Treats for Chickens

Favorite Holiday Sweets - not for the Tweets

2011-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Lemon Creme

Litter, Bedding and Mulch

2011-11-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

Litter, Bedding, Mulch

An impromptu poem:

My bedding is new,

My bedding is neat.

It gives me play,

And generates heat.

However un-clever, (I hereby promise it shall be the last of poetry) it actually touches base on true facts. Bedding is partially used for play and heat and it should be changed anew regularly. Let’s use the 5 (plus one) W’s to easily understand the basics of litter, bedding, and mulch.

What: Bedding can be a variety of material; wheat, shavings, grass clippings, oak tree leaves, saw dust, oat or barley straw – the list goes on and on. Primarily what we’re looking for, or rather what you’re chickens are looking for, is a material to lay (eggs) and play in. Because chickens are flexible, I suggest using what you have readily available be it close location and/or affordability, and what works best in your set up (so don’t make it harder then you have to, for instance a bale of hay in a tiny). In the fall, take advantage of the seasonal leaves on the ground. Rake them up and add them to the run and nesting boxes. Chickens absolutely love to scratch and pester their way under layers-upon-layers, so stack it up. In the heat of the summer, try pine shavings or grass clippings from your lawn. Do you have a paper shredder on hand in the house or office? Instead of sending your confidential shredded material on to the landfill, let your girls do-the-doo and then compost the paper and poop. Be cautious of colored paper and photographs because the ink can stain eggs and nesting boxes – best to just avoid. Overall, do what works best for you and take note to what your chickens come to prefer.

What Not: Simply put, anything harmful to chickens are a no-no. This includes material such as cedar shavings (due to its toxicity), insulation, or the neighbor’s grass clippings dripping in pesticides. Just to name a few.

Why: Like mentioned, bedding generates heat which makes it a great additive to coops come cold autumn nights and throughout winter. Also mentioned, it’s a way of enrichment and play for the birds. Call me boring, but I could watch chickens dust, dig, and explore a new pile of leaves or straw any time of the day (and believe me, I do). Apart from these reasons, bedding is also used for comfort, health, sanitation, and composting motives. Hens are most comfortable laying eggs in a box filled of dense material to literally make a nest out of; chickens bathe themselves, play within, and eat throughout fresh bedding providing good health inside and out; manure, spilt water and food, and food scraps are easiest collected in combined bedding; and lastly, the mixture of the nutrient-rich manure and biodegradable bedding is essential for effective composting and is here mixed without your additional effort. Old coop bedding is also a great yard cover, or mulch, in barren areas where chickens have scratched the land clear.

Where: Nesting boxes should always have material to nest in. Coops and runs are more flexible, but because of its advantages, I like to offer at least partial coverage of both these areas year round, particularly when it’s cold.

Who: Hens, roosters, pullets, chicks; the whole flock!

When: Regardless of what type of litter, bedding, or mulch you use in the nesting boxes, on the coop floor, and in the run, make sure you maintain a sanitary environment. This means don’t let the poop pile up till it is two feet high under the roosts. Bedding in nesting boxes needs to be cleaned out entirely and frequently, adding new material and possibly additive advantages like Diatomaceous Earth or our favorite, Nesting Box Blends, which cut down on mite and lice occurrences. While several layers of mulch are beneficial in the run, you don’t want the unnecessary buildup of mold underneath from moisture or decaying kitchen or garden scraps. Keep it clean, folks!

Well, there you have it ~ tips for litter, bedding and mulch.

Black Friday Deals?

2011-11-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

As I was puttering around this morning getting ready to get ready I was thinking about Black Friday. I could hear the roosters crowing in the background and the t.v. was blaring equally as loud in the living room. There was some nonsense about a hideous woman pepper spraying the crowd at Walmart - all in the name of hoping to get that special one of a kind item...the term Bird Brain came to mind and I moved on.

Okay, so here's my real quandary. Did any of you have to scratch up a 'deal' before you even left the property to embrace Black Friday and all it's marvelous cheep offerings? Deal? Yes, deal!

You presumably left at the crack of Dawn and likely much earlier, right? So, who fed and watered back at Home Tweet Home in your absence? Or did you make it back just in the nick of time? Did you agree to breakfast in bed? How about carrying in the groceries yourself this week? Carrying in firewood? You must have swapped for some less than pleasant chore on the board ~ do share, I'm curious!

