Rebels for food freedom.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” ― Hippocrates :
Eggs,Hens clucking oh my.
Hola, Me llamo Silkie.
Meet the Silkie, sweet egg laying little hen that loves to be cuddled by people.
(My sister’s South Western flare on a Japanese Chicken.)
I’m getting my very first clutch of eggs today. And I’ve been doing a lot of prep work before I bring these egg-lets to their new roost.
I’ve raised parrots, Budgies, ducks and pigeons so I figured I’d give chickens a crack. What have I learned in my preparation? Like a garden you need to do your planning before you plant.
Step one: Read, read and read some more on chickens. My site of choice has been BACKYARD CHICKENS.
Step two: Start gathering your supplies.
- 1 styrofoam cooler (You can use a plastic one if you are willing to cut holes in it.
- 1 typical wall picture frame with glass or plastic
- 1 25 watt lightbulb
- 1 lamp or light that the bulb fits into
- roll of duct tape
- a digital thermometer and humidity reader. Can be bought at walmart for 8 dollars
- a small bowl and sponge for water
- Some chicken or fence wire. The type with 1/4 inch squares is perfect (optional)
Step three: Locate a good source of fertile local eggs.
Step four : Get your eggs home and safe in their new nest. Now you will be turning these little lovelies three times a day for 18 days. :}
| Age of Poultry (feathered) Chick | Degrees in Fahrenheit |
|---|---|
| 1st Week | 90 – 95*1 |
| 2nd Week | 85 – 90 |
| 3rd Week | 80 – 85 |
| 4th Week | 75 – 80 |
| 5th Week | 70 – 75 |
| 6th Week + | 70*2 |
Here is a basic temp chart to help you out.
As I go along I’ll post and update pictures of the incubator, brooder and their coop with scratching ‘patio’.
