My Chirpy Chicken Coop

Nesting Box Wars June 26, 2022 (The hens pacing to see who gets the privilege of laying in the "coveted" nesting box!) Why, oh why, do they do it? Why will chickens literally sit on top of each other in the same nesting box - or stand just outside the box and cackle and carry on until the offending hen in the box is done - when there is a row of identical boxes completely empty and at their disposal? Why Nesting Box Wars Break Out Chickens prefer to lay their eggs in safe, private places that they feel are safe from predators. After all, in their eyes, every egg they lay is a potential baby chick to help propagate the breed. So, when they stroll past a nest and see an egg (or hen) in that nest, they think that since another hen felt it was a safe place, it must be a safe place for their egg.  A second school of thought is that in a flock, all the laying hens will lay their eggs in a communal nest in order to accumulate a 'clutch' which one of them will then sit on to

All About Nesting Boxes June 19, 2022 (One of the nesting boxes with some "gifts" from the girls!) Nesting boxes are where your chickens lay their eggs - or at least where they should lay their eggs! By providing enough boxes that are the right size, in the right location in your coop, filled with soft nesting material, you can encourage your chickens to use the boxes so your eggs will be clean and unbroken when you go to collect them. How Many Nesting Boxes Do I Need? Rule of thumb is that you should have one nesting box for every 3-4 hens, but realistically, all of your chickens will want to use just one or two boxes - even if all the boxes are nearly identical. Some call this the "Nesting Box Wars".  If you are fortunate, your chickens will act like ladies and patiently wait their turn to lay in the coveted box. How Big Do The Nesting Boxes Need To Be? Your nesting boxes should be at least 12" square - and closer to 14" square if you have larger breeds

All About Diatomaceous Earth June 12, 2022 (Hammy trying to sneak out of the run!) Here's the scoop. The answers to all your questions about diatomaceous earth. What Is Diatomaceous Earth? Diatomaceous earth, or DE, is a white, porous powder that is simply the crushed fossilized remains of diatoms (phytoplankton). Over time, these fossilized remains build up into large deposits that are then mined from bodies of water.  DE is used in many products because of its porous and abrasive nature. It’s used it when making gummy bears because it prevents them from sticking together. It's added to cereals to prevent caking. Along those same lines, it’s used in a cattle feed as an anti-caking agent. It’s also added to pesticides. You may have brushed your teeth with DE. Skin care products also use DE.  It’s a versatile product, so it’s worthwhile to do some research and see how it can benefit your chickens, home, garden, and family.  Why Are There Different Types Of Diatomaceous Earth? Th

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY!!! June 5, 2022 (A collage of the flock's 2nd birthday!) It's that time of year again...!!! Happy birthday to you,  Happy birthday to you,  Happy birthday dear Lafayette, Hamilton, Angelica, & Eliza!!! Happy birthday to you June 1st, 2022 is the flock's 2nd birthday! And we held quite the celebration! I think they really enjoyed their yearly treat- a chicken birthday cake! Oh boy...I sure wish Laffy was here to celebrate with us...but I think he'll still be celebrating anyway, wherever he is! Happy 2nd  birthday dearies!!!