EGGS!

Look at that!

I had read that chickens take about six months to start producing eggs, but our hardworking birds are obviously ahead of the curve. They have been sleeping in their nestboxes for at least a month, but we haven't been checking for eggs because we thought it was way too early. Clearly we were mistaken!

Today we showed a friend/coworker the updated coop and pen, and when Dave opened up the hinged cover of the nestbox to show how we would gather eggs, the friend's wife said, "Oh, and here are some eggs!" We didn't get it for a moment, and looked in, and there they were, two little eggs.
Above is one of the two possible layers, and the other one is below. I just read that chickens are ready to lay when their combs and wattles turn bright red, and both Camilla and Nadine have them. Both breeds lay brown eggs, so that's not a clue. I suspect it was Nadine, just because she's the one we spot in the nestbox most often. I guess we'll figure it out as they all start laying.
We've switched them to organic adult pellets (yum, yum), and give them our leftover scraps every day. They seem to be happy with that, and scratch around for bugs as well. The chicken on the right in the photo above is snacking on an olive. Healthy fat!
Jonah got to help gather the eggs. He knows what you do with a hard-boiled egg, and likes to help me crack, peel, slice, and mix them into egg salad. He hasn't, however, quite gotten the hang of raw eggs. So this time he got to pose for the photo, and then I rescued them. I think within a few months, he'll be able to be the one who takes the eggs inside.
And here they are, shown next to a bunch of sad factory-farmed eggs. (We often buy good eggs from a local feed store, but sometimes backslide.) Right after this photo was taken, Jonah stole the egg on the far right and put his thumb through it. Oops! We definitely need to talk about the difference between raw and cooked eggs.

But aren't the little ones cute? As the chickens mature, the size of the eggs will increase; both breeds lay large eggs. I think the one on the right was the first egg, and the larger one was the next day's. It's possible they've been out there for a few days, of course. Eggs keep well, and I hope they've stayed cool-ish in the straw through our hot weather. I guess we'll find out when we crack them if these guys were left out too long!

So, we're now officially reaping the benefits of our little backyard investment. We've enjoyed their company and it's been neat for Jonah, but now we have egg-producers. I'm so happy!

Ody the Rooster

I received an e-mail from the guy that adopted our rooster. And he really is a rooster, check him out! He's started crowing, although his new owner says he doesn't have a big voice yet, he just sounds sick. And he finished the e-mail with "Thanks for the rooster (I think)" Heh. Our neighbor's rooster crows constantly, I could see it getting old in your own yard. And doesn't he look scary? I know I keep saying this, but he was the one that really grossed me out way back when.

So here he is with his flock. He looks happy. We still might go out and visit him one of these days.

The masterpiece

It's been a while, I know. But things have happened! Dave covered the coop with cedar shingles (making the chicken coop smell lovely, if you don't get too close), finished the door, and cut out two windows for ventilation. Before the fall, they will have shutters, but for now the chickens get to look out at the stars as they go to bed.The coop stands on stilts, and we'd been storing hay underneath. That was great, but Zoe loved to go nose around in there, and she'd loosen the hardware cloth. It was only a matter of time before she weaseled her way in the pen. So the outside has been shingled, while the side is left open for ventilation, with slats to keep Zoe out and the chickens in. It's become their favorite spot during the hot weather. I think we'll have to clear out the hay once they start laying, because they've been nesting under there all day. But for now, if they're happy, I'm happy.
The fence is finished, too. Dave completed the whole thing, including building a door, in one morning. Now the chickens actually have room to run around, and they love it. This is the view from outside, showing our neglected rain barrels (they're on the list!) . Can you see the chickens? They come running when I arrive, because I tend to bring tasty treats for them. Chickens love watermelon...Jonah likes to come hang out with the birds, too, although they're just a bit intimidating.Here's the view from inside the pen. They have a pretty nice chicken life.