xtramelanin

February 7th, 2018 at 11:05 AM ^

they are a cross between the isa browns and rhode island reds.  we also rotate with buff orpingtons and barred rocks - the barred rocks lay some massive eggs and are very hardy.  by big eggs, i mean that a regular 'jumbo' egg is about 70 grams and we frequently get eggs over 100 grams and sometimes over 120. 

we keep a few aracaunas around b/c they lay green eggs and everybody likes those.  they aren only medium productive though, so they are really more of a novelty.  

Joined: 12/09/2014

MGoPoints: 15439

SoDak Blues

February 7th, 2018 at 11:24 AM ^

XM, thanks for the good info. Had a friend bring over some fresh eggs on Sunday, and they are absolutely better than the store bought variety. Since then, I have been thinking of getting some chickens (honestly, what else am I going to do in South Dakota). We can only have up to six (Sioux Falls). Assume you would suggest all isa browns? The barred rocks sound intriguing...

Joined: 09/24/2015

MGoPoints: 17693

xtramelanin

February 7th, 2018 at 1:31 PM ^

the best layers, med to large eggs. we get XtraLarge eggs (of course) b/c ours are free range and so they are in optimal conditions.  and remember, you don't need a rooster unless you want the eggs fertilized, meaning you want to have the possibility of some of the eggs hatching.  generally roosters lower production but our experience is they only slightly lower it.  if you do get birds contact me and i'll get you pointed in the right direction re: feed, housing, care, etc.  its easy and good for kids.  

here is a link to a reputable hatchery, they are here in michigan but ship all over the country: 

https://townlinehatchery.com/

 

Joined: 12/09/2014

MGoPoints: 15439

xtramelanin

February 7th, 2018 at 9:44 PM ^

they were big, fast growing.  i really didn't pay that much attention.  would have no use for a guinea pig, too small to make much of a meal from.  animals on our farm have to have a job, and i would consider guinea pigs as pets.  but if your mgowife wants pets, what the heck, go for it. 

beehives.  jealous.  we live in a perfect place for it and a neighbor has some nice ones, although bears are a big problem. i trade him eggs for honey.  thought we'd get some until i found out how much work they are.  we've got enough on our plate right now.  

Joined: 12/09/2014

MGoPoints: 15439

Steve in PA

February 8th, 2018 at 9:30 PM ^

250lb harvest size and they are grazers.  I'm only looking for fresh bacon & ham.

Bees aren't so bad but I am not fulltime.  I have a day job in telecom.  Working them forces me to slow down and focus only on them for a time.  It's very relaxing and the occasional sting seems to help with the aches and pains of getting older.

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 6327

Gr1mlock

February 7th, 2018 at 2:15 PM ^

IMS, there were two ways shown in comics (back in the goofy 60s and 70s era stuff, although it might be shown every now and then recently, I'm not sure) - he either heat visioned it off or had special kryptonite edged scissors/razors for haircuts/shaves.  Although largely they've just ignored it.  

Joined: 12/24/2013

MGoPoints: 6241

NFG

February 7th, 2018 at 10:55 AM ^

This reminds me when manufacturing companies are taking a shit with yields, so companies will cut back on preventative maintenance to make up for shitty efficiencies, only to continue to have shitty efficiencies because of no maintenance. That’s our current offensive line recruiting.

Joined: 04/24/2012

MGoPoints: 47985