Happy Day

Life is good when the grand kids are happily digging up worms in the back yard for the chickens and playing with sticks. Give them dirt a shovel a stick a tree to climb and a sunny day and it's a heavenly day for them! 

This week we are incorporating the fryers in with the hens and next week the pullets go out to the coop. The pullets are getting the same feed as the fryers from now on they just ran out of chick food so at a month old that's perfect timing. 

It was cold the first part of the week yesterday I turned on the heat lamp but the fryers wanted nothing to do with going back into the coop so I turned it back off again. 

This is not the first time we've incorporated new chicks in with these hens they are all fine this morning.  

One of the hens is laying weak shelled eggs and we figured out which hen it is so I was able to make sure she got oyster shell-calcium and I'll need to make sure that is out for them separately. I've been mixing it in with the hen's food. I pulled weeds for the fryers and they did not eat them the hens were not interested in it either. 

I'm happy to have the pullets nearly ready to go out to the coop it will be good to have the chickens all together and will free up the basement counter space again. Egg count another green egg today so that one is laying every other day we got four other eggs today plus one that was broken in the nest. 

Clean Coop & Run

Now that the fryers are growing they needed better places to perch they opted for the top of the old doll house frame that had been gutted. I put it in for their use it's taller so I put some boards across the top for perching on and they fit better with lovely rows of the Rhode Island Reds perched across the top of it. My granny said they used to have a Rhode Island Red they called "Henny Penny" I guess most flock owners have a favorite hen. 

This morning I cleaned the run and after I got back from town discovered the hens had undid that pile I raked up, it was scattered about. So I raked it up again and they will do that again and it's a great way to have help turning the compost LOL! A couple more times and it will be good they will loose interest and I'll figure out the best place to move it to out of the traffic flow for egg gathering. 

I cleaned out the coop this afternoon as well, our grand daughter wanted to help feed the chickens so she came out with me but was not interested in the coop cleaning! Our fruit trees have been fertilized too. 

One green egg so far today and one hen still on the  nest box no telling how many she's sitting on today. 

  

New Perch Places

Last night I did not get the coop open in time for the hens to go back in oops! It was dark sooner because of clouds out side and they roosted in various places out side on top of an inverted nest box on saw horses, the ladder leaned up against the back of the coop on top of the run and in the tree behind the coop  and run. So hubby turned on the light and I got the hens off their roost and they wandered in to the run and got up on the normal roost, I thought I was done when I noticed the two on top of the run and I tried to get them down and they went on top of the coop and then in to the tree behind it. So next I had to get the latter and fetch them down out of the tree! Then I got the fryers down from the tall roost and back in the coop.  

Feeding Chickens

Good Sunday morning I'm back! Waving to all who read this I've slept in here too until 7:30 a.m,  up then did the chicken chores, made coffee while I was out doing the outside chores. Then later hubby we put the pullets in a bigger tote today. The fryers are beginning to mingle in the morning and evening with the hens slowly getting them used to each other. I'd let them out but remembered too many places they could get out of the yard so I'm re-thinking that. 

The pullets are getting feathers and splotchy looking the brown feathers are about half in and they look like half and half birds now, it's very interesting to watch this process! I've been giving the pullets some of the pumpkin too now. 

I got the last pumpkin out of the freezer for the birds now I'll be giving them the other stuff I put up for the birds we did not have yet last year. I can't believe that I even did that! LOL! 

Got one green egg with two other hens in the same nest box this morning. I"m going to track the green egg layer to see how often she produces one just for fun by marking the days she lays. 

We made blue berry muffins the other day the hens are getting the old ones.  I need to pull some weeds the fryers will love those. I've been working on digging out some sod and they love it when I give them a new batch to eat on in the pen! Ever heard of sodding a chicken pen? I'm wondering if they could living in a Soddy like in the covered wagon days! LOL the things I wonder about. 

Fryers!

One more week and then we will incorporate the fryer size pullets in with the hens, the new chicks are now pullet size and will go out to the coop. We're hoping it warms up at night by then. 

I have some yard work to do today the hens love to be out in the yard while I'm doing that so they can get the worms, bees, and bugs. 

Our grand son got to collect 6 eggs one day this week,  another day I gathered 4 eggs and one other day we had 5 eggs.  Of our nine hens not bad the older ones are not laying as much and culling time is coming. 

Chickens and Routines

Morning routine is under way chicken chores done here now. It is quite a bit of work having three different ages of chickens, the hens need one type of feed and care, the pullets are on a some thing else, as are the youngest chicks still another in the growing stage in the basement. Our grand son was asking when they go out to the coop. I told him we were just discussing that this weekend. In a couple weeks or so soon as it warms up at night a bit. This is me rolling my eyes what were we thinking, hubby said he pleads the fifth on getting this last batch of chicks I'm SO glad it's only four! They are cute and getting their feathers in and at the awkward scraggly stage with half fuzz and some feathering. The older pullets are feathered out and looking like miniature chickens at this point. 

The hens were happy to get some time in the yard yesterday while we were digging out side just before the hail came and the hens took cover under the deck! I've been closing the run for the pullets and the hens get access to the coop but they don't use it much except to grab a snack from the feeder. Speaking of snacks the treats have been apple cores, pumpkin and carrots. 

I'm learning to get the eggs when I see them instead of waiting until the grand kids show up after school one was broken yesterday, so of the five that were laid we got four. 

Six Eggs

We got six eggs yesterday one was green. The hens are adjusting to the reduced ranging area pretty well. The pullets are growing like weeds. I showed one to the baby that is here at the end of the week each week now. She got all excited seeing a chicken up close. She enjoyed watching the hens in the stroller from a distance.  

Squirrels enjoyed the pumpkin seeds that the hens turned their nose up at. I left a small sauce cup of seeds out on a table on the deck after moving the tomato sets and there were two doves sitting on that table one day that was an amazing sight I had the grand kids come quick to look! 

I have one more area to dig up in the lawn of the wrong kind of grass, last weekend I hurt my foot over doing it a bit so might wait for better weather on that it's a blustery days out we had rain in the night and the winds woke me up this morning. 

The new chicks were chirping in the basement to be fed and watered. Time to clean their cage today our grand daughter will be here so I"ll have her help she likes to tend to the birds with me. Our grand son is excellent at gathering up the eggs after school as well. Grandma's house is fun! 

Spring Weather

I was excited yesterday to see that there were two pullet eggs in the nest box, pullets are  now laying again after being broody. The hens enjoyed my weed pulling adventures and got the worms soon as the dirt was exposed! It rained and they were out grazing in it when I came home from a store run so the rain does not phase the hens! The chicks are delighted to have some sod I dug out of the lawn, the family calls that chicken salad! [No, it did not have weed n feed on it.] It's time to mow the back yard now that the barrier fence is up the grass is growing again and no longer looking over grazed. Time to think about the garden spot and getting a bit more work done on that. 

We had winds in the after noon so I put the chicks in the coop and hens in the run early to batten down the hatch. 

We got 5 eggs one green I'm glad that count is up we have not had as many boiled eggs this month. The newest baby chicks are doing great and starting to get their first feathers. It is an interesting process to watch as the feathers are coming in red after the yellow fuzz on the N.H. Reds.

Feed Store Trip

On a trip to the feed store yesterday we got a new ax handle to fix the ax head we had here and got a hatchet one of the hens was not doing well with an injury of sorts and had to be put down. While I was at the feed store I got feed crumble for layers, scratch, and un-hulled sunflower seeds. The hens love it [B.O.S.S.] Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. I got a small sack of sunflower seeds to mix in the scratch for their treats. I also got another three pound feeder I had to put together. I did that while hubby worked on getting the ax handle to fix on the ax head we had it was not a perfect fit and needed some modifications. 

Yesterday I dug up some  more sod and let the hens out to get the worms * note to self wait until after digging next time! 

Today I was up by six thirty a.m. I fed the new chicks they are doing fine and I checked on the hens, it was pouring down rain and three of them wanted out any way and they were squawking to be let out of the run. I guess there are more worms to get when it's raining out. It was not all that cold out. Some of the hens stayed on the roost until the rains stopped or at least slowed down, then they went out and I let the pullets out of the coop and into the run they were having their first adventure with weather! 

S- Hooks

Today I got up and I knew I'd better not mess around and checked on the chicks at five a.m. When I went to the basement to check on the newest baby chicks they were out of water so I was glad I did that first. Someone had put the plastic water transporter container in that I'd specifically said not to use in the bin for them because it was too light and would tip over when they tried to perch on it when drinking. [That person now knows not to do that again that was a bummer!] 

Their temp. in the container was just right at 80*  we put a temperature gauge using an S-hook to hang it on the side. The S-hooks come in handy for other things as well we have one on a chain to hang the heat lamp over head. 

Food ready for the outside chickens and pullets to take out after sun up in the mornings. Most of the time I get it ready to take out the night before. The pullets are getting their feathers and looking fine. They have adapted to the old doll house we rescued and it's working well for an area they can sleep in and roost on the 1"x 1" board on the top works well for that as they learn to be chickens. They've been enjoying the warmer spring weather and dust bathing on the floor of the coop! 

Egg Hunting

Today was a very satisfying day the grand kids helped me put up the fencing to keep the chickens off the lawn so I can have a garden and flower beds again now. Yea! The hens seem to be adjusting well to the new area they have less places to run but more things to climb on they seem to be enjoying the change. The first breeze blew the fence over and we had a do-over moment in the afternoon, but that's what you get when your working with ten year olds and some one that's not done much fencing. LOL! I just hope they remember the time they put up a chicken fence on spring break!  The hens acted like it was a new play ground to use. 

I'm very happy to say the second attempt we got the fence to stay up and it keep the hens off the main part of the yard so we can use it. So we did an egg hunt with plastic eggs in the back yard and it was great fun. When we start working on the B.B.Q. area to finish that update the temp. fence will be down so this is great!

The light went out in the coop so I changed that bulb so glad I noticed that before it was dark and cold out! Pullets are looking good. I brought the cage under that carport I got for chicks at a yard sale last summer this will work great for the four youngest chicks I hope any way. We shall see. 

Tomorrow our grandson will be here. So we can dig up some sod and the hens will love the treat of getting worms and help set up the cage have for the new chicks. 

Spring Break

Some of the fun for spring break around here is baby chicks for the grand kids to enjoy. We did hit a bit of a bump in the road however when; the broody hens failed to hatch out chicks; so we thought that we would help nature out. We bought four chicks but the hens were not fooled and attacked them and only one survived.  So we bought some companions for it and now have four new chicks here this week the survivor one Rhode Island Red I'm calling it chicken little, and three New Hampshire Reds these have been on my wish list! What fun for spring break with grand kids around! The N.H. Reds are a buff color and get darker as they grow I'm told!  Broody hens are off the nests during the day now we're hoping they start laying eggs again soon. 

The pullets are enjoying the chicken run during the day and are dust bathing in the warm sunny days we are having here this week! Hens are having a hay day getting after the bugs that are out now. Hunting and pecking for them in and around the flowers. I need to screen off a garden area got the steaks for doing that with this week. 

The apple apricot plum trees are in bloom now and the peach trees is not far behind so the chickens will enjoy the fruit that falls from them. That's one of the reasons I wanted chickens I hated seeing that fruit go to waste. 

Coop Repairs

Yesterday we got the coop doors fixed so the door latches are working on them again now yea! We also got the coop cleaned and tweaked the nest boxes to be accessible to the outside and closed from the inside. This is so the chicks won't escape while they are out in the run. They had their first time in the run yesterday and seemed to like it a lot they did not want to go back in the coop so I had to pick each one up and put them back inside. 

I got another bit of crab grass dug up yesterday so the hens were underfoot getting worms for their dinner. Sat. we only got one egg the hens did not like the cold weather or took the day off from laying. Three eggs yesterday. 

Got a Chickens magazine the article I read on cleaning the coop was good I just wish I would have read it before I cleaned the coop instead of after! 

We discussed turning the inside nest box on it side to give the hens more head room we will do that next and rounded up the stuff we will need for that project. It will need to have a ledge put on the other side to keep eggs from rolling out. This is a converted kitchen cupboard unit. 

I'm thinking of a couple of ideas for keeping the hens out of the areas that need to be reseeded while that grows. Some construction webbing could come in handy so I'll be checking on that next. 

Spring 2013

Today I've made breakfast coffee and the bed. Chicken chores first round done not quite on time, the hens let themselves out when I opened up the dining room curtain they saw that and charged the door the latch is not working and they were out like a rocket dashing to the fence by the patio! I hurried up to finish getting dressed take out the feed I had ready to go. It was cold and I had to break ice off the water buckets. 

All ten chicks are still alive and growing thriving! They love cooked pumpkin glad I had a stock pile of it in the freezer to use for this. The chicks had one that was not frozen the other water bucket closet to the door had ice in it. 

