We all have our nighttime rituals. Most of us wash our faces and brush our teeth. Some fall asleep while watching TV. Others find a final escape in a good book or pillow talk before drifting off to dreamland. Chickens are no different. They too have bedtime rituals.
It all starts at dusk, with the ever so entertaining, who gets to go into the coop first. If the Silkies are broody, they are all set. They are all ready hiding in the nesting boxes. They do not have to fear the wrath of the bigger girls, jockeying for their favorite places on the roosts. It always seems that Dolly and Fifi are the last to sneak in under the cover of almost complete darkness. Goodness knows that if they try to sneak in too early, after a few squawks, they are shooed back out into the run to wait a bit longer. Finally, once everyone is inside, Tilly always pops out for a quick look to be sure her entire flock is secure for the night. Sometimes she come completely out into the run for surveillance and other times, she pokes her head out of the coop door.
Most of them have a snack and drink right before bed. They take sips from the waterer and they peck at the pellets in the feeder. For chickens, these snacks are essential in forming perfect eggs as they sleep in the night. Once content, they find a place on the roost.
Just as we have our own bedrooms and beds, the girls have a roosting order. The Silkies prefer to sleep in the nesting boxes, most likely because they are broody all the time. It seems like every evening, I scoop them up and place their drowsy bodies onto the available roost. Last night was no different.
I opened up the coop's nesting box lid and found a Silkie in each box. Dolly was snuggled in next to Oyster Cracker on the roost closest to her Silkie sisters. One by one, I scooped up three growling Silkies and gently placed them on a roost all in a row. Then, it happened. Dolly hopped off the roost and began to walk around the coop in the darkness. Guided by the light of the moon, she took a few bites of food and joined her Silkie sisters on their roost. As I watched my four sweet Silkies, they gently wriggled their bodies side to side moving and squeezing in wing to wing. I watched as they nestled down to cover their toes with feathers and fluff. Apparently, not only is snuggling universal but who you wish to snuggle with is universal too.
This Cape Cod family of four has embarked on a journey of keeping backyard chickens. Join their journey of hits and misses on their chicken adventures.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
How To Clean the Chicken Coop
After keeping chickens for a while, you will soon find yourself developing habits that work for you and your flock. Over time, I have learned to implement a few things. We view our chickens as our family pets, so we do make extra efforts to spoil them more so than individuals keeping chickens as livestock. All of these tips are not necessary, but in my opinion, help keep their eggs clean and the girls healthy and happy in their daily lives. I typically clean the coop every 1-2 weeks, depending on the need and the weather. The entire process takes me about 15 minutes start to finish. Here is how I clean the coop for Tilly and the girls.
I like to store all that I need in a 5 gallon bucket. This keeps everything I need in one place.
First, I remove the chickens from the coop and lock them out. I wear rubberized gardening gloves when I clean the coop. It can be a messy job. I remove the roosts and place them in the sunshine. With a dust pan, I remove all the soiled pine shavings, put them in my 5 gallon bucket and tote them over to the compost bin. Other times, I toss them into the run for the girls to enjoy, sort and compost for me. One of the best things I did when I ordered my coop was to pay extra for the industrial grade linoleum flooring.
I typically wipe down the linoleum with a water and white vinegar mixture. There is always some caked on poop that needs a bit of scrubbing.
Our sponsor, Randall Burkey, sent me a new coop cleaner to try. I must say that it did a fantastic job! It is made from all natural ingredients and smells delightful. Dried on bits, that I typically would have to work at, came off with ease. I am loving the Happy Hen Coop Cleaner. I even tried it on the plexiglass windows. They turned out sparkling clean and streak free.
Next, I turn to the nesting boxes and spoil my girls with one of my favorite products, The Nesting Box Blend. My flock goes crazy for this. I sprinkle about a tablespoon in each nesting box. I think it makes them lay better and keeps pests away too. I like to think of it as egg laying aromatherapy.
Next, I replace the removable piece of wood I made to keep the girls from scratching the pine shavings out of the nesting boxes. I also place a brick in front of the coop door, as the girls take pleasure in scratching out the pine shaving from the coop. This has helped. Plus, I think it acts as a nail file.
Finally, utilizing the 5 gallon bucket, clean pine shavings are added back into the coop. All the while, the girls stand outside waiting with anticipation. They cannot wait to return inside. Sometimes, they even knock on the coop door. I love that, because I know that getting back into the clean coop makes them happy.
As soon as they can, the broody girls return to their favorite nesting boxes, while my handy work is inspected by Sunshine and the rest of the gang.
Photo Credits: Tilly's Nest
I like to store all that I need in a 5 gallon bucket. This keeps everything I need in one place.
