egg laying Archives - The Smart Chicken Coop

Archive for the egg laying Category

Categories Chicken Care, egg laying, Hen Keeping, Winter Preparation

The Annual Molt

At this time of year, many hens begin to look rather crusty and bald. Most likely it’s because they are molting. Once chickens reach 1.5 years old, they annually replace their feathers. This molting process lasts an average of 2 months and typically begins once the days shorten in late summer/early fall. That way, the hens will stay warm over the winter, as their new feathers retain body heat better.

Categories Chicken Care, egg laying, Hen Keeping

facebook

twitter

google

Roosters Posing as Hens

The hatchery “warranty” states that they’ll refund money should we receive more than our fair share of roos (10%).
I’ve had great luck until recently. The beautiful white and black Easter Egger girl I kept decided to be a rooster, as evidenced by his long green tail feathers.

What’s more, my prized Marans chick (from a different source) who will lay spotted dark brown eggs, turned into a cockrel, as evidenced by his developed comb and whattles at this tender young age. (Plus, he smells.)

Categories egg laying, Hen Keeping

facebook

twitter

google

Why do Hens Crowd into One Nest?

The cackling coming from the coop was deafening– well, perhaps not deafening, but louder than one might consider necessary. Three of our four layers decided to lay at the same time.

Categories Chicken Care, egg laying

facebook

twitter

google

Dealing with Roosters

Not all is quiet on the eggShell farmette. A young rooster found his voice two mornings ago. He is one loud mama. I knew he was going to crow because he began to flap his wings and put his beak up to the sky, a sure sign, I’ve found, that we’ve got a roo on our hands.