Since the last update, a few things have changed.
For now, I’ve stopped buying chickens. I’ve created a unique mix of birds that should produce an equally unique mix of eggs by fall. However, I may have added too many hens too quickly. While I wanted a lot of eggs by autumn, I’ve encountered some issues with aggression among the flock. I’ll keep monitoring the situation and hope it resolves soon. The last three hens arrived only a couple of weeks ago and won’t join the main flock until they’re large enough to mix safely. Until then, they’ll stay in a separate coop and run, which is still weeks away from being ready for them.
The coops and runs are now set up in their permanent locations. I’ve also installed electrified chicken netting to create a large, protected pasture area so the chickens can roam freely. After a long winter in a small but secure run, they were eager to explore. Previously, I allowed the chickens to roam the property freely, but after losing several to foxes, I decided enough was enough. To stop the losses, I initially built a makeshift run with two layers of fencing—one with chicken wire and another electric. It worked perfectly, and I haven’t lost any chickens since. I’m now testing how well the electric netting works on its own, paired with the security of the covered runs.
The coops have a sheltered run that provides the chickens with shade from the hot sun and protection from wet weather. The runs also protect their food and water. During daylight hours, the doors stay open so the chickens can freely come and go between the coops, runs, and pasture as they please.
Food has been another big change. A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop on feeding, chicken health, and profitability. One key lesson wasn’t about the type of feed but how it’s provided. I learned that small adjustments in feeding methods can significantly reduce waste and cut costs.
This led me to switch to a non-GMO feed. While it’s slightly more expensive than regular pellet feed, the savings from reducing waste make it manageable. I’ll need to adjust my egg prices slightly, but it won’t be a major increase. Personally, I don’t mind GMO ingredients in feed, but I love that this non-GMO feed is fresh and made from identifiable grains, not pellets. Its higher nutrient content, combined with the hens’ larger pasture, ensures they have an incredibly healthy diet.
There’s still plenty to do, but at least the hens are settling in nicely.