Black Friday Savings in one Fowl Swoop

2011-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

25% OFF your purchase and/or Purchase a gift certificate for $45 or more and receive $10 gift coupon for FREE!

Click here for the scoop on the savings .

Thanks for being a loyal chicken lover and fan. We hope you enjoy this discount on our signature treats, supplements and non-toxic pest control. Enter Coupon Code: BFriday25

Savings end Saturday, November 26th at Midnight.

Predators

2011-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

It always seems like predators are in fuller force as the holidays approach. It's cold and they're getting hungry. Keep these few things in mind and you'll keep your flock out of predatory harm and danger.

In the Sky: When your chickens are younger and reaching pullet age it is wise to keep an eye on them as you can be assured there are Chicken Hawks, Blue Jays, Black Crows and the like patrolling your landscape. Older hens aren't fair game for overhead predators. The big and robust ladies are usually too big. However, the banties and miniatures look like brownies fresh from the oven to a chicken hawk.

Imagine or remember that feeling of losing your balloon to the sky? The string just slips out of your hand and before you know it you can’t even see your colorful balloon anymore. Bye, bye.

Well, in the case, it could be your chicken - your pet chicken. Unfortunately, it is far more dramatic than a child losing a balloon. In fact, it is downright awful and there is not much you can do about it.

Overhead protection is a good idea:

from trees
a coop to hide under
a porch to run for cover or
your skillfully crafted run that is fully enclosed.

On the Ground: Depending on your geographic location you can be assured you have

skunks
opossums
weasels
raccoons
rats
foxes
mountain lions
coyotes, etc

Let’s face it - these predatory animals are hungry and you have set up base camp and dinner in your yard. This doesn’t necessarily mean that now you are going to have your backyard barraged with wild animals after your flock... but it does mean you need to be prepared and educated.

If you know you have pesky raccoons knocking over your trash cans nightly - they are going to try in their sneekish little way to get inside your coop. Protect your flock by

If you can avoid it, don't leave food out overnight as that really draws the predators in.
Ensure that coop doors and nesting box latches are securely fastened in the evening.
A regular check (and swift repair) of all wire and fencing is a proactive way to stay ahead of predatory game.
Go ahead and install a motion detecting light if you feel it’s necessary. It is better to anticipate the worst than to think in hindsight that you could have prevented an attack.

2011-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Time off and vacations

Wahoo! Got some holiday va-ca and turkey stuffing simmering in your mind? Nothing like some hard earned time off. However, unless you’ve sewn little hen winter parkas and knitted woolen shank warmers, chances are you’re flock will stay behind holding down the home front.

If you are going to be away, you’ll need the assistance of a chicken sitter.

I suggest you have someone nearby fill in for your regular chicken chores. Luckily, you’ll find that just about everyone has a particular interest, or at least curiosity, and will enjoy filling in during your absence.

The schedule that you outline for your chicken sitter is dependent upon the season and age of your flock. The older girls will need clean water, a quick scratch in the yard for an hour or so, and perhaps some treats along with making certain feeders are full. Collecting eggs and ensuring the flock is tucked in nicely at nightfall is an absolute must.

Like children, the younger the chicken, the more attention needed. Younger flocks are much messier (reminding me of art time in pre-school). For instance, chicks are more prone to thrashing pine shavings into their water throughout the day. Since clean water – free of bedding and manure – is essential, so is an attentive chicken sitter.

Whether your holiday is in the dead of winter or the middle of record-breaking heat, makes a difference in chicken care and needs to be discussed with the sitter.

Suggestions before your trip:

Think about your daily routine and create a detailed chore list.
Make at least three copies of the list in case one gets lost, wet, or misplaced.
Have your sitter come over and go through the routine on the list so everyone is confident about what is expected.
Stock up the food and necessities you use with your flock, before you head out of town.

All Treats No Tricks

2011-10-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Monday FunDay just happens to fall on this day full of fun tricks and TREATS. Enter coupon code 25Treats and receive 25% off your order of Worms and Flakes (any size) and Pumpkin Seed Snacks (any size).

Treats for Ta-Ta's, Boobies and Breasts

2011-10-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

You save 10% and we donate 10%!
Enter coupon code "B-Aware" for a savings of 10% off your purchases. We will match your savings and your name will be noted as a donor.

Beginning today - like RIGHT NOW -
and running until Friday, October 28th! Fly on in for a good cause as we donate to breast cancer research.

