Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door Review
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Ensuring their safety and well-being is a top priority when keeping chickens. Installing a convenient and reliable coop door is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a secure chicken coop. The Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door offers the perfect solution, with innovative features that set it apart from traditional chicken coop doors. In this review, I discuss its key features, such as its all-season suitability, easy installation, and performance, and I offer comparisons to similar products on the market. In This Review Why a Good Chicken Coop Door Matters Having a functional chicken coop door is essential for several reasons: Features of the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door The Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door offers a range of features that make it an excellent option for your backyard chickens: With these features and its innovative design, the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door addresses coop owners’ specific challenges and offers convenience with peace of mind. Easy Installation and Setup Process The Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door installation was easier than I expected it to be. It is straightforward and can be accomplished with basic tools and minimal technical expertise. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the installation: I recommend the following tips for an installation with fewer hassles: Setting up the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door follows a similar process. However, if you’ve never installed a garage door opener before, don’t worry. The process is much more straightforward and less time-consuming than changing a garage door opener for your home. Following these guidelines, you can efficiently install the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door and address common challenges while ensuring proper alignment and functionality. Performance and Durability The door performed reliably during testing, providing secure protection from predators and withstanding weather conditions. With the unexpected rainstorms we have experienced this year, the Chickcozy performed well, closing and opening efficiently during scheduled times and when we operated it manually. The horizontal mechanism ensured the coop remained tightly shut at night and during storms, offering a secure environment for our flock. Pros and Cons Pros: Cons: Comparison to Other Automatic Coop Doors Compared to other automatic coop doors, the Chickcozy door offers: Conclusion The Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door is an excellent choice for chicken coop owners. This sturdy little door offers standout features such as a horizontal opening mechanism, built-in safety sensors, and multiple operational modes. Its ease of installation, reliable performance, and competitive pricing make it a good investment for ensuring the safety and security of your chickens. For more information, visit Chickcozy.
Internal Egg Laying In Chickens: Prevention And Solutions
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Many backyard chicken farmers find their chickens’ egg laying slowing or stopping altogether during the summer. While the first thought is to attribute it to the extreme heat we suffer each year, it may not be why some of your hens stop laying. Internal egg laying in chickens is not a common condition, but it is a possibility and can occur from oviduct trauma, infection, or genetic defects. What is Internal Egg Laying? Internal egg laying in chickens is a serious condition in which eggs are retained inside the hen’s body instead of being expelled normally. This condition poses significant health risks, including infections and internal damage, and can even be fatal if not promptly addressed. Understanding internal egg-laying is not just important; it’s crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of your flock. As a backyard chicken farmer, recognize the signs of internal egg-laying early. Factors such as genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, inadequate nutrition, and underlying health issues can all contribute to this condition. By being proactive and intervening promptly when you notice signs like lethargy, decreased appetite, a swollen abdomen, and difficulty walking, you can prevent severe complications and ensure the health of your flock. Preventing internal egg-laying involves several proactive measures. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients supports proper egg formation and laying. Maintaining a stress-free environment with adequate space, appropriate lighting, and minimal disturbances helps reduce the risk of internal laying. However, it’s not just about prevention. Regular health check-ups and monitoring are equally important. They provide reassurance that your flock’s health is being cared for, catching early signs of trouble and allowing for timely medical intervention. This regular care is a testament to your responsibility as a backyard chicken farmer, ensuring the well-being of your flock. Solutions for internal egg laying often require veterinary care, including manual egg removal, antibiotics to prevent infection, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Post-treatment, it is vital to address the underlying causes to prevent recurrence. This diligent commitment to your flock’s health is critical to being a responsible backyard chicken farmer. Poultry farmers can effectively manage internal egg laying by understanding the causes, implementing preventative measures, and seeking timely solutions. This approach ensures the welfare of the hens and supports the poultry operation’s overall productivity and economic viability. Understanding the Causes of Internal Egg Laying Internal egg laying in chickens is a serious condition in which eggs are retained inside the hen’s body instead of being expelled normally. This condition poses significant health risks, including infections and internal damage, and can even be fatal if not promptly addressed. Understanding internal egg-laying is not just important; it’s crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of your flock. Various factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, inadequate nutrition, and underlying health issues, can cause internal egg-laying. Recognizing the signs early, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, a swollen abdomen, and difficulty walking, and intervening promptly can prevent severe complications. This proactive approach is a testament to your responsibility as a backyard chicken farmer. Preventing internal egg-laying involves several proactive measures. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients supports proper egg formation and laying. Maintaining a stress-free environment with adequate space, appropriate lighting, and minimal disturbances helps reduce the risk of internal laying. However, it’s not just about prevention. Regular health check-ups and monitoring are equally important. They provide reassurance that your flock’s health is being cared for, catching early signs of trouble and allowing for timely medical intervention. Solutions for internal egg laying often require veterinary care, including manual egg removal, antibiotics to prevent infection, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Post-treatment, it is vital to address the underlying causes to prevent recurrence. Poultry farmers can effectively manage internal egg laying by understanding the causes, implementing preventative measures, and seeking timely solutions. This approach ensures the welfare of the hens and supports the poultry operation’s overall productivity and economic viability. Chicken Breeds Less Likely to Suffer from Internal Egg Laying table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; } th, td { padding: 15px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; } th { background-color: #4CAF50; color: white; } td { background-color: white; color: black; } tfoot td { background-color: #4CAF50; color: white; text-align: center; } Chicken Breeds Less Likely to Suffer from Internal Egg Laying Breed Characteristics Rhode Island Red Hardy and robust, excellent layers of brown eggs. Sussex Docile and friendly, good egg production and dual-purpose breed. Australorp Known for their high egg production and calm temperament. Plymouth Rock Reliable layers, hardy in various climates, good dual-purpose breed. Wyandotte Resilient and good layers, known for their beautiful plumage. Orpington Gentle and friendly, decent layers and excellent for meat production. Leghorn Prolific layers of white eggs, active and hardy birds. Brought to You By thepreppersbasement.com Early Detection and Diagnosis Internal egg laying in chickens can lead to severe health complications if not detected early. Identifying the signs and symptoms promptly is essential for protecting the health of your flock. Here are the key points to watch for and steps to take: Behavioral Changes: Physical Symptoms: Veterinary Consultation: Record Keeping: Understanding Risk Factors: By being vigilant and proactive, poultry farmers can significantly reduce the impact of internal egg laying on their flock, ensuring the health and productivity of their chickens. Preventative Measures for Poultry Farmers Preventing internal egg laying in chickens helps maintain flock health and farm productivity. Proactive measures can significantly reduce the incidence of this condition and its adverse effects. Establishing a Conducive Living Environment Creating a clean, safe, spacious coop with adequate ventilation is the first step in preventing many issues with your flock’s health. Ensuring access to natural light and maintaining a regular light-dark cycle supports the hens’ circadian rhythms, essential for regular egg-laying patterns. A well-maintained environment reduces stress, a significant factor in preventing internal egg-laying.