First, I remove the chickens from the coop and lock them out. I wear rubberized gardening gloves when I clean the coop. It can be a messy job. I remove the roosts and place them in the sunshine. With a dust pan, I remove all the soiled pine shavings, put them in my 5 gallon bucket and tote them over to the compost bin. Other times, I toss them into the run for the girls to enjoy, sort and compost for me. One of the best things I did when I ordered my coop was to pay extra for the industrial grade linoleum flooring.
I typically wipe down the linoleum with a water and white vinegar mixture. There is always some caked on poop that needs a bit of scrubbing.
Our sponsor, Randall Burkey, sent me a new coop cleaner to try. I must say that it did a fantastic job! It is made from all natural ingredients and smells delightful. Dried on bits, that I typically would have to work at, came off with ease. I am loving the Happy Hen Coop Cleaner. I even tried it on the plexiglass windows. They turned out sparkling clean and streak free.
After the coop is wiped down, I give everything a spray with Manna Pro's Poultry Protector. I spray the walls, roosts, nesting boxes, ceiling and flooring and then let them dry completely. I have used this product for over a year now and I believe that this is one of the best defenses you can take to prevent mites and lice.
Once the coop is sufficiently dry, using the Pest Pistol filled with food grade diatomaceous earth, I blast all the nooks and crannies, the flooring and the roosts. Be careful not to inhale the "dust". It can cause an inflammatory condition of the lungs over time. You can read about the benefits of using food grade diatomaceous earth here.
Next, I replace the removable piece of wood I made to keep the girls from scratching the pine shavings out of the nesting boxes. I also place a brick in front of the coop door, as the girls take pleasure in scratching out the pine shaving from the coop. This has helped. Plus, I think it acts as a nail file.
Finally, utilizing the 5 gallon bucket, clean pine shavings are added back into the coop. All the while, the girls stand outside waiting with anticipation. They cannot wait to return inside. Sometimes, they even knock on the coop door. I love that, because I know that getting back into the clean coop makes them happy.
As soon as they can, the broody girls return to their favorite nesting boxes, while my handy work is inspected by Sunshine and the rest of the gang.
Photo Credits: Tilly's Nest
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rhode Island Flower Show 2012
I was so excited to to make the hour long trip to Rhode Island for this wonderful annual flower show. This show always helps me get over the Winter hump to Spring. This year's theme was Simple Pleasures.
The only thing that would have made it better, would have been some backyard chickens tucked away in one of the gardens. To me, they are the simplest pleasure you can add to your garden.
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
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| Woodland Retreat |
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| Simple garden trellises save room by growing vertically |
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| Herbs and lettuce take up little to no space at all. |
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| Fido's doghouse has a green roof! |
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| Every year the sand sculptors wow the crowds. |
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| Breast Cancer Awareness Garden |
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| Garden whimsy flying a kite |
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| Woodland fairy garden. |
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| Classic New England gardening shed |
The only thing that would have made it better, would have been some backyard chickens tucked away in one of the gardens. To me, they are the simplest pleasure you can add to your garden.
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Broody
Fifi is broody for the very first time. She just celebrated her first birthday. She has been in the nesting box for 3 days now and has plucked out all of her chest feathers. She is so adorable. She has not quite realized that other girls are laying warm eggs in the boxes next to her. My older, professional broody girls, Dolly, Feathers and Autumn, can roll fresh eggs from another box to their box, secretly stealing other's eggs to make a clutch of their own. I just love it when she lets out a quiet low growl when I open the nesting box to check for eggs.
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Friday, February 24, 2012
Cabbage Pinata
Here is what you will need:
1 fresh head of cabbage
1 ball of twine
1 pair of scissors
a place to attach it in your run.
Instructions:
Cut a piece of string about 6 feet long. It is important to keep the string in one long piece to prevent your flock from trying to eat it when the cabbage is gone. Sometimes, they finish the cabbage when you are out. This helps ensure the safety of your flock.
Wrap the string completely around the middle of the cabbage and tie it together once.
Flip over the cabbage and thread the two loose pieces of string underneath of the existing string.
Tie those two pieces of string together and make a knot.
It is that simple. Now you are ready to take it out to your flock to enjoy. You can tie off the loose ends together to hang it on an existing hook or chain or try looping the string through a support beam in the run.
It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.
~Paulo Coelho
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
On the Mend: A Dolly Update and Giveaway
Early each morning, I have been catching her in the coop, applying the Vetericyn, checking the position of the hen saver and letting her go about her day. This has been the routine for the past six days. Today, when I inspected her wound, the scab was hanging off. I gently removed the large hardened crusty piece only to reveal beautiful healthy skin and new pin feathers. Her need for the Vetericyn was done. She has made a full recovery. To prevent the other girls from picking at her new feathers, I will have her wear the hen saver until the feathers return completely.