A great big thumbs up to Marvelous, marvelous breasts - Ladies have 'em, our hens have 'em too.
Health and Happiness for Today's Modern Boobies and Breasts!

And, Hey!
Girls: Don't forget to get your Mammograms!!

Click here for Think Pink Awareness = 5 things to tell your friends about breast Cancer.

Fall Tips for Coops

2011-10-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Temperatures are quickly dropping and instead of feeding and closing up the flock around 8pm they are roosting by 6pm. And, I'm getting the same feeling myself. It's getting time to head to the pumpkin patches, to dig out winter clothes from storage and to simmer some soup on the stove.

You did your spring coop cleaning so here's a quick list of some Fall preparedness that we here at Treats for Chickens recommend:

Poultry Protector. When using Poultry Protector give each chicken ample time to thoroughly dry out and re-warm herself before putting her back outside.
Diatomaceous Earth. Use it. Mites and lice are on the rampage during these colder months.
Fresh straw in nesting boxes and inside the coop keeps the warmth in and can prevent drafty cool air from the floor boards.
Add pine shavings to any areas with standing water. Although chickens enjoy eating bugs, slugs, worms, etc - standing water areas that get mucky and gross are laden in bacteria that you want to avoid.
Toss out a handful or two of treats in the morning and at nightfall to increase body temperature and get their inner workings working.
Chickens love fall. Leave the leaves on the ground so they can scratch through them with delight.

Laying Hens That Crow

2011-10-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Not even kidding. We have a two year old office chicken that has been crowing each and every morning. While this oddity is actually common I just couldn't imagine it happening to a sweeter little gal. Typically, in each and every flock there is a dominant hen regardless of a rooster being present or not. That hen may not crow or even act aggressive but she'll be the one in charge. In our case, Jessie was the underling and at the bottom of her chicken pals totem pole. So, upon reflection I can't say I'm too surprised that she has taken matters into her own hands.

Her distinct crow began about two weeks ago. At first I thought the cats were fighting - as it sounded that terrible. As the days have melted into one another I've come to look forward to her morning holler.

Much to my surprise I found a tiny little egg in her 'dorm' last night. Since she is crowing like a rooster and laying eggs like a hen I have concluded she needs some therapy. How absolutely confusing must it be in her tiny little brain.

Starting this morning Jessie will spend more time outside to re-acclimate herself to hen hood.

Should you find yourself in a similar situation don't fret. Time will heal wounds and your hen will stop crowing. The good news: roosters permanently crow all day long - crowing hens are temporarily. Promise.

Fresh Eggs and Facials

2011-10-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful discovery. Got blemishes or dry skin? Has Fall got your face feeling a little down?

For the folks in the blemish department: whip up egg whites and spread liberally. Allow potion to dry and then rinse with tepid water. Ah, it feels good - doesn't it?

And, for all the rest in the dry and parched department: beat those egg yokes wildly, golden and marvelous. Follow directions above. You are looking good now!

Care to add extra pantry ingredients: try mixing an avocado and honey to your remedy. Slice a cucumber into rounds, place over closed eyes and sit back and dream about the coop addition you've been planning!

Ah, the wonders of backyard chickens.

Falling Leaves

2011-10-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Leaves are falling all around, It's time I was on my way. Thanks to you, I'm much obliged. For such a pleasant stay....

Don't be so hasty to rake up those fallen leaves. Let them sit. Enjoy the color of the season and allow the many bugs, worms and insects to explore about.

After several days of allowing the leaves to marinate in place - rake them up while your flock is standing by. Ah, yes! Quite a feast to behold.

Rake leaves into a nice pyramid shaped pile and kick back to watch your feathered friends have a gay old time kicking the leaves here and there and everywhere.

It is often the simplest of things that bring us the most enjoyment and pleasure.

Pickeled Eggs

2011-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Gather you gals eggs and set aside.

To create pickling brine:

Strain juice from one (1) can of beets.

1 1/2 cups vinegar

tablespoon celery seeds

tablespoon black pepper

Bring all ingredients to a boil and then remove from heat.

Put into a large glass jar.

In a separate pan boil one (1) dozen delicious backyard chicken eggs, cook to hard boiled.

Let eggs cool and peel off shells. Then place the eggs into jar with pickling brine.

Seal and place into refrigerator, let sit over night or longer.

For marvelous colored eggs add beet juice!

Enjoy.