Chicken Breeds For Hot Climates
One overlooked aspect of backyard chicken farming is choosing the right chicken breeds for hot climates. Your breed choices impact the well-being and productivity of your flock, which in turn affects the sustainability and profitability of your farm. Hot environments, typically characterized by temperatures ranging from [86-104 °F] and high humidity, present unique and significant challenges. The relentless heat and high humidity can severely test the resilience of chickens, potentially limiting their growth and egg-laying capabilities. However, nature has provided certain chicken breeds with unique characteristics that enable them to survive and thrive in these intense conditions. Selecting the right breed benefits the chickens, ensuring their health and ability to produce eggs or meat. In this guide, I will empower you to discover which breeds are best for you and why. Then, we’ll explore how you, as a responsible farmer, can keep your flock healthy and productive despite climate challenges. It’s important to note that this knowledge is not exhaustive, and local farmers and traditional farming practices often have valuable insights that can enhance your understanding and guide your decisions. Key Benefits of Choosing Heat-Tolerant Chicken Breeds Characteristics of Heat-Tolerant Chicken Breeds Selecting chicken breeds that can thrive in hot climates is crucial for maintaining their health and ensuring sustainable farming. Here are the characteristics that make certain breeds suitable for warm environments: Choosing chickens with these characteristics isn’t just a matter of comfort; it translates into sustainability. When chickens are well-adapted to their environment, they maintain higher productivity, which means consistent egg-laying and healthy growth with less need for interventions. Sustainable farming practices are crucial in today’s world. By opting for breeds that naturally cope with heat, you’re reducing the reliance on electricity for cooling systems and contributing to an eco-friendly operation. This decision supports not only the welfare of your chickens but the health of our planet as well. Top Chicken Breeds for Hot Climates Investing in the right chicken breed is crucial for a thriving poultry farm in hot climates. Based on extensive research and interaction with various breeds, here are the top contenders that not only survive but also excel under such stressful conditions: Caring for Heat-Tolerant Chickens in Hot Climates Even the sturdiest chicken breeds need proper care to thrive in hot conditions. Here are some key strategies for maintaining a healthy flock when the mercury rises: Common Issues and Solutions for Chickens in the Heat Raising chickens in intensely hot conditions comes with its own set of challenges. Beyond selecting the right breed, you need to know how to recognize and remedy heat-related issues to keep your flock healthy. ?️ Common Issues and Solutions for Chickens in the Heat ? Heat Stress This can sneak up on chickens, showing symptoms like panting, spreading wings, lethargy, and reduced egg production. Stay vigilant, especially during heat waves. Dehydration Ensure your chickens have constant access to fresh, clean water. Supplementing their diet with electrolytes on extremely hot days can help them maintain balance. Disease Diseases thrive in warm, moist environments, so manage coop cleanliness and humidity. Regular coop cleaning and proper ventilation will help prevent the spread of illness. Emergency Response Your quick response can save lives during emergencies. Immediate steps include moving the affected bird to a cooler location, providing cool water, and avoiding sudden temperature changes to prevent shock. Brought to You by thebackyardchickenfarmer.com Remember, prevention is vital. You can effectively manage your flock’s well-being through the summer by recognizing the early signs of heat stress, addressing hydration needs, and maintaining a clean, well-ventilated coop. With these strategies in hand, you’re well-equipped to ensure the success of your poultry farm in hot and humid climates. Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Breed Selection for Your Climate Choosing suitable chicken breeds to raise in hot climates transcends personal preference. It’s a pivotal decision that directly impacts the welfare of your birds and the prosperity of your poultry venture. This choice is not just about the present, but it’s an investment in the future of your farm. Understanding the specifics of your local climate is a game-changer. This involves thoroughly analyzing temperature patterns, humidity levels, and the severity of extreme weather conditions during different seasons. It’s about being in tune with nature’s rhythm and using that knowledge to your advantage. Selecting a chicken breed well-suited to your climate does more than ensure the birds’ comfort and health. It optimizes their productivity for egg laying, meat production, or both. Remember, the vitality of your flock is a direct reflection of the sustainability and profitability of your poultry farming efforts. Heat-tolerant chicken breeds testify to the power of working in harmony with nature rather than against it. I strongly recommend networking with local poultry experts. Their insights can prove invaluable, offering recommendations tailored to your specific situation. They can share their experiences and provide insights into your region’s breed selection and effective care strategies. This kind of knowledge sharing is a cornerstone of successful farming. My guide, Complete Beginner Guide to Raising Backyard Chickens, will help you learn what you need to choosing the right chickens. In the end, the well-being of your chickens and the success of your farming practice hinge on informed decisions grounded in a deep understanding of the local environment. So, choose thoughtfully and prioritize the welfare of your poultry, and your diligence will be rewarded with a thriving flock despite the challenging climate. Remember, every decision you make today will shape the future of your poultry farm. So, let’s make those decisions count.
