For the chicken coop curious there’s no need to go full-on homestead, acquire a tractor, and move to a 40-acre farm. Instead, dig into a sustainable lifestyle on a smaller scale by starting with a mini flock. These multitasking pets offer fresh, healthy eggs, built-in pest control and a novel, fun family activity that gets the kids outside.
Starter flocks are more than farmyard animals. They’re attractive, quirky birds that are known to prance around exhibiting unique personalities that are as affectionate as they are playful. Hosting a flock promises a joyful home that, done the right way, is down-right fun with minimal effort to fit into your schedule. Here are some tips—plus why we and some fellow chicken raisers love Omlet—to get you started on your excellent egg-venture.
Rules of the Coop
Assessing your Outdoor Space
If keeping in a run, experts advise that individual chickens require three to four square feet to roam. The run should be covered to protect the hens from wind, rain, sun, and snow so that the chickens can use the space all year round. Coops should have around a foot of perch space per chicken and one nesting box space per three ladies, again around a foot in length.
You can start with as few as two to three chickens; these are social birds and do best with companions. A flock of two to three will yield one to two dozen eggs a week, offering up many a frittata and gifting opportunities. One note: Before you buy your first bird, make sure your community allows backyard chickens. It’s easy to find out with a quick online search.
“We decided to get chickens as part of homeschooling. They bring so much joy, not only to my life, but to my kids’ lives too. It’s been life-changing for our family.” —Rynell, San Diego
Finding Your Flock
Sure, personalities go a long way, and in that regard chickens are just like people: Some will be shy and sensitive, some will act haughty, and others will have moxie in spades. That’s all part of the fun of owning a flock. There are generalizations for breeds that are worth thinking about, though—for example, how well they do in the heat (large combs, lighter feathering like Rhode Island Reds) or cold (small-combed, densely feathered chickens like Wyandottes). Egg laying varies, too. Leghorns are right up there with the best of them, while Silkies are less prolific but do look adorable.
Care and Feeding
Taking proper care of chickens is a responsibility you can share with your children or grandchildren. Checking food and water every day takes just a few minutes, and the fun part is fluffing the bedding and checking the coop for beautiful, fresh eggs daily. Even though chickens will eat most kitchen scraps (kale, spinach, and cooked broccoli will give rich, golden yolks), veterinarians recommend that 90 percent of a chicken’s diet should be from store-bought feed that meets the nutritional protein and mineral requirements for healthy birds and thick eggshells. Cleaning the coop is a weekly task; the droppings are full of nitrogen and a boon for the garden.
“Thanks to my chickens, I get to see just about every single sunrise and sunset, and believe it or not, I’m 100 percent sure that following the natural cycles of day and night like this is helping me to get excellent sleep hallelujah!” —Vivian, US
Ready-Made Coop Supplies at Your Service
Like any beloved pet, the most crucial piece to your chicken’s quality of life is their home. When setting up your chicken coop, use Omlet, which has over 20 years of experience designing products specifically for new hobbyists that ensure success and enjoyment. Omlet products are not only designed to please a homeowner’s sense of style, but they also adhere to the rules of most housing association guidelines. Most importantly, the chickens love them, too.
Here are four essential Omlet products to get you started:
Omlet Smart No Waste Chicken Feeder
Chickens are normally messy eaters, but Omlet’s Smart No Waste Chicken Feedereliminates spilt feed through its innovative design. Even better, it automatically closes at night to prevent pests from helping themselves to a free meal. Omlet estimates this feeder will reduce your feed costs by 30 percent compared to a regular feeder.
Omlet Insulated Waterer
Another essential bit of kit for the hobby chicken keeper is Omlet’s Insulated Stay Clean Chicken Waterer. The first ever insulated waterer, it provides peace of mind by keeping water fluid for up to 10 hours at temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. Your hens will appreciate having cool water in the summer, helping them stay hydