It starts with Chickens. Eggs. Feathers.

I will never forget the phone call…your live package has arrived at the post office . I squealed and frantically threw the kids in the car and raced across town the chicks were here! I was still leery that they would come through the mail in one piece right along with amazon packages and postage marked letters. I was nervous to start this journey. I was blown away when they arrived happy and healthy . They had some items to hydrate and nourish them for the short trip. They came from Murray McMurray Hatchery In Iowa. They ship all over the US.

It was love at fist sight. The fluffy feathers the delicate bodies that almost seemed weigthless in your hands. The soft chirp, that when combined with all 8, was quite loud. I had 8 little lives to protect. To think of all the questions that arise and the hands on learning that was about to occur. You don’t necessarily need land, some urban areas are getting on board with chickens. Check your HOA rules and if you are permitted get a coop and get cracking.

Things to know

The ladies are called “pullets “ its a hen less then a year old. Roosters make everything harder. You might want to start with pullets.

Pick your breed> depending on where you live some chickens are more hardy then others some lay eggs like a boss others are more finicky.

Layers typically produce one egg per day sometimes every other day. If there are stressed or weather is too extreme this can also effect laying.

Yeah for different egg colors! The ear lobe color tells you what color they eggs will be.

Blue-ish ear lobes= lay blue, green, pink,

Red ear lobes = brown eggs

Type of chicken Egg color

Rhode Island Reds brown

Araucana blue

Ameraucana blue green brown

Buff Orpington brown

Delaware brown

Black Australorp brown

Layers typically produce one egg per day sometimes every other day. if there are stressed or weather is too extreme this can also effect laying.

Feed:

Grit and Oyster shells offered free choice.
*Save used egg shells dry them out crumble and feed back to them.
Chicken grain: the percentage of protein needed in the their feed increases in the colder months.
Fresh veggies and fruit snacks are always welcome.

Life stages:

5 to 6 months they start laying

9 months peak production

18 month old they will “molt” which means they loose All their feathers and replace them . Your chicken area will be a mess with feathers! They will pause their laying during this time due to the amount of protien needed to restore the feathers.

18- 30 months Decline in egg laying starts

Chickens can live 8+ years if they have ideal living conditions.

The kids welcoming our feathered friends.

Items on hand:

Apple Cider Vinegar Helps build their immune system. You can use daily 1 tbs. to 1 gallon of water *use only in plastic/rubber waterers not metal

Poultry antiseptic spray for any cuts

Electrolyte packets in summer months add to water on really hot days to keep the hydrated

Epson Salt (incase egg bound)

Fresh herbs, Kale, veggie and fruit tops, berries

Fresh clean Water available always * in the winter a heat stand keep the water from freezing.

Feed: with 20% Protein in fall/winter

16% protein in late spring /summer they can get protein from bugs

shavings helps the clean up in the coop.

Tips:

Keep water off the ground so chickens can’t soil in it. A bucket with drips installed works great in non freezing weather .