Predator Dangers with Backyard Poultry

2011-09-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sturdy housing, fencing without loose staples or nails and ensuring your flock is tucked in safely at nightfall is essential.
Even a poultry lunatic such as myself has a run in or two with predators.

So, needless to say we've had another series or run-in's with predators. Coyotes' this time. It's an awful shame to loose an animal you care for. I get that there's a circle of life but I'm going to complete our situation here (and its circle of life) by getting a Livestock Guardian Dog to protect what is in our backyard, on our property and on my front lawn. We've got dogs but these dogs are scare-de-cats when it comes to howling coyotes. And, I can't quite say I blame them.

The good news is that our heritage Royal Palm and Bourbon Reds are growing like little weeds. Shown here peeking in the break room window. Do they really want to come inside? A few have made their way into the house by way of following a nosy Buckeye hen. A nosy hen who insists on laying her eggs under the packing table.

We have an open door policy so it's difficult to keep the hens out, dogs in (or dogs out), cats out (or cats in), so at times there's a few chickens and maybe a juvenile tom turkey on the tile floor looking for some grub.

Cockerel or Pullet?

2011-08-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

To be or not to be?
To be an egg producing little sweetheart or noisy little man that the neighbors complain about. How to tell the difference?

We hear this quite a bit and hopefully a few of the attached photos can help to determine the 'sex' of your feathered fowl before the noise level gets you in trouble.

Rooster on the Left, Hen on the Right

Rooster on the Left, Hen on the Right

Hen. Notice, she does not have wispy saddle feathers at the base of her back.

Rooster. Note, wispy and downward pointy saddle feathers.

Rooster.
Note those downward pointy saddle feathers.

2011-02-14T09:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day from our flock. It's a good day to stay inside! Chickens don't mind the snow so we shared the Valentines Love.... they all got warm bowls of pumpkin seed snacks to start their morning off right!

February's First Eggs

2011-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Our brood that hatched in August is now laying marvelous eggs! What's even more impressive is that they are doing so in-spite of the fact it's 18 degrees outside and their nesting boxes aren't too much warmer. For 'starter' eggs they look more like bantams. Regardless of size I have to admit they are darn delicious. Spring and the bounty of eggs is just around the corner!

Helpful Little Reminders.

2010-12-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

During the winter months your flock needs added vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients to keep warm through the night and during cold spells. Clean, ice free water is important too. Extra straw in the coop and a heat lamp are comfy and welcome external additions. If using a heat lamp please check the bulb often (at least twice daily) and ensure fire danger is not a possibility. Standing water can be prevented or eliminated using pine shavings to absorb excess moisture. Christmas lights on the coop are magical and remember to turn them off daily as you are with your holiday tree to prevent over heating of the bulbs and potential fire danger. Tempted to leave the lights on the coop year around? Let's not. You may inadvertently extend the laying cycle of your hens and chances are your curious brood with get to pecking at the bulbs or pulling on the wire.

From all of us to each of you. Stay warm and dry with plenty of treats on hand.

Predator Dangers with Backyard Poultry - Part 2

2010-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Alektrophobia – The fear of chickens.
Mephitiphobia - The fear of skunks.

To be afraid of chickens would be ...well, just a drag. But, I suppose it happens. Of course, if you are reading this blog post you are more addicted than fearful of the average fluffy bottomed, two legged, egg layer. Congratulations.

Then there's a skunk or any skunk for that matter. Personally, I'm not too fearful in the sense of 'eek, a skunk' - it's more like.....oh, shit- I got sprayed by the beady eyed, seemingly snuggable critter that ate (the head off of) yet one more of my pullets. So when it comes to Mephitiphobia I can't say I relate but I know my chickens do. They are scared shit-less when a skunk skurries its way into the run or coop through a tiny little crack, crevasse, a hole or whatever.