DIY Chick Brooder Box
If you are new to backyard chicken farming, the thought of raising baby chicks at home may be intimidating. However, watching your babies grow from fuzzy hatchlings to full-grown birds is rewarding. Making the process more rewarding is building your own DIY chick brooder. It only takes a few materials and basic woodworking skills to create a safe, cozy place for your hatchlings to thrive. In this guide, you will find step-by-step instructions for making a wooden brooder box, perfect for nurturing your newest arrivals. How to Build a Wooden Chick Brooder: Step-by-Step Guide Materials Needed: Plywood or lumber for the sides, bottom, and lid Screws or nails Hinges Saw Screwdriver or hammer Drill (optional) Hardware cloth for ventilation Chicken wire (optional) Wood glue (optional) Step 1: Cut the Wood Measure and cut the plywood or lumber to the desired dimensions for the sides, bottom, and lid of the brooder. Typical dimensions for a small brooder might be around 24 inches by 36 inches for the base, with sides around 12 inches high. Step 2: Assemble the Box Begin by attaching the sides to the bottom piece using screws or nails. Ensure they are flush at the corners. If desired, apply wood glue along the edges for extra strength before screwing or nailing them together. Once the sides are attached, add the lid by attaching hinges along one edge of the top piece and the corresponding edge of the back side. Step 3: Add Ventilation Using a saw or drill, cut ventilation holes in the sides of the brooder. These holes should be covered with hardware cloth to prevent chicks from escaping and predators from entering. Instead of holes, you can leave the sides of the brooder box open and cover the opening with hardware cloth. Alternatively, you can use chicken wire for ventilation, but ensure the holes are small enough to prevent chicks from escaping. Step 4: Finishing Touches Sand any rough edges to prevent splinters. Apply paint or sealant to the exterior of the brooder to protect the wood from moisture and extend its lifespan. Add bedding material to the bottom of the brooder, such as pine shavings or straw, to provide a comfortable surface for the chicks. Step 5: Prepare for Use Set up a heat lamp or heating pad inside the brooder to maintain the chicks’ temperature. Place feeder and waterer inside the brooder, ensuring they are easily accessible to the chicks. Monitor the temperature and adjust the heat source as needed to keep the brooder warm but not too hot. Step 6: Maintain and Clean Regularly clean the brooder by removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh material. Check the ventilation holes regularly to ensure they remain clear and unobstructed. As the chicks grow, you may need to adjust the size of the brooder or move them to a larger space. Following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly build a wooden box brooder to raise baby chicks at home. Your newfound DIY skills helped you create a nurturing environment for baby chicks to grow and flourish. Your DIY chick brooder box helps you regularly monitor the chick’s well-being to adjust the temperature and maintain the box’s cleanliness as needed. As your baby chicks grow, you can easily expand and upgrade their living quarters. Enjoy knowing you’ve provided a warm, secure home for current and future flocks.
Upcycled DIY Chick Brooder
Welcome to the world of sustainable chick-rearing. If you’re looking for a creative and eco-friendly way to give your baby chicks the best start in life, you’ve come to the right place. Unlike building the chick brooder in our DIY Chick Brooder post, this upscaled chick brooder shows you how to transform a used kitchen cabinet into a cozy brooder for your baby chicks. Our upscaled chick brooder gives new life to old materials and provides a safe and comfortable environment for your chicks to thrive. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and get started on this exciting DIY project. How to Build an Upcycled Brooder from a Used Kitchen Cabinet Looking for an eco-friendly way to raise baby chicks at home? Consider repurposing a used kitchen cabinet into a brooder! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a cozy and sustainable space for your feathered friends: Materials Needed: Used kitchen cabinet Box cutter or jigsaw Hardware cloth or mesh for ventilation Heat lamp or heating pad Feeder and waterer Step 1: Choose a Suitable Cabinet Select a used kitchen cabinet that is large enough to accommodate the number of chicks you plan to raise. Ensure the cabinet is sturdy and has solid walls to provide adequate insulation and protection for the chicks. Step 2: Prepare Ventilation Holes Use a box cutter or jigsaw to carefully cut ventilation holes along the sides of the cabinet. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced and large enough to allow for proper airflow while preventing chicks from escaping. Step 3: Install Ventilation Mesh Cut pieces of hardware cloth or mesh to fit over the ventilation holes. Secure the mesh in place using screws or adhesive, ensuring it covers the holes completely to prevent chicks from escaping. Step 4: Create an Access Door Determine where you want the access door to be located on the cabinet. Use a box cutter or jigsaw to carefully cut out a rectangular door, leaving enough space for chicks to enter and exit. You can also repurpose one of the existing cabinet doors as the access door. Step 5: Set Up Heat Source Place a heat lamp or heating pad inside the cabinet to provide warmth for the chicks. Position the heat source at one end of the cabinet to create a temperature gradient, allowing chicks to regulate their body temperature as needed. Step 6: Add Feeder and Waterer Place a feeder and waterer inside the cabinet, ensuring they are easily accessible to the chicks. Fill the feeder with chick starter feed and the waterer with clean, fresh water. Step 7: Monitor Temperature and Humidity Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the brooder, aiming for a temperature of around 95°F (35°C) for newly hatched chicks. Keep the brooder in a draft-free area and adjust the heat source as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. Monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer and adjust as necessary to keep chicks comfortable. Step 8: Regular Maintenance Clean the brooder regularly by removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh material. Monitor chicks for signs of illness or stress, and provide appropriate care as needed. As the chicks grow, gradually increase the size of the brooder or move them to a larger enclosure. Following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily create an upcycled brooder from a used kitchen cabinet to raise baby chicks at home. Final Thoughts With your upcycled kitchen cabinet brooder complete, you’re ready to embark on a rewarding journey of chick-rearing. You’ve created a sustainable and functional space for your baby chicks to grow and flourish by repurposing materials and tapping into your creativity. As you watch your chicks thrive in their new home, take pride in knowing you’ve contributed to their well-being and the planet’s health.
DIY Plastic Bin Brooder
How to Build a Simple Plastic Bin Brooder for Baby Chicks Raising baby chicks at home can be a rewarding experience, and having the right brooder setup is essential for their health and well-being. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a simple plastic bin brooder: Materials Needed: Large plastic storage bin with a lid Drill Jigsaw or utility knife Hardware cloth or mesh for ventilation Heat lamp or heating pad Feeder and waterer Step 1: Choose the Right Bin Select a large plastic storage bin with enough space to accommodate the number of chicks you plan to raise. Ensure the bin has a secure lid to prevent chicks from escaping and to retain heat. Step 2: Prepare Ventilation Holes Use a drill to make ventilation holes along the sides of the bin, spaced evenly to provide adequate airflow. Ensure the holes are large enough to allow for proper ventilation but small enough to prevent chicks from escaping. Step 3: Cut an Access Door Determine where you want the access door to be located on the bin. Use a jigsaw or utility knife to carefully cut out a rectangular door, leaving enough space for chicks to enter and exit. If desired, attach hinges and a latch to the door to make it easy to open and close. Step 4: Install Ventilation Mesh Cut pieces of hardware cloth or mesh to fit over the ventilation holes. Secure the mesh in place using screws or adhesive, ensuring it covers the holes completely to prevent chicks from escaping. Step 5: Set Up Heat Source Place a heat lamp or heating pad inside the bin to provide warmth for the chicks. Position the heat source at one end of the bin to create a temperature gradient, allowing chicks to regulate their body temperature as needed. Step 6: Add Feeder and Waterer Place a feeder and waterer inside the bin, ensuring they are easily accessible to the chicks. Fill the feeder with chick starter feed and the waterer with clean, fresh water. Step 7: Monitor Temperature and Humidity Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the brooder, aiming for a temperature of around 95°F (35°C) for newly hatched chicks. Keep the brooder in a draft-free area and adjust the heat source as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. Monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer and adjust as necessary to keep chicks comfortable. Step 8: Regular Maintenance Clean the brooder regularly by removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh material. Monitor chicks for signs of illness or stress, and provide appropriate care as needed. As the chicks grow, gradually increase the size of the brooder or move them to a larger enclosure.
