How to raise Backyard Chickens: [CHICKENS-101] It's That Time of the Year"

Friday, October 1, 2010

[CHICKENS-101] It's That Time of the Year"

I keep waiting for the fall questions. I thought I would get am early start on the answers.

WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THE EGGS??
You newbies who got a dozen chicks last spring will soon be getting 2 dozen eggs a day. Actually more like a dozen and a half. Pickled eggs [go good with beer]. Farmers market, local food pantry [they may need to be educated], the neighbors [particularly if they have beer]. Local political rallies [them, not us], Quiche, Eggnog [us, not them]. Due to the current egg problems eggnog should be assemble a week in advance and set on the cellar floor or 45 deg F to cook.

IT'S DARK IN THE COOP HOW DO I FIND THE EGGS??
Feed your chickens lightning bugs or glow worms. The eggs will shine in the dark.

SHOULD I PUT A LIGHT IN THE COOP??
Makes it easier to find the eggs.
For years we have been taught chickens need 14 hours of light to continue laying eggs during the winter. Some chickens have never been told this and they keep right on trucking. The light need only be a 40 watt bulb. If you use a heat lamp no other light is necessary.

DO MY CHICKENS NEED HEAT???
Depends on the coop, Chickens generate a lot of body heat. In a small area with a lot of chickens you may need air conditioning. Generally ventilation is more important that heat. I turn on my heat lamp(s) when the temperature goes below 20 deg F [-7C] for more than a couple hours.
CAUTION: Extension Cords have killed more chickens than ever froze to death.

MICE IN THE COOP???
It you have RIRs you don't have to worry. Just cut back on the protein.

Ol George