When we have skunks around there's a sharp decline in egg laying, overall happiness dissipates and chickens turn up headless or missing all-together. As a result, I took matters into my own hands. At 7am it was a snappy 20 degrees and it went like this:

Dog tries to dig under the coop to help me gain access to the skunk. Good Boy!
Shove a stick under the access hole created by the dog in an effort to get it to come out and live elsewhere. Put dog inside the house. He's too excited.
Get sprayed in chest by abundance of skunk smegma. Lovely way to begin a day.
Light pack of firecrackers under coop on the left side to get that bastard out. Celebrate good times!
Light another pack of firecrackers under coop on the right side. Visualize Fourth of July.
Let's try one more pack under the coop, in the middle. Is it dead yet? 'Cuz, I'm pretty smoked out myself.
Shove pvc pipe under coop. Wiggle it around, drag it side to side and get sprayed again. I hope there's tomato juice, tomato sauce, bloody mary mix, tomato paste. Tomato anything in the house because I am on FIRE! and stink.
Dig a better hole and peek in with flashlight. Oops, there it is. I see it. For a moment I feel sentimental then I get a glimpse of the chicken graveyard all around it: feathers, combs, claws, feet, bones, wings -
Victory! Right between the eyes. No more Mephitiphobia - The fear of skunks for my chickens.

Skunks stink.

Baby Chicks Hatch & Spring Hens

2010-08-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

The chicks hatched on August 23rd! I could kick myself for not getting pictures of them taking their first beak full of water, food and stretching out those legs. But here they are on August 25th just two days old scurrying about their brooder in complete happiness.

All that's needed to start your own backyard flock is a heat bulb, water fountain, some chick starter and a safe, draft free location - preferably inside your house, garage, barn, storage room or basement. And, of course some baby chicks. Want to know how to raise chickens? The chicken care and behavior book is what you need. Available November 26th. That will make these little chicks just over three months old when the book is published. Fun, fun.

Pest Pistol and Diatomaceous Earth

2010-07-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that I've walked this earth and not known about the Pest Pistol? I can barely believe it myself.

Talk about simplifying matters.

Scoop diatomaceous earth from your bag and drop it on into the Pest Pistol. Screw the red cap on, flip her over and gently ska-wheeez. Aim where you want your non-toxic, humane and eco-friendly DE to go and Poof! DE right where you wanted it. No more tossing diatomaceous earth here and there. No more clumps!

Use in and around the coop, directly into nesting boxes, in cracks where roosts meet - get into all those little hiding places. On chickens give it a go under each wing, a good shot to the toosh and another little squeeze at the base of the neck in and around the breast region if you will. Use it in the garden too. I went a little bizerk with the aphids on the lemon cucumbers and delicata.

I love this little apparatus thing.

Order a Pest Pistol and DE today and save $3.76 on your order. Enter Bye Bye Bugs in the Coupon Section of your Order Form. Handy usage instructions comes with purchase.

Combining Eggs and Herbs

2010-06-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

You've got chickens and likely have a few more eggs than you know what to do with. Maybe? Maybe not? Sharing with friends, family, co-workers, strangers on the street, cooking and feeding them back to the flock?

Grow an herb garden or the next time you are at the Farmer's Market select a few herbs and toss with eggs. Here's seven delicious recipes that aren't too complicated. Just about anything goes with eggs, right?

Enriched Colony Cage Housing for Hens

2010-06-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

American Humane Certified, the American Humane Assn. animal welfare certification program, announced recently today that it now accepts enriched colony cages as humane systems for housing laying hens.

Enriched colony cages are a step in the right direction and have received approval by Temple Grandin, the internationally recognized animal welfare authority - we just adore her. We still regret that a 'cage' is a cage and prefer to collect our eggs from a nest of straw.

A New Coop to Call Home

2010-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

This Spring, Treats for Chickens and all flock members and family will roost in higher elevations. Not exactly Canada or Alaska but we are movin' all things feathered, furred or otherwise to the High Mountain Desert at the base of Mt. Shasta, CA. It's a lovely location - and that's an understatement.

A Lesson in Egg Anatomy

2010-05-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Break a fresh egg onto a clean plate. Identify the following "Egg Parts":

Chalaza - two white cords attached to each side of the yolk that hold the yolk in the center of the egg.
Yolk - the yellow part that contains large amounts of protein, vitamins, fat and essential minerals.
Albumen - the white of the egg that contains primarily water and protein.
Germ Spot - white spot on the surface of the yolk that contains the hens DNA. If you 'spot' one, you've got a fertilized egg. No rooster in your flock...no spots for you.

Now that your investigation is complete scramble yourself up a quick meal.

Uses for Anti Icky Poo

2010-04-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Since we asked your for your thoughts we thought we would share out thoughts on the wildly popular Anti Icky Poo. It isn't just for cleaning up poop, brooders, water fountains, feeders and nesting boxes. AIP's special enzymes and friendly bacteria also clean up any and every organic mess. As the label says, it "will digest any malodorous decay." (Your brother-in-law doesn't count.)