A few days ago, a new friend, who makes hen savers, reached out to me. They are beautiful and much better made than the one that I happened to throw together. She offered to donate one for Dolly. As I explored her website, I could not resist. I ordered three more so I would have a complete set, one in each size. These will be the newest addition to my Chicken First Aid Kit. This morning I caught Dolly and we had a little fashion show. I tried the two smallest ones on her bantam frame. The smallest size fit her perfectly. I think her favorite part is the notch for her tail.
Louises' Country Closet has generously agreed to provide one of our readers with a $10 gift certificate to their store. So take a peek at their website, say hello to them from Tilly and the girls on Facebook and leave a comment below to enter. One winner will be randomly selected from the comments below. You must leave a comment on this post to enter.
The sense of community, love and support in our chicken community at large never ceases to amaze me. We are a diverse group from all over the world sharing and experiencing the joy that chickens bring into our lives. We feel so blessed and fortunate to be part of the chicken family at large. From Tilly, Dolly and the girls, we thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.
This giveaway will end Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:59pm East Coast Time.
This giveaway will end Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:59pm East Coast Time.
Photo Credits: Tilly's Nest
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Spring Shopping with our Sponsors
Spring is right around the corner and today, I wanted to share some lovely items from our sponsors that make me think of Spring and spending time outside with my backyard flock.
Chicken Lazy Susan~
We love to have get togethers as the weather warms up. I love keeping a couple of lazy susans on the large table. Having a lazy susan at both ends helps to keep condiments, dressing, seasonings and the like in one easy to find place. It also keeps things handy, organized and within everyone's reach.
Chicken Hat~
As days get longer and warmer, I find myself outside. I wear a ball cap when I am out and about and working in the yard. I always keep one in the car. Plus this one is a real conversation starter. Did I mention that it is customizable?
Rooster Pillow~
This is such a lovely embroidered pillow. I love the colors and the vibrant rooster. It would be sweet placed on your couch, chair or bed. It would also make a lovely "coop" warming gift for a friend.
EggCartons.com
Twelve years ago, new egg cartons for backyard chicken owners did not exist. With a vision and dedication, Eggcartons.com specializes in delivering unique cartons, at affordable prices in smaller quantities. Today, they no longer just sell egg cartons. They carry a wide range of chicken supplies and resources for all chicken keepers.
Vintage Style Egg Cartons~
I am in love with these. As an avid antique collector, these bring back fond memories and serve as a unique and simple way to present your eggs to your customers, family and friends. Not only will they be talking about your eggs, but this carton is sure to start a few conversations for sure!
Quail Egg Basket~
Do you keep bantam chickens? As you know, their eggs tend to be smaller than those from standard breeds. Here is a great product and a tip. Yes, it is a quail egg basket, but it's size is perfect for keeping your bantam sized eggs safe during harvesting.
Incredible Poultry Powder~
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (FGDE) is sometimes hard to find but oh so wonderful. FGDE has many uses. Try adding it to clean bedding to prevent pests. Add it to your flock's dust bathing areas to help rid them of poultry lice, mites and fleas. Combine it with their feed (2%) and let it help keep your flock's digestive tract healthy. Who knew that fossils could be so powerful?!
Manna Pro
One of the things that I love about Manna Pro is that they are continually listening and striving to meet the needs of their customers. Here are some new and favorite products.
Water Protector~
Manna Pro Water Protector provides a unique blend of enzymes that stop film, residue and natural contaminants from affecting the taste and quality of your poultry’s water. It is an all-natural solution for keeping your flock’s water supply safe and clean. The best part is that you can use it in metal, plastic or glass waterers.
Chick Stick~
As baby chicks rapidly grow, they love getting into trouble and mischief. When the chicks are a few weeks old, why not introduce them to this hanging treat? It is sure to bust their boredom and provide you and them with a fantastic source of entertainment. Be sure they have access to chick grit when you share this treat with them.
Harvest Delight Poultry Treat~
My girls go crazy for this treat. I love to toss a couple of handfuls into the run after lunch for them to enjoy. This snack contains a wonderful assortment of dried fruits and vegetables as well as peanuts, flax and sunflower seeds and nutritional pellets. It is a treat packed with protein, vitamins and minerals that your flock will love.
Bainbridge Farm Goods
I love discovering new garden decorations. Bainbridge Farm Goods makes lovely aluminum signs to accent your gardens and your animal's homes.
Randall Burkey Company
This company has been in business since 1947. They have a fantastic inventory of many chicken keeping supplies and accessories. They also sell coops, baby chicks, hatching eggs and game birds.