Today's temps. range 29* -49* next week it's supposed to warm up so we are figuring out how house the chicks and give them access run when the hens are out during the day and still give the hens access to the nest boxes for laying. I'm SO glad we put a door on the back of the nest boxes and we can block of the front so they can use the chicken ramp to it during the day. 

Broody hen's sister joined her on the nest no little peeps yet we are still waiting. If they do not hatch by next weekend I'll try sneaking in some day old chicks maybe I can get some Rhode Island whites! 

I'm back in from the chicken barn I mean coop! I got the outside nest boxes cleaned and spiffed up the lower chicken roost. While I was outside I  Rounded up the broody hen from her recess break next door she was frantic to get back to her nest. I got a peek at the eggs and no signs of chicks yet.  Then I removed the ice off chicken water buckets. 

Chicken Check In

The chicks are fine in the coop and have adjusted well to their new space. They've been devouring pumpkin, scratch and crumble. I've put fresh water in for them daily. All ten chicks are thriving! Yea!!!

The broody hen is under a crate and I put a towel over it to keep the other hens from pecking her they were bullying her. So this seems to help. She ate all of the corn bread and milk I put in for her last night it was gone this morning. I cleaned up her nest one egg had broken and her sister has figured out how to get in under that crate and has been adding eggs to this clutch so I removed those trying to keep the ones shes sitting on to a dozen. When hubby asked what we would do with those if they make it I said raise 'em for the freezer the roos any way. Nine days to go on them. 

The hens love it when we dig out old rose bushes that have died they grub around for worms and one was on bug patrol in the front yard. I don't mind one doing that but not ALL of them at the same time! The hens are still adjusting to being in the run and out of the coop. 

Collected seven eggs yesterday. 

Coop to Brooder Conversion

Today Hubby and I revamped the coop when we did that I found a hidden egg and a nest of mice!  Ack! So we pulled out all the straw from the loft area cleaned it up and cleaned the coop removed nest boxes. I changed the light to a heat lamp bulb. We have the thermometers to check to get the heat just right. 

I cleaned the waterer and put it up. I had purchased a roost a wooden dowel the thickness of a closet clothes hanger rod for 50 cents at a yard sale with holes in it already; so hubby put the in a low spot for the chicks to roost on too. 

The feed will not go in until tomorrow when we put the chicks in it. We closed up the coop door so the hens no longer have access to it. They were milling around wondering what all the activity was about as the sun was setting. 

The nest boxes were all removable so they are out in the run area for now with the others. The broody hen was taking some hits but last time I tried moving her and her eggs to a different spot she abandoned the nest so I just left her alone except to fend off some of the other hens. Taking note that they might be some in the next batch to cull. I will be glad to have the chicks out of the basement.  We've been talking about this for a few weeks now and I've been wondering how it would work out. The coop looks all cozy now this switch has been successful so far we will see how the chicks do with more room I'm sure they will love. 

Toe Nail Clipping

The chicks are learning to eat regular food now. I'm introducing cooked pumpkin with corn meal and they seem to really love it! 

I'm learning how to clip chicken toe nails is a good thing to do on a tame chicken! I also learned how to get them in the pen after they have been out for free range time again; I just put their scratch feed in the pen for the afternoon feeding time when the grand kids usually come home on the bus and do it. I shut the gates when they were in eating that worked great! Then I looked at the hens and let out the ones that did not need toe nails clipped. 

Dear grand daughter likes to feed the hens on top of an over turned five gallon bucket the hens stand around while she puts hand fulls of feed on it and then later you can hear the clunk clunk clunk of the beaks on the bucket as they pick up their food. 

I got three extra eggs from the broody hen nest some how she got up to fifteen eggs the other hens are collaborating with her! LOL! So I reduced it to a dozen she was sitting on.  Tonight I noticed the broody hen was off the roost two other hens were in the coop, one was picking on one that wanted to lay so I shooed her out she had already laid earlier and then the one was on the clutch of eggs adding hers and later in the evening broody hen was back on it sitting keeping her eggs warm. 

She I do not let the grands very near the broody hen because she pecks. Now I know why my granny did not have us do her chicken chores she had a roo too I believe. I might need to put the broody hen in a pet carrier the other hens keep adding to her nest I guess they've heard of "chicken math" too! 

Dear grand son & I figured out why they don't have chickens on animal cops show because no one chains a hen to the back door and they can fly off and or forage and fend for them selves!  

Sat. Chicken Chores

My Sat. chicken chores this week included cleaning the chicken run, cleaning the out side nest boxes. Digging up daffodil bulbs from the back yard because the daffs. are not good for chickens. Moved those bulbs to the front yard in front of the house where they are out of the hens reach and I've replanted those bulbs. So I'm making great progress here. 

I moved some leaves from the last corner of the back yard I need to prep for some spring planting. It's looking better and was great exercise! Counting that today. 

Hubby got a wooden goose shape on a stake so I can put it in the garden as soon as youngest dear grand daughter helps me paint it. She was asking to help paint last week so she will get her wish. 

One thing left to do is clean inside nest boxes I hate to disturb the hen that's setting on eggs so trying to figure out how to do that with out bothering her to much. 

So glad I did those chores on Sat. as today is very windy here! We got some wood burned for ash for the beds the hens dust bathe in also. 

Senior Project Idea!

I was talking with the neighbor I asked what was in loaded in their trailer, wondering if it  was a house for their hens when I saw it. It was ready to assemble. It turned out that this project is what his son made for his senior project. An eight foot by eight foot green house for his grandmother. Today is the day they are going to put it together on site. This was one very proud dad! 

He said they will be moving and are going to give us their two hens, so we need to make room. I called on some eggs for sale that guy had a couple of free roos Rhode Island Reds. But the roos live in a different town and would only be for the deep freezer.  

Broody Hen update: Today I checked the broody hen after she switched nests and gently lifted her off her nest on to another nest temporarily after I put on my leather gloves. She only had three eggs and one golf ball she was sitting on, so I took out the golf ball and eggs that were not the breed we wanted chicks from, then I added four more eggs for her to sit on replaced her on the nest. 

Then I let out the rest hens that were restless after eating their treats. Turns out they love Spanish rice! LOL! Hubby said I spoil the hens then in the next breath suggests I buy some rice to cook for them! Makes me wonder WHO is spoiling them after all!!! 