Depending on your regional location it's either time for Spring Cleaning or your are anxiously awaiting Mother Nature to adorn you with the freshness of Springs arrival. Treats for Chickens and Anti Icky Poo are here to catapult your Spring zing!

Here are some unique and different tips from Treats for Chickens on how to use Anti Icky Poo products - you may be surprised! (Remember, test fine fabrics for colorfastness or know that they are water safe before using Anti Icky Poo.)

If you dare... take a close look at your hand crank can opener. There may be that persistent build up of crud on the blades and gears that seems to resist repeated trips through the dishwasher. Anti Icky Poo (AIP) to the rescue! Give it a heavy spraying of AIP and let it sit over night while the enzymes do their thing. Now the crud should be much easier to wash off. If some still resists, try another application and use a toothpick or brush to loosen the persistent icky bits.

Recently we discovered how some yucky sticky stuff had accumulated on the rubber seal on our front loading washing machine. And how much sticky lint like stuff had migrated underneath the seal. Totally nasty.

Here's what we did and you can too. Use a flash light so you can really see where the crud is. Spray AIP under the fold of the seal and on the part of the rubber seal that's exposed. Give it a little elbow grease, then apply more Anti Icky Poo and let it stay wet. Keep the door open so air circulates. Repeat the spraying two or three more times during the course of half a day. Do one final spraying and use a rag to remove any crud that AIP did not eat, then wipe dry. Leave the door open for a while to air out. Drats, now it's time for laundry.

Got Cats? Give cat boxes a nice soak to remove odors from the box itself. Dump the old litter. Wash the litter box with hot water and dish soap, and then pat dry. Add one quarter to one half cup of AIP and about three inches of warm water. Let soak for 30 minutes. Rinse, dry, and add fresh litter. Your cat is thanking you already.

Smokers can use Anti Icky Poo on their clothes to get rid of that persistent smoke smell - works so well it will fool people into thinking the smoker quit a long time ago.

How many times did you pass on a garage sale treasure because it was covered in yellow/brown tar & nicotine from cigarettes? No need to pass up that fabulous find when you've got Anti Icky Poo at home to melt years of ick away.

Refrigerator drawers or shelves can be really hard to clean if you've accidentally created a "science project." You may be afraid to tackle it but the enzymes in Anti Icky Poo are happy to. Put the science project in the compost. Take the drawer or shelf out, do an AIP spray, let it sit for a while, then clean and put back in the fridge. No need to cry over spilled milk.

One quarter to one half cup of Anti Icky Poo down your drains every week will keep the flow flowing. The enzymes love to eat up soap scum and grease. They can't eat hair but if you keep drains free of the sticky stuff that bonds the hair into a mess, then everything flows a bit easier on down the drain.

And, how about those puppies? We've got a cutie right now...six months old and he gets so darn excited at times that he forgets to make his way outside before he pees himself. AIP to the rescue. We use AIP on our carpets, linoleum, and hardwood floors. Abra cadabra!

If you have a cloth covered recliner like we do, you know that hair oils and hairspray, gel, etc., can build up on the headrest. Over time, that can get kind of "odiferous" (smelly). And if you can't remove the headrest for a wash, how do you clean it? We used Anti Icky Poo and it worked! Two cycles of spray applications and the odor disappeared.

Tip for standing water in and around your coop

2010-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Rain, sun, rain, sunny day, cloudy and cold, and then more rain.

So, we really want to minimize the amount of standing water in our coops or the area where your flock frequents. Standing water equals muck and muck equals germs and bacteria. Not that this mucky nastiness happens overnight - but it can happen.

A quick fix is to use pine shavings (do not use cedar) to absorb water super fast allowing you to either rake up the shavings and their collected moisture or shovel it on up. Problem solved.

What you will also realize is that your chicken truly enjoy doing burn-outs, tossing and throwing the shavings about. They will fling this stuff all over the place. If you want a good laugh bring your camera out with you when you undertake this chore. Snap a few comical shots and make postcards or greeting cards. Share the laughter.

2010-01-25T12:17:00.001-08:00

It's cold. It's windy. It's wet.
Do give your flock the opportunity to get out and enjoy the muddy earth between their toes. There's ample bugs and worms for them to grab a beak full of and they'll enjoy it.

Here's some hens hiding out underneath the barn.

