And in a few instances, only leave if I disturb them as I reach under, searching for an egg. My hens frequently set on their eggs for some time after laying, only leaving if they become hungry or thirsty. They get in and settle down for some quality nest box time. No, the nest box becomes their own personal spa. Hens do not simply get into the box, immediately lay an egg, then leave.
Once a hen is in a nest box, she may leave behind a ‘chicken nugget’ (as my husband calls it). This is often the most basic step, but is usually the dirtiest job of the chicken coop. We have one nest box per chicken, yet when it comes time to lay, they all want to use the exact same nest box.) Multiple hens that crowd a single nest box are more likely to step on and break an egg that has already been laid. By having ample nest boxes, you reduce ‘traffic jams’ of a nest box.
#Clever chicks blog hop cracked#
This also applies to eggs in the nest box that are cracked or broken. If you come across a clutch of eggs and don’t know how old they are, do not consume them. Sometimes free-range chickens will find a spot in a garden or pasture to lay their eggs, rather than making a trip back to the chicken house. By gathering eggs frequently, you will help reduce the likelihood of eggs being broken or becoming dirty by a hen who decides to do something else in the nest box besides laying an egg. A second follow-up check should be done by mid-afternoon. Most chickens lay eggs in the morning so the first trip to the coop should be before noon. This is especially important if you plan to either sell or consume the eggs. They are truly consumers and producers for the urban or country homestead.īut before you rush out to buy chicks, remember that proper hygiene must be maintained. In turn, they produce eggs, entertain us with their antics, shallow till soil (if allowed to free-range), consume bugs and grubs, and they provide a natural fertilizer which in turn can be used in gardens. Hens are relatively simple to care for, requiring shelter, food, water, and a clean living environment.
In fact, I frequently recommend people to get chickens if they are just starting out with homesteading (or are in areas that allow backyard chickens). Their personalities are often larger than life and they can be quite social. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Whether you live in the country or urban setting, raising chickens can be a wonderful experience.
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