Broody Hen

Our chicken news today is one hen has gone broody, this broody hen and has decided to sit on eggs.  Yea! A whole new adventure for us! One of our flock goals was to raise our own chicks. The other hens added to her nest I moved her to the loft in the coop so no eggs for us today. I add a couple of choice eggs to her clutch of eggs I figured we might as well try to raise the bigger breed we like for meat birds. She did not like being messed with but settled in the loft after that. I put food near her she does not seem interested. I'd be cranky too with out food or water. I put water near by for her. 

I did the first round of chicken and chick chores done usually done mid morning but the hens got out early to look for worms and bugs today. Youngest grandchild had plenty of energy yesterday when she helped with that. She wanted to see the inside of a green egg so requested to help mix up cookie dough so we mixed that up. The old two grand daughters will be over tomorrow too so they can have cookies with lunch and / or for snacks. 

Later on youngest grand child said "Grandma come look" then she pointed to a chick was sleeping on the top of the waterer, she was so amazed to see that! 

Then I cleaned out the chick's box in the basement and they settled back in and napped after their "dinner". 

The red heat lamp gave a weird color to the pics that I took earlier today I need to get better ones hoping the older grands can help me pose 'em tomorrow. I'd like to take weekly pics. of them to record their progress. 

Time Change is Coming!

The time change on March tenth has me wondering how that will effect the hens schedule this is going to be an interesting development. Now that it's warming up we put out more water buckets and it's nearly time to hang up the fount again since it's not been freezing. Spring is not far behind.

Got 1 green egg, two brown eggs, and two pullet eggs today so far for a grand total of five eggs. Yesterday the lighter colored one I'd not seen for a couple of weeks and was glad to see that hen is laying again, now I just have to figure out what hen is laying this lovely cream colored egg! 

The grand kids played in the dirt I'd spaded up for garden spots they had a blast, then the hens wanted in on that fresh dirt action after the grands moved on to play on the jungle gym! LOL! A sure sign of spring. 


Today I got out the hose for the back yard and got the roosts, ladders, and chicken crate hosed off today that were in the chicken run. I felt better having that done dear grandson helped! Grass was in need of moisture so watered it as bit to settle down the dust it helped to clean it up some more in the back yard.


When I checked on the chicks at lunch time one was perched on top of the water container, they can fly now. They are getting more feathers all the time too. top of the water container they are flying around a bit now too. With little tail feathers and top wing feathers they are growing fast and doing great! I put a board in there and they all lined up on it to sleep like it was their roost! It's not off the ground but works for them. 

Monday Monday

We've had a productive morning so far. Back inside from 'recess' we've spaded up the next garden spot behind the coop, and the hens are "working" that today. We've put up a bit of a wind block not that they noticed the breeze any way but as I move things out of the way that sort of just happened. They were delighted to discover the worms and slugs under boards as we were moving things around. I was thinking we could start up the fire pit but not with the wind gusting up to thirty miles an hour had to wait. 

Now that the chicks are a week old they are getting tail feathers and starting to shed their chick fuzz. We've been holding the chicks so they will be used to people. This is one advantage of having them in the basement they are handier and we can let them get used to us being around and hearing people noises like our voices. The grand kids are more than happy to help us with this task! 

Dear grand son help collect eggs we got two green ones two pullet ones and one regular size brown egg for a grand total of five eggs. 

Hens Working

I've been out to the chicken pen and have fed and watered the hens. The chicks have been fed as well they were asleep and not out of water. We still need to get a top on the tote the chicks are in. Coffee brewed while I did the chicken chores so it was ready and waiting when I was done yea! Br-r it was cold out today. 27* - 47 * is today's temp. range here. 

Yesterday I cleaned the chicken run it looks better. Then I put in fresh leaves for bedding. Next I spaded up the corner garden area the hens had a great time working at getting the bugs and weed seeds out of  it. I also raked leaves from the side yard and off  the small garden spot the hens had fun investigating that as well. Then while I raked the back yard and dethatched a great work out for the arms! The hens checked out the thatch I was removing for grubs and seeds. 

We got six eggs four brown ones regular size, and two small pullet eggs, no green eggs. The two barred rock hens that are not laying have one month left here unless they start laying by the end of next month that's the dead line for the stew pot. We have to make room for the new chicks as well so this fall the others will be going to freezer camp. But we don't have to worry about for a while anyway. 

Productive Back Yard

I've been pondering my productive back yard goals... some are for this spring others for the fall and remembering some things we done in the past time for review. We used to raise rabbits for meat and fun.

I need to move some bulbs to the front yard. Our hens will have a great time digging in the dirt after I do that. Doing the rotation of hens around here needs a bit of fine tuning as we learn a bit more about the breeds we want and the limits of this size of this place we have here it's not a lot of room.

Using wood ash for the current berries and hens like to dust bath in it as well, so cleaning up and getting some of the old wood pile cleaned up is a great project and it's always fun to cook lunch over the fire pit while we have it going makes this a dual purpose activity. The apple next to the plum tree needs to be pruned back. Apricot tree got pruned back by deer. 

Making our back yard more productive a few years ago we put in more fruit trees these are great food for the birds, squirrels, and hens of course. [Not much for people however.] But the garden is good for that. I'm considering moving that into the front flower beds. I have just been putting them in with the flower beds until a few years back we had to take a tree out and that became the garden spot it's time to move it.  Last year I had a spot in the corner with pumpkin, tomatoes and squash in behind next to the current bushes. It's time to think about ground prep. for the onions. The multiplier onions the hens have ripped out so they will be in a different spot in the front along the West side I think it's pretty hot there, onions seem to tolerate the heat.

I got the rose bushes pruned late last fall, and I put in more flower bulbs so that will help with color this spring and summer bloom that is a treat to see. My irises are up and now the tulips and other bulbs are just peaking through the ground.

Eggs Galore!

We found 22 eggs today! I looked and only saw two eggs in the nest box this morning. Then later when our dear grand son went out with a friend he looked in the loft of the coop and found a stash of eggs. Today's total an amazing twenty - two eggs! ! ! The eggs found in the coop loft were all small pullet eggs. Cold however I put one of the portable nest boxes in the loft for us to look in after this hopefully the hen that's been stashing eggs in the loft will lay in that! Now I know where one of the hens was gone this morning just disappeared I looked all over for her several times have not idea where she was but around noon she showed up. I assume she came down from the loft. 