If it's possible be certain to have dry bedding for them in their coop. The bedding acts as a great insulator for these damp and wet evenings.

Dry food is a MUST. If their pellets, crumble (or whatever concoction you are feeding to your flock) gets wet - discard it. Don't let it mold. Toss it in the trash. Don't try to compost it.

And, clean water. Oh, dear. Chickens must have clean water available to them. The cooler the better which just so happens to be what we are featuring around here with this weather and all.

Anyone else have any suggestions? We are all ears.

Yummy Fresh Eggs? Maybe Not.

2010-01-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

According to Consumer Reports (Sample Issue, 2010), for most food, the expiration date indicates the last day the food should be consumed. Why is there an exception for eggs?

Hmmm? It seems (not our opinion) that Federally graded eggs in their shells are safe for three to five weeks after the expiration date on the carton, as long as you keep them refrigerated.

Allow us to give you a little information on the benefits of the magical protective layer that a fresh chicken eggs comes equipped with? There's no need for washing or refrigerating. It's the oh-natural way.

Winter Weather Warnings Afowl

2009-12-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

* Toss out a handful of Treats in the early morning as well as before roosting to help with some heat generation in those feathered bodies.

* Whether it's straw, pine shavings or rice hulls be sure to use plenty in the coop and in nesting boxes. These items hold in heat as well.

* Adding Healthy Basics like Healthy Hen Wellness Tonic and/or Colloidal Silver regularly to water fountains (Colloidal Silver can be used directly) boosts the immune system of your flock and keeps the blood flowing freely which in turn keeps 'em warm - ahhh toasty!

* If you have chickens there's a possibility you started with chicks. Pull out the dusty heat lamp and bulb - hang in the coop for added warmth and a bit of holiday ambiance. Be certain to unplug daily.

* If all else fails: bring them inside and drive your family wild. The house chicken is a concept we continue to scratch around and dabble in.

Holiday Decorations and Chickens

2009-12-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

The holiday Christmas tree with its applied fire retardant is toxic to chickens - heck, it's toxic to humans too. When the holiday cheer comes to an end, find the Christmas tree 'recycling' center near you quickly. Henny Penny and Nugget don't need to be nibbling on toxic tree remains left behind.

Poinsettias, tinsel, ribbon and shiny decorative tree ornaments are to be considered fowl play for our feathered friends. Chickens are naturally attracted to red, naturally attracted to shiny items and we humans are naturally prone to decorate for the holidays. Keep the Yuletide Cheer flowing into the new year by keeping all outdoor ornaments, decorations, electrical cords and Christmas lights out of reach

Chicks for Christmas Delivery

2009-12-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Several (actually, way too many) inquiries have been made into the availability of day-old baby chicks for 'Christmas delivery' -
Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho! Followed by no, no, no, no, no.
And, here is the story and the Bah-Hum-Bug of it all.

Baby chicks are a seasonal arrival, no doubt. But not a winter seasonal arrival. If chicks hatch during the later months of the year (October, November, December, etc.) they need to be indoors for a minimum of eight weeks before we tempt them with all the wonders of outdoor living in a coop; full-time. This time schedule puts them outside somewhere in December, January & February. And the last time we checked the weather Doppler - these months are WINTER. Did we mention 'wet' and 'cold'? We aren't exactly skipping around in our shorts early in the mornings and late in the evenings.

- unless of course you've wandered off to a tropical island to live the remainder of your days swinging from a hammock all the while your feathered fowl scratch in the sand for a flea or two.

Back on track, back at the desk, back to ......
So, fellow urban backyard chicken lovers please do what you can to hold out just a little bit longer for the Sprunging of Spring. Your chicks health will benefit from it immensely. Mother Earth intended it this way. Promise.

But, if you find yourself unable to resist the fluffy little balls of innocence we recommend our Just For Chicks package to your Holiday Shopping List along with several Healthy Basics to keep them in optimum health: Colloidal Silver, Vitamins and Electrolytes and/or Healthy Hen Wellness Tonic to their daily rations.

Magical House Pets

2009-11-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

There are house pets, office pets and exotic pets - are you surprised to read that Treats for Chickens has an office chicken pet?

Kind of an interesting situation, right? Well, it is an interesting situation. One we could not overlook. Believe it or not, we have been keeping score on a few regulated items. The first being how often our indoor friend is pooping. The second is how concerned she is with grooming and the third and final item of note is her table manners.