Feeding Chickens for Better Health and Better Eggs
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. New chicken keepers tend to overthink feeding. They buy expensive supplements, specialty feeders, and bags of products they’ll never finish. The only three things your chickens need are food, water, and shelter. You don’t need a fancy gravity feeder. Just a dish that is deep enough to stay upright and keeps birds from walking through it. Chickens are simple creatures. There is no need to get fancy. But simple doesn’t mean dump a bag of commercial feed and forget it. And actually, you might only use commercial feed to supplement their diet and not be the main factor. Those rich orange yolks that people associate with farm-fresh eggs don’t come from grain pellets alone. They come from a varied diet of greens, insects, kitchen scraps, and yes, some commercial feed when the season calls for it. What your chickens eat shows up directly in the quality of their eggs and their long-term health. Five Dietary Essentials Chickens are natural foragers, and when left to roam, they’ll eat insects, worms, grass, seeds, and just about any green thing they find. As a chicken parent, your job is to mirror that variety, even if your birds spend most of their time in a run. Five categories cover what every laying hen needs to stay healthy and to continue producing eggs worth eating. Protein Egg production runs on protein. Free-range chickens get plenty from worms and insects while foraging. When foraging isn’t an option, especially in winter, you’ll need to fill the gap. Mealworms and crickets are a great alternative. Fish oil and fish meal are good year-round supplements. If you garden, chickens love those big, fat, green tomato worms you pick from your plants during the summer. One thing to avoid is feeding your chickens raw meat, as it can trigger cannibalistic behavior in the flock. Greens One of the best-kept secrets to great-tasting eggs is greens—lettuce, kale, beet greens, carrot tops, whatever leafy scraps come out of your kitchen. Grocery stores and farmers’ markets often toss produce that’s wilted but still fine for chickens. Ask around. We have arrangements with some of the restaurants close to us to save their vegetable scraps for our girls. Neighbors with gardens are another good source. The more greens your flock eats, the richer and more nutritious the eggs. Grass and hay We keep one of our compost piles inside the chicken run. Our birds do half our work by turning it while eating bugs and plant matter from the pile. Standard composting takes close to a year. Chickens cut that to 4 to 6 months, and they mix their own fertilizer in as they go. It’s free labor and good nutrition at once. Dried Corn and grains Use these as a supplement, not a main course. A little whole corn adds richness to the yolk. Scatter a handful in the yard and let the birds scratch for it. It doubles as a treat and a way to keep them active. We feed our chickens a small handful of corn or grains every other day, keeping it less than 10% of their diet. Since corn and grains are high in energy but low in protein, overfeeding may cause reduced egg production and obesity in your birds. Calcium Laying hens burn through calcium fast. If a hen doesn’t get enough, she will produce thin, brittle shells, and her health will suffer over time. Oyster shells from a feed store work, but eggshells are a free and natural alternative. More on that below. Water Matters More Than Feed This is the feeding topic most articles skip. A chicken that doesn’t have clean water won’t eat. A chicken that doesn’t eat stops laying. And since about half of an egg is water, egg production drops or completely stops. Eggs become smaller with weak or soft shells, and prolonged dehydration can cause permanent damage to a hen’s laying cycle. Chickens need a lot of fresh water, so keep it available all day, every day. In winter, move the waterer inside the coop to prevent freezing. I keep a waterer inside the coop and one outside year-round. In summer, check it twice a day. Birds dehydrate fast in heat. During the summer, we buy our girls watermelon. They love melon, and it helps ensure they stay hydrated. How to Feed Eggshells to Your Hens Feeding eggshells back to your flock is a practice that goes back centuries. If your hens eat mostly table scraps and foraged food rather than calcium-fortified commercial feed, they need extra calcium. We have a large flock, so we freeze-dry any eggs we don’t sell or give away. You can find out more about my home freeze dryer on The Prepper’s Basement. Will it turn them into egg eaters? Probably not. In the 20-plus years of raising chickens and feeding eggshells, I’ve had only two hens that ate their own eggs. If eggshells caused that habit, every hen in the flock would be doing it. The more common reason hens eat eggs is that they’re not getting enough calcium in the first place. There is a process for prepping egg shells for your hens. Collect and store As you use eggs, crush the shells roughly and toss them into a bucket. I keep mine in the pantry. Bake When the bucket is about half full, spread the shells on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. The heat kills bacteria and dries out the inner membrane, which makes the shells easier to crush. Crush Break the toasted shells into small pieces, roughly the size of glitter. Small enough that they don’t look like eggs. You don’t want a powder. You want tiny chips that a hen can pick up and eat. Serve separately Put the crushed shells in their own dish rather than mixing them into the