Dear grandson assured me he could climb up there and check for eggs when he was over but it seems that he had not been checking the loft as per our instructions after I put straw up there the hens had the perfect spot and they were concealed. I looked on the lower part for eggs stashed but there were none below. I have a flower pot with straw in it for them to lay in this is the first day that we found one in it too! 

We checked them to see if they floated and they did not and used a couple and seem to be fine! This is one memorable day! [They were cold; small pullet eggs.] Our grandson is taking home eighteen eggs today he had been wanting to fill one of those cartons that hold 18 eggs so we was able to fulfill that dream!   

You can bet he will be checking up there every time he is here from now on! His friend from down the street was with him to see the baby chicks after school and held the basket filling it as grandson handed him the eggs! They will both be talking about that over dinner tonight when they give the chicken and egg report! 


I think "the friendly hen" a barred rock might be in molt I had no idea how much of a challenge it was to keep hens laying consistently. Plus trying to figure out the rotation for replacement hens. Our replacement project was not the success we hoped it would be with four of the six being roosters and the hens that did start to lay are small. With only two replacements I had to think about a different plan so we bought some others this winter in December. Getting various breeds helped us to know what ones will not work out as well and we did not realize that smaller ones combined with bigger ones could be problematic as the bigger ones can be bullies; so we looked for breeds of similar size and temperament then settled on all the same ones hoping we can tell them apart when they are grown! 

I really enjoy watching the hens in the yard while I'm doing my kitchen chores! Looking out the window and seeing them. 

Eight Hens A Laying

Yesterday the coop was busy yesterday morning hens were socializing while one was laying, others waited their turn. Two of their nest boxes seem to be prime egg laying spots. 

I was SO excited to get two green eggs from the Easter Eggers [EE] that lay those eggs. It's the first time we have gotten two on the same day I am so glad the family favorite is laying now. I kept an eye on her and made sure she is laying now. We are all so happy that she is back in production again! That makes eight hens laying now out of ten. She had not been up until this week. I'm hoping the other two barred rocks that are not laying will begin again too. I overcooked mini muffins hens loved 'em! LOL!

We got a pullet eggs and two regular sized eggs also five total seems to be a common daily gathering for us. 

I can't believe how fast the chicks learn chicken behaviors! 

New Baby Chicks

I got ten Rhode Island Red baby chickens yesterday. They are fine I set them up in a tote in the basement as it's in the thirties at night here and we do not have the coop set up for a brooder yet.

I was so hoping the one of the hens would be broody but that did not happen. Sigh so we will try this. So far so good. I put dried leaves in the bottom for bedding as they try to eat what ever is on the bottom of the plastic bin and it does not have to go in the trash this way. I had the waterer, feeder, feed and heat lamp on hand from when the egg hatch failed last fall so that was a blessing.

I'm sort of wishing I would have gotten a couple more because it looks like there are at least two roos in this batch of pullets and hubby is already talking about rotating out some and freezer camp. We have differing ideas of how many to winter over! LOL!

When I was at the store there were people lining up to select their chicks, I took our grand daughter with me and she was so excited she was up at the containers for a close up look and enjoyed seeing them ducks too. I did not see any quail chicks this year. Dear grand son said the trouble with ducks is that they fly off when they are grown and gone. I had not thought of that. Well so far the chicks are easier than I thought they would be and great entertainment for the grand kids.

Cake mix cookies

Cake Mix Cookies

One yellow cake mix 
1 tea. vanilla 
1 egg
1 cube butter [melted] 

Mix well, chill 

Baking chips your favorite flavor 
Place 5-6 on each cookie. 

Bake 350* 12-15 min. 

Valentine From The Hens!

This week the hens left us a great gift on Valentine's day green egg from the Easter egger hen. So we have seven hens laying from our flock of ten.  Yea! 

I'm excited I found a chicken pattern I can use for an outline to paint on the coop this week too. Plus I might  be able to use it for a denim tote as well. I found an egg shaped cookie cutter that will be fun for the next cookie baking adventure when our dear grand daughter is over. 

We have added wood ash to the dust bathing area the hens loved that. This weekend we are going to get the top next box addition completed. Some more chicken proofing is on that list and brooder prep. as well as cleaning up coop run and nesting boxes. So we are loving the sunny weather for these actives! 

This Week

I need to take a used brick and smooth off the concrete blocks on the coop one of the hens had a hurt foot the other day so that is a just in case action if that's where she got hurt. Did that this afternoon. 

I also need to get a first aid kit for the coop. Will need to do a bit of research on that. I need to find a sue for the wood box I could put it over the hole we cut out for loft access to store hay / straw in. 

I 'd like to get a plan for the back yard, it's over grazed and the hens have dug up some onions iris bulbs are bare with out dirt on them, daffodils need to be moved to the front yard.

Clean Coop and chicken run another thing on my to do list as well. I have some leaves / mulch that need to be moved when it's a nice fifty degree day outside that is not today.

I have feed bags to make some totes from maybe the grand daughters want to have a sewing day over here after they get their sewing machine. That would be a great project for us to do.

We need to clear some things out of the big storage shed to make room for freezer camp day. 

Set up brooder as I learned this week that chicks will be in at the feed store on the nineteenth I'm hoping it will warm up by then! Wondering if we have a hen or two that might help to raise them and if we should get a few extras in case they don't all survive or if one of the mean hens kills one. I read about that happening in the Chicken magazine I got the other day.


We got three eggs today one pullet two normal size eggs. 

To Do

On this week's to do list:

Get oyster shells x = done
Get pelleted chicken feed. {I'm so glad the folks at the feed store lift that for me!} x
Get  plastic washable egg containers. {Opps I forgot to look for those!}

Clean coop run and ; nest boxes put fresh bedding in.
Finish building top nest boxes.

Today I have fed the chickens forgot to close up the gate door to the run because I was so involved in an indoor yarn project first time. I've left it open I'm so glad they are fine. [oops!]Going to try NOT to do THAT again. 

Yesterday we got four eggs I collected two and dear grand daughter collected the other two. She really enjoys feeding them and the hens are getting used to her being there and she knows the ones that she can pet! 

Six Hens A Laying

Chickens had water with out ice on it with the warmer temps. that is a nice change not having to deal with ice and snow they have been fed no eggs yet today. 45*-51* Today's temp range we got five eggs yesterday only one was a pullet egg we have six laying here for sure now! I have snow drops in bloom now and spring bulbs up yea!

Top nest box addition is in the works we have the frame from a discarded shelf needs a bottom still under construction. Our grand son is going to help with this project. It's fun to get to use tools together. I'd been wracking my brain thinking what could I do with this shelf instead of just tossing it! He came up with that while he was grilling lunch after church Sunday.