Happy Hen Treats Mealworm Frenzy~
My girls love these. If there is one treat that helps me to lure them back into their run, this would be it. It truly is a frenzy when the girls realize that I am coming across the yard with dried meal worms.
Vetericyn~
This is the most amazing product that heals wounds and prevents infection very quickly in poultry and other animals. Just this past week, I have seen it's miraculous results on our sweet Silkie, Dolly. This is something that everyone needs to keep in their poultry first aid kit.
Chicken Camera~
Have you ever wanted to share your chickens over the Internet? Have you ever wondered what they are up to when you are not around? You might just want to add a chicken camera to your coop and run and enjoy tuning into your flock when your heart desires. There are a few to choose from that are sure to meet just about anyone's needs.
Decorating with chickens seems to come naturally for most chicken owners. Hobby Hill Farm is always adding lovely items to please any chicken or animal lover in your life. Here are some of my newest faves.
We love to have get togethers as the weather warms up. I love keeping a couple of lazy susans on the large table. Having a lazy susan at both ends helps to keep condiments, dressing, seasonings and the like in one easy to find place. It also keeps things handy, organized and within everyone's reach.
As days get longer and warmer, I find myself outside. I wear a ball cap when I am out and about and working in the yard. I always keep one in the car. Plus this one is a real conversation starter. Did I mention that it is customizable?
This is such a lovely embroidered pillow. I love the colors and the vibrant rooster. It would be sweet placed on your couch, chair or bed. It would also make a lovely "coop" warming gift for a friend.
EggCartons.com
Twelve years ago, new egg cartons for backyard chicken owners did not exist. With a vision and dedication, Eggcartons.com specializes in delivering unique cartons, at affordable prices in smaller quantities. Today, they no longer just sell egg cartons. They carry a wide range of chicken supplies and resources for all chicken keepers.
I am in love with these. As an avid antique collector, these bring back fond memories and serve as a unique and simple way to present your eggs to your customers, family and friends. Not only will they be talking about your eggs, but this carton is sure to start a few conversations for sure!
Do you keep bantam chickens? As you know, their eggs tend to be smaller than those from standard breeds. Here is a great product and a tip. Yes, it is a quail egg basket, but it's size is perfect for keeping your bantam sized eggs safe during harvesting.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (FGDE) is sometimes hard to find but oh so wonderful. FGDE has many uses. Try adding it to clean bedding to prevent pests. Add it to your flock's dust bathing areas to help rid them of poultry lice, mites and fleas. Combine it with their feed (2%) and let it help keep your flock's digestive tract healthy. Who knew that fossils could be so powerful?!
Manna Pro
One of the things that I love about Manna Pro is that they are continually listening and striving to meet the needs of their customers. Here are some new and favorite products.
Manna Pro Water Protector provides a unique blend of enzymes that stop film, residue and natural contaminants from affecting the taste and quality of your poultry’s water. It is an all-natural solution for keeping your flock’s water supply safe and clean. The best part is that you can use it in metal, plastic or glass waterers.
As baby chicks rapidly grow, they love getting into trouble and mischief. When the chicks are a few weeks old, why not introduce them to this hanging treat? It is sure to bust their boredom and provide you and them with a fantastic source of entertainment. Be sure they have access to chick grit when you share this treat with them.
My girls go crazy for this treat. I love to toss a couple of handfuls into the run after lunch for them to enjoy. This snack contains a wonderful assortment of dried fruits and vegetables as well as peanuts, flax and sunflower seeds and nutritional pellets. It is a treat packed with protein, vitamins and minerals that your flock will love.
Bainbridge Farm Goods
I love discovering new garden decorations. Bainbridge Farm Goods makes lovely aluminum signs to accent your gardens and your animal's homes.
Randall Burkey Company
This company has been in business since 1947. They have a fantastic inventory of many chicken keeping supplies and accessories. They also sell coops, baby chicks, hatching eggs and game birds.
My girls love these. If there is one treat that helps me to lure them back into their run, this would be it. It truly is a frenzy when the girls realize that I am coming across the yard with dried meal worms.
Vetericyn~
This is the most amazing product that heals wounds and prevents infection very quickly in poultry and other animals. Just this past week, I have seen it's miraculous results on our sweet Silkie, Dolly. This is something that everyone needs to keep in their poultry first aid kit.
Have you ever wanted to share your chickens over the Internet? Have you ever wondered what they are up to when you are not around? You might just want to add a chicken camera to your coop and run and enjoy tuning into your flock when your heart desires. There are a few to choose from that are sure to meet just about anyone's needs.
Happy Shopping!
Photo Credits: Our sponsors
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