Gardening | Tips for Chicken Owners
While we’re still over here learning, a lot, I thought I’d share what we have pieced together and what seems to be working really well so far, just in time for Big R’s Fall Chick sale. In case you’re wanting to grab some chics now or in the Spring, I hope your preparations begin soon and you’re ready for your girls. If you have questions, please ask!
While we are so thankful for the hard work of all of our girls, we do have favorite breeds. We have 3 Jersey Giants, 3 Ameraucanas and four Easter Eggers. GUYS! I don’t love the Easter Eggers. They were always the bullies when the girls were just chicks and as adult birds they’re the only ones that escape, they’re stubborn as hell and ornery spirited. I love the Jersey Giants, they’re so so good with any kiddos and they’re not shy but kind and the Ameraucanas are so low maintenance. They kind of blend into the workings of things and never cause a fuss. I love them.
While we were told our Ameraucanas’ would lay green and blue eggs we’ve only received different shades of brown from everyone. We have 2-3 birds who aren’t regularly laying yet so maybe theres a chance but I think we have all brown layers. Which is still beautiful but there’s a chance we may add a few birds to the nest in order to add some coloring variety.
While their run is pretty large and their coop is luxury, I try to let the girls out daily to enjoy some free space and time. Ruger loves to be around and helps me round them up very often but they don’t mind him otherwise and vice versa so there’s not been a need thus far to put him away. I like to have them out while I water and Amos digs in the dirt. Occasionally, I leave them out while I go inside but I’m still a little bit protective of them and of my garden which they love to look at as buffet. Once the fencing is done around the garden they’ll spend a lot more time in the pasture. Letting them get out of their run sure makes them happy. Often this is when they’ll run back in to lay for me.
I’ve posted on IG but these canisters from Big R have been a big hit for me. I like having food in multiple places for the girls and being able to have a food source for them outdoors not only draws them out but helps me from having to refill food so frequently indoors. The watering can is lovely too and during rainy season I just leave the top off and let the rain fill it up. The girls took NO time to start using these. Because I leave their food in the garden shed I use my bin + scoop from Big R to carry the food over to their run which makes life way easier than lugging bags back and forth.
My uncle taught me that if I walk around with their bag of mealworms and shake it when I’m ready for them to come in, they’ll come running when it’s time to coop back up. So I do and it’s works like a charm. They can be spread all over and they’ll come running once they hear me shake the worms! This big bag from Big R has been a huge win! It inexpensive and they feel so loved!
The hennies have been so much fun to have around. Amos loves them, he’s learning chores already and how to be responsible with the eggs and we both look forward to showing them off to guests and sharing their eggs with friends. I hope you indulge in the chicken game. xx-k
