This week moving chickens out of the brooder into their backyard chicken coop.
Backyard Chickens 101
At 6+ weeks of age our chickens are more than ready to head outside.
The only delay was that we hadnt built their coop yet.
But finally, in March we were ready to move them out.
Weclipped each chickens wingsbefore we took them out and put them in the coop.
If you have 5 or fewer hens you could leave yours here.
We have our bars about every 6 and I think that is about right for the chickens.
During the spring, summer, and fall we leave the run door open.
Since our entire coop is surrounded in hardware cloth they are completely safe.
So Tinker Bell enjoyed hanging out in the run with the chickens.
Weve been surprised by how quiet they are.
If they are chasing a worm they might make a little soft noises.
And later on when they lay they cluck or sing but they areway quieter than a dog.
We are thrilled with our choice.
The sand was cheap and does not need to be changed out every week or month.
Dont forget to throw the chicken poop in your composter!
Chicken manure is the best manure for your garden!
It also composts down in a matter of weeks not months!
We freshen the water and refill the food 1x a week.
Youll notice them taking a dirt bath every couple of days its funny to watch.
Chickens also love treats!
Our chickens eat our organic, non-meat kitchen scraps, weeds (not anything sprayed!
), watermelon rinds, and all kinds of bugs (including mosquitoes).
At night the chickens go to bed with the sun.
They all pile up on the roosting bar to sleep (thats why the dropping are concentrated there!)
When the poop stays dry, it hardly smells.
Rain just makes it smell.
it’s possible for you to also add Sweet PDZ.
you could find it in the horse supply.
Other things to try are cleaning the run often and adding a roof to keep it dry.
Wet dropping smell way more!
