirt.
The chicks are enjoying a nice dust bath in the shade on this steamy spring day. These girls are the fat orange cats of the chicken world, and as such are … Continue reading
Ferndale Chicken Coop Paperwork: where to get it, how to fill it out
The city has put together a nice bundle of paperwork for the backyard coop permitting/inspection process. I’ve taken pics of the sheets from the bundle for any prospective chicken owner … Continue reading
Dogs living with chickens? It can work!
The only thing I was worried about with keeping backyard hens was my dog’s reaction. Hurley is fast, and has the highest prey drive I’ve ever seen in a dog. … Continue reading
A whole pack of paperwork: getting things permitted.
Paperwork was picked up from the city offices this morning, and after a brief glance everything seems pretty straightforward. We’re in compliance with all the rules, now we just need … Continue reading
Chicks are growing, and need to be in the coop
They grow so fast!! Here they are the day after I brought them home. They’re quickly getting too big for the brooder, and I’m eager to get them outside. Little … Continue reading
Chicks acquired, coop nearing completion!
Lots of stuff happening in preparation for the permit and inspection!! The chicks were acquired March 18th, and have been staying in my house in a brooder box. I didn’t get … Continue reading