For starters, (and please enjoy the specifics of our research) her contributions to fertilizer have been duly noted:
Monday = 12 chicken poops
Tuesday = 16 chicken poops
Wednesday = 13 chicken poops
Today = 9 chicken poops, thus far.

Our second item of interest was to document how much time she spent grooming and preening.
The simplest answer to our inquiry: she is a high-maintenance momma. Grooming, preening, grooming, preening. She's a hot looking little lady who loves to lay in the sun and straighten out her feathers.

And, finally moving on to her table manners of which she has NONE. We began by using the handy Dustbuster to eliminate the food she began scattering about and resolved to using the industrial shop vac this morning.

All in all this has been a great experience for us. Entertaining at best, a great lesson in housekeeping and where to eat your lunch so Margaret doesn't steal it from you.

Urban Chickens in Janesville, WI

2009-11-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

The Wisconsin State Fair was held in Janesville (WI, no doubt) in 1851.
Eighteen-Fifty-One! Ah, hail the beautiful Ancona breeds arrival to the UK in 1851.

So, here it is 2009 and city folk in Janesville are scrambling to get their fair share of chicken know-how. And, with neighboring folks in Madison and Green Bay already headed out to the backyard coop to collect this mornings breakfast, Janesville is bound to be a part of the backyard chicken movement in no time.

Hang in their Janesville, WI! We are cluckin' for ya!!

2009-11-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

The New York Times reports on Backyard Chickens!

Pardon the dust and dander of this belated topic!

While visiting the lovely San Francisco Library, Civic Center Branch we literally scratched up several editorials regarding Backyard Chickens. From Fort Collins, Colorado to El Cerrito, California and up to Salem, Oregon... and all the way back into New York City folks are living with urban backyard chickens for eggs, for companionship, for fertilizer and fun!

No matter what your passion adding a few feathered ladies to your backyard is a sure winner!

Wet Chickens? Is the Sky Really Falling?

2009-11-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, the sky is really falling.

Will my chickens be okay out in the rain? The immediate answer to wet chickens playing in the rain is: Yes, they are okay. Chickens look a bit perturbed when feathers are soggy so snap a quick photo if you can. It's a great shot to post on the refridge or office wall. Share with friends for a good chuckle.

You might even find that your flock closely resembles kids in rain puddles splashing about here and there. But with chickens they will be scratching instead of splashing. No doubt delicious treats for chickens (worms, bugs and creepy crawlies) are being forced from their hiding spots. Ah, good times to be a chicken in fowl weather.

Be certain the coop, nesting boxes and roosts remain dry and free of drafts! When your ladies (and gents) do return to shelter they no doubt will be grateful for a pleasant place to dry out.

2009-11-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving just around the bend we've listed links to businesses who have an interest in the food they/we eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Whew, heavy - huh?

Mary's Free Range Heritage Turkeys

Slow Food USA (check for a Turkey project in your area)

Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Remember to kiss the cook!

Chicken Poop Photos

2009-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

It would be selfish to discuss chicken poop and not to share photos, right?

Chicken Poop Fertilizer

2009-06-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, chicken poop.
Such a wonderful item. Quite the sought after 'tool' for gardeners and such. Seems that the Bassett Hound takes quite a liking to chicken poop as well.

While on a recent visit to a neighboring farm I found myself explaining the importance of chicken poop to a little gentleman sprouting about 7 years of age. Coincidentally enough, my new little friend discovered he had chicken poop on the palm of his hand. He was seriously not impressed and in fact was down right upset. Very upset. So, I launched into my 'chicken poop' this and 'fertilizer' that to wherein he summarized our conversation with these exact words -
"the tomatoes my mom and dad grow do not have chicken poop inside"!!!

You got me there little man. I was stumped.

Which leads me to share the following:
How much poop/fertilizer can the average backyard chicken flock produce? Well, what is 'average'? Let's go with an easy number - five backyard chickens in an urban setting.
Five chickens are going to eat approximately ten pounds of feed, grain and treats provided by you and mother earth (in a week). So, then do we quickly assume we are going to get FORTY pounds of chicken poop a month? No.

Fresh chicken poop/fertilizer is 75% water. Whew, right? Cluck YA!

So, our numbers drop dramatically down to ten pounds - not a bad trade off. Ten pounds of food for ten pounds of chicken poop fertilizer.... to fill the insides of those yummy tomatoes that mom and dad grow in the garden.