White Crow Ranch SLV Southern Colorado

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. :}

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’.