Chickens are staying in the back yard now for the most part so putting up the netting has been a success yea! As dear grand daughter called them "neighborhood chickens" the other day! The donkey on my walking route has been getting out nearly every day and ends up at the neighbors across the street they have the greenest grass. The hens are not the only escape artists! Seems to be common enough around here.

Less Range Time

I replaced the light bulb in the coop one morning this week when I was out doing chicken chores. The light in the run where they roost is okay.

I've rounded up the chickens that had escaped two times today and most are back in the pen. I've gotten the netting to put on the deck to help with keep them from getting out, until that is up they are going to be getting less and less free range time. At afternoon chore time just after school we let them out again, that was just before dark they stayed in the yard this time. Yea! Then at dusk a drizzling rain started so they came in a bit early. Hubby is figuring out how to  put up the netting on the deck but needs more daylight for this task.

The chickens are all present and accounted for and tucked in for the night. We got four eggs today and another egg broke from too much "help" the grand kids are still learning how delicate the egg shells can be. The new basket is smaller and three eggs looks like a lot in it.

I gathered two pullet eggs and three others today. Went for a walk picked up apples some one discarded half eaten for the hens, I chopped it up for their morning treat. Raked leaves and put them in the back for the chickens to scratch in today.

I got the run, coop and outside nest boxes cleaned and spiffed up the inside of the coop this week. Working on yard clean up leaf and mulch removal from the front yard now that the temps. have risen nearly up to the fifty degree mark here.

The grand kids were here helping to feed and do chicken chores and seeing which chickens they could pet! Enticing them with food helps them to accomplish this goal and coming in the coop while I do chores. They have earned the dozen eggs they took home.

Tall Roost

This weekend we got the coop and chicken run cleaned. Did some yard work and mulching the beds in the back yard the hens and grand kids are helping me with cleaning the leaves from the beds in the front yard we are doing a bit at a time. 

Dropped one egg of the five we collected, only the 2nd one one we've had break. Dear grand daughter found a fun basket to use when she collects eggs it's white with tiny blue flowers painted on it. 

This week we will be working on cleaning out the nest boxes they were in use yesterday when we were outside doing yard work. Today it's a bit colder this morning we've had a skiff of new snow on the ground. It's nearly gone now. The hens slept out side again on their favorite spot on the tall roost. 

Rain

We have rain here well it's more of a drizzle I can tell that it has been raining because of the puddles we saw along side the road when we came home this morning 39-44* today's temps. range and for most of the week and quite a bit of rain. The grand kids helped with the chores, chickens light is on and next up will be getting the morning eggs, giving them some scratch and letting them out to range in the back yard mid morning. I might be raking up some leaves and doing some clean up. After the rain stopped and I got busy and cleaned the coop now that the temps. are above freezing it's nice to get outside. I removed the temporary roost for the cold snap we had put inside the coop, now it will be SO much easier to gather eggs and clean nest boxes out now.

Yesterday while we were out doing chicken chores hubby left a message he bought a turkey and to remind him to take it out of the back of the truck, dear grand son and I were excited to see if it was a live one or not, it was not. We put it in the freezer. One of the guys at work did not need the one he got for turkey day, hubby likes to smoke them on the grill.

I still have a spot in the fence to chicken proof and after doing that taa - daa no more escaping hens! Yea! We got five eggs today three large one and two pullet eggs.

Herding Hens

The chickens got out yesterday again a couple of times before I found the escape spot and secured the gate. They loved the warmth of the south lawn in the front and were happily scratching for bugs clearing leaves out of the front beds. Pecking in the driveway for gravel but when one got out in the road I had to take more immediate action. The neighbors grin as they drive by watching me trying to "herd" my hens only slightly easier than herding cats! They do come for feed unless they have discovered something really yummy in the garden of flower beds.

I got the leaves raked up that they scattered about the front lawn and it looks better it felt great to be doing yard work in the sunshine. Compared to the temps. we've had this past week 47* felt like summer loving that time for fresh air and exercise out side was good for all of us. This is great exercise for me!

So today I'll be checking fence lines to make sure they are secure and get treats thawing from the freezer and other fun things for the chickens to have in the pen to keep them interested in that while I do this. It's time to clean the run I did a bit of that yesterday will keep working at it a bit each day that we have above freezing making progress as I can. 

We need to see what we can do for the brooder prep. for chicks later on when it warms up a bit more. We were talking about that yesterday the stores will have chicks soon in the feed stores that is exciting to think about. We need to "make room". 


Tonight when I closed the coop the chickens were all tucked in for the night I noticed that some are sleeping outside others were in the coop, two here and three there, they have spread out now that it's warmed up they, do not need to huddle together for warmth. I put the tall roost back in today. Tomorrow I'll switch out the ladder roosts. 

Another New Layer

The second hen from the new ones we raised has started laying this week there were two small eggs in the chicken coop yesterday morning one is a slightly darker color than the first one. What a nice surprise to begin the day with! I thought the grand kids might enjoy seeing these smaller baby sized eggs I was right they love it! They can't wait to show the other granny and their parents these newest eggs. We will have to think of some thing special to use these ones for. We got five eggs and it's nice not to have to buy them at the store. 

The chickens have been faring well in the most recent cold snap that we've had. Getting out for exercise during the day sill even with snow and ice on the ground was amazing to watch. We got some video and photos of that hoping to put those up when I can figure out how or get help from our son the local tech. guy in the family. 

Escape Artists

The neighbor from across the street knocked on the door to let us know that the chickens were out. The chickens had fun today they got out twice today. I got them rounded up around noon and when I checked a couple hours later I noticed that they were out again, that was just before the bus got here so our grand son helped get them back in that time. They were scratching in the leaves in the front yard and in the neighbors front yard as well. Our next door neighbors do not mind when the hens are out on bug patrol so it's not a problem. 

I secured the gate so the wind would not blow it open that was simple enough. I noticed a chicken was out, and could not get it back in went back to raking leaves for a bit and then noticed another and another were out. I watched one got back in through the escape spot. 
I got them rounded up and back in then blocked that spot where they are getting out. 

We're still getting eggs yea! Another doz. for the week most recent counts are three on Tuesday, four yesterday, and four so far today. 

New Layer

This week we have a new layer one of the young hens we raised has started laying. Our grandson was doing chores and forgot the egg gathering basket that we use. He checked on the chickens and fed them their treats and came back with four eggs in his pockets! Beaming ear to ear saying the the new hen had laid another one of the small eggs! We have gotten two eggs like this so far this week they are about half the size of the other eggs. I'm thinking these are the size of a Banty egg. They are beige in color. Yea! We are  SO excited. 

I heard lots of cackling going on in the coop the morning we got the first one that was great to hear! I can't wait to show our grand daughter these. Hubby said that it will take two of those to make up a regular size egg for cooking with. We got five eggs yesterday. It was a happy day!

It's warmed up a bit and we have some green grass showing through the snow and the hens are happy now. Next week will be even warmer and we will be glad to say good bye to the ice and snow that we have had during this cold snap. But the chickens are doing fine.

Duck Duck Goose

We use to play this game in the snow when I was a kid called duck duck goose we had stomped the snow in to paths the shape of a wheel with spokes. We were supposed to stay on the path to try to tag others. The back yard looks like that with paths for the chickens to use. I thought of that when I looked out at our yard seeing the paths on the snow covered grass.

Our grand daughter was telling the chickens to "stay on the path" today when we were out doing chicken chores. They have taken a walk on the path around the yard today, eaten from the bare spots left from moving the wagons and a toy ball. The draw back to that is the pellets crumble from the moisture I forgot to to take that into consideration! The chickens are doing fine in the snow especially today with the sun out and the temps. warmed up to 32* but the snow did not all melt. Maybe tomorrow then it will be back to normal messiness. I spotted some deer tracks in the snow this morning when I was doing the chicken chore rounds. We shoveled snow for two neighbors today on our street. We got three eggs today.

Snow Today!

We have snow again today and it's been snowing all morning. When it finally stopped this afternoon we have two inches of the white stuff here. I've been out several times to clear it off the walkway, steps, patio, drive way and I broomed a path to the chicken run and around the outside of the yard. So when it starts to melt that will be cleared. We had a winter weather advisory out. I did not think much about it because I thought we were supposed to get melting temps. but that was not the case.

Our youngest grand daughter and I went out to check on the chickens give them fresh water and we scattered feed on the path that had been swept off; most the chickens were along the house under the eves except one on the nest and another in the roost did not want to deal with the cold snow I think. A couple were on patrol chasing birds off the the path getting the smaller birds to scatter.

The chickens have eaten one feeder full of feed their ration for the day so I know they are not going hungry.  We got 5 eggs today yea the most we've ever gotten so we are doing something right!

Chicken Spa

I've been out to the chicken pen with feed and water it's lovely to see the fresh snow again today, I could enjoy the morning stillness and the peacefulness of a new day. The chickens got up and out of the coop to greet the new day. 

They came into the run one by one for feed and water as I watched and then went back inside for a bit. They are enjoying the new feed. They all came of the chicken run when I opened up the coop door for range time they were out of it in not time and made a dash for under the deck. 

They fluffed their feathers under the deck they enjoyed the spa time having a dust bath followed by feather fluff time under the dryer vent totally ignoring the snow that was falling outside.   We got four eggs yesterday. 

Gift Giving

It's cold here today the water inside the chicken coop was frozen this morning I had a fresh supply of warm water and feed with me when I went out today first thing.  New snow less than an inch here they call it the banana belt here, all around in the higher elevations they are measuring snow in feet and  inches. The chickens did great in the snow here we got two eggs. They all came out of the coop and did their scratch and peck thing. When I open the kitchen door it squeaks just a bit the hens come running across the yard if it's during their range time thinking it's treat time for them. 

This fall they have done a good job cleaning out the flower beds from weeds and bugs maybe a bit too good a few bulbs have been unearthed that I planted before getting them so I'll be rethinking that a bit in the spring and moving some bulbs.  

Today I got sweet C.O.B. [corn, oats & barley] for the chickens something new for me to get for them but the store said people buy it all the time for chickens. It sure smells good and yummy! I can't wait to see how they react. The last that I got was not sweet did not have molasses added. I still feel silly getting a 55 lb. sack of feed for this few hens but they eventually eat it it does take a few months. 

On our list was a new hatchet handle but we were unable to find one so the hunt is on hubby is having a blast going to all the sporting goods store in his quest for this item. The one sporting goods shop was packed and they were lined up at the gun counter and ammo was stacked up with a sign that said while supplies last it was the busiest I've ever see it in there!

This afternoon I got to show off my chickens to some folks up the road with their kids and they said his dad wants some so they were talking about chicks for him I suggested a gift certificate and taking the grand kids with when he got the chicks instead of buying them for him in case he is not set up and told them how long it took us to get ready. As they might not know what breed he wanted they said that they would ask him. 

Winter Returns

A skiff of snow on the ground this morning melted off soon except in the shade by midday. The chickens enjoyed the berries after they figured out what they were, it seemed like a new food to them. I cooked up a pumpkin after I de-seeded it, and a squash went out for them to eat this afternoon. 

I got one egg this morning and the others later in the day after school our grandson said "it's warm" when he collected them he was so amazed, we got three today. I told him that is as fresh as they come! I discovered which of the other hens is laying now, it took the place of the one green egg we were getting one of the Barred Rocks as I suspected. The chickens did a lot of cackling today, one time I went outside and saw one of the hens out on the patio trying to get in, and just as I opened the gate a small hawk flew off. 

Tonight when I went out to the chicken coop I noticed that the hens were perched in a different that was spot closer to the light. I'm thinking it might be a good night to leave it on. I moved the water and feeders so it was not directly under them.  

Signs of Spring

The snow has melted and temps warmed up for a few days at least. The rain yesterday did not bother the chickens at all they were out in the yard in it doing their hunting and pecking. Spring song birds are back this week I've been seeing them around quite a bit here this week and squirrels too. We got three eggs yesterday completing the doz. plus one for the week. Yea! Our grand son collected those we only got one the day before. Berries thawed from the freezer will be some of the treats today. Our dear grand daughter carefully collected and carried in one of the four eggs we collected today after taking out the scraps for the hens. Today we made up some cookie dough with eggs from the coop gathered last week. The chickens like to climb up on the hay bale where the feeder is to eat. I spiffed up the nest box and clean around the coop and in the chicken run this afternoon.

Chickens in the Snow!

Today we have the first snow of the season. I'm SO glad we have the coop prepared and all ready for this so I don't have to do the mad dash trying to get things done in the snowy cold weather. Thinking ahead and our planning has paid off. But it would have been fine we opened up the run the chickens checked out the snow and then headed for the cover under the deck! 

