It’s been a while since I’ve done an update on our chickens, but we now have reason to celebrate: Last week we saw our first egg, and now we’re up to … I think 8, total. We ate some, lol. Nuggets was the first and most consistent layer: Go, Nuggets!
The ROI here will be measured in years, if ever. But the eggs. are. awesome! We did a blind taste test, scrambling up a couple eggs from our girls and a couple of regular store-bought eggs. Everyone in the family could tell the difference — and preferred the fresh.
I guess these are classified as cage free, but not technically organic eggs, because the chickens aren’t fed organic feed. Here they are eating some conventional vegetable scraps, too — but they’ve been great helps in not wasting produce that starts to go bad and things like celery leaves, the kernels left over after the kids eat corn on the cob, carrot peelings, and more. (OK, like the fresh cranberries I bought and forgot to ever make…!)
Our chickens aren’t pets, but they’re friendly and don’t mind being held — Fingers here actually loves it, and will go running up to MashupDad for some attention.
MashupDad built a nice gate onto the run so that we can give them scraps easily and otherwise interact with our fine feathered friends when they’re out enjoying the sunshine. So far, so good! We’ve had a hawk hanging around in the tree eying them and a coyote has passed through a time or too, but nothing’s yet gotten into the run other than one very panicked squirrel that then couldn’t find his way back out.
jane
Friday 5th of December 2014
This is so exciting! What fun for you and your family. :) We used to get farm fresh eggs from the "egg lady" who would drive down our street...so good.
Marion
Thursday 4th of December 2014
Adorable!
letsshop
Thursday 4th of December 2014
Rachel my friend has 7 chickens and I get eggs once in a while ,the coupe was a old Fiberglas greenhouse !and they really don't need heat because of their feathers ,so cute when we visit with scraps from produce they come running like little kids all excited to see what we have ,he has only a water warmer so they can drink when they are thirsty and water won't freeze .Have to watch coyotes and racoons bad news ! Your kids are getting a wonderful experience that they will never forget.He locks them up every night (:
patti
Thursday 4th of December 2014
I think that is great! I go to great lengths to buy eggs every week from a nearby farmer......We started at the local farmers market in the summer and now we cannot go back to store bought! They're so worth it - enjoy :)
sophie
Thursday 4th of December 2014
That is soooo awesome. That's a cute story about fingers. My dad used to buy a dozen of fresh eggs from a lady near us. I wish I had bought some when he did. Good luck with your trio!!