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’.