This weekend we had to say good bye to the last rooster before he went to freezer camp. I cried the night before sad that it did not work out we would not get chicks from him and that he was beating up the hens. The next day when he flew at me as I separated the hens out for free range time I was warming up to the idea. For the safety of the grand children it had to be done.  After the deed was done the hens settled in so quickly into the new routine I was surprised. It was so quiet and peaceful the rest of the day and this morning as well that was a pleasant change.  

The new development of snow was exciting for our granddaughter to feed the chickens their treats. No eggs this morning however. =(  Hopefully when the snow turns to rain later on according to our forecast for today we will get some eggs. Yea! Got three eggs today our grand daughter was so excited to find these and she carefully collected them in the egg basket and carried them back to the house, saying "These need to be washed grandma!" 

I've been doing research of chicken breads hoping I can find some production red hens or chicks locally. But first we have to make room before that can happen.

Planing & Tweaks

Yesterday we got the hardware to suspend the ladder we've hung vertical for a roost. We also got hook & eye for the top door there is not a way to close just the top of the half door set up we have on the coop. We got chain also to hang the ladder with and secure the door outside when it's open from blowing shut possibly hurting a chicken. I've been using a stump of wood from the maple tree we took down a couple years ago. Limbs from that we saved have come in handy for a number of uses. I cleaned the nest boxes and the coop floor. On thing about the vinyl flooring is that it's slick trying to think of something with more traction. So we are doing some tweaking to the set up. 

Over breakfast we talked about how and where to put the brooder chicks the loft area could be used for that hubby said I assume he has a design in mind. I like to see it drawn out on paper for a better idea of what he is thinking. We also discussed chicken breed choices and how the goals of the flock work in with what we actually have which birds to cull and general flock management finally getting on the same page might help with some of these ideas. I'm learning as I go. [I'll read some thing or see a u-tube video and think wow that's a great idea I need to try that! Just because some thing works for one person does not always mean it will work here for us in this situation. Light bulb moment.]

I brought home scraps from the bday dinner for the chickens to eat. Got four eggs none of them from the Easter eggers. So that means one of the other hens has started laying again I'm excited about that. I can't believe how long it's taking the Morans chicks we bought last fall at 4-6 weeks old to mature at 6 mo. no eggs from them yet of the six I bought only two turn out to be hens. 

Today's temp. range 31*-38* the neighbors dogs were up before the chickens today. 

(45) Nancy Smith

I'm trying a link w/ my fb page to show of a photo of the coop in the back yard after we got the playhouse converted in to a chicken coop. The photo program on my p/c is not as good as I'd like and can't get the phone to sync my pics. so I have our son take some when he comes with his camera. 

(45) Nancy Smith 

The first Doz. Eggs!

Today we slept in I, let the chickens sleep in too, so the  neighbors did as well. =D The chickens barely had the light on this morning on. I let them out early at sunrise today. Hoping to get the roo to stop pecking the hens. 

It's 31* out the water was not frozen today and we are expecting 38* for a high temp. so this is shaping up to be a good day. Wind is dropping the temps. down a bit today so the outside water was frozen. 

We are hoping to get some eggs to try to hatch next month. 

This week has been successful in training the chickens to use the coop after we opened it up with the chicken door we cut into the run they were still roosting & laying eggs in the outside part. That was fine until the temps. dropped so we took those roosts down put a light up and they started using the coop. We were going to do that for a week but the caught on after three days! 

Today's Excitement

This morning's excitement was the neighbor kids set off an M-80 fire work this morning just after I was up doing chicken chores. Ack! Twice what a way to begin the day. That got my heart going! 

Other day I had to lift one of the hens out of the coop loft so I used some pieces of tree limbs we had here for the grand kids to make a tee pee with in for them to use in place of a ladder for the loft until we get one done for that top section. 

Opening the coop door out to the chicken run went smoother than I was thinking it would this morning so that was great! We will be getting material for slats on the chicken door that doubles as a ramp for them and put that on soon. I have not used the hook on the people door yet since we put that in. 

I've been watching westerns and civil war movies with hubby and dear grand son [dgs] we like to see the chickens in farm scenes and try to identify the breeds, ones that I enjoyed a lot were in the Hatfields and Macoys mini series when they did chicken chores and seeing the chickens run across their yard the many colors were fun to watch! 

I forgot to mention the time I did some dumpster diving for pumpkins for the chickens the guy up the street said I could have theirs when they were done with them for Halloween I got them last year and this year his wife did not get the message and they were at his work so we went after those with permission I mostly wanted them for the new kinds of squash I'd not grown here. So I'll be processing the rest of those this month.

I made out a list of chicken goals in my off line journal one of those was to chick proof the back yard, and get a brooder set up we have not done the brooder with chicks yet was sort of hoping to bypass that with the setting hen. 

Got three eggs today all beige ones no green ones only got one all week. Glad the others have been producing with this cold snap. It's supposed to warm up and by mid week be nearly fifty that will be nice but rain is in the forecast.  

Today I set the small feeder on a small bale of hay and they came in a few at a time hopped up on there and ate got some water and left the run area it worked great for keeping things peaceful away from the heard mentality. I'd like to have 13 birds 12 hens and one roo but that is just pushing it a bit much for the size of yard we have. May have to cut back a bit. 

I'm looking forward to the help of the birds to get the bugs and apples and other wind fall fruit that starts in June. Can't wait to see how they take care of the ants!!! 

Road Kill Pumpkin

The grand kids were here today and the youngest one got to collect the eggs today on different trips out to the coop. They were so excited about it they called their dad to tell him about it.

I cooked up a large squash I grew in the garden last summer got three gallons from it. We got a couple of pumpkins from the road side in Nov. and gave them to the chickens the last of that is gone and we have some seedy grapes not very tasty to use but the chickens love them and reject pancakes the grands don't want!

Two eggs today beige ones. [Not the green ones this week; we only got one of the green ones from the Easter Eggers.]

The barred rocks seem to be getting back in to production. We have enjoyed the first of the boiled eggs for breakfast and in tuna salad sandwiches in our meals this week.

Hubby said that the rooster's days are numbered he has been pecking the hens he has been limping also.

Hubby got the chicken door hinges and the latch on the inside of the main coop door. They were milling around the run and using the outside nest boxes for warmth. As soon as we finished up with this and cleared tools out and and put the roost ladder back up they lined up and piled in to the coop.  We still need to get the knob on the chicken door maybe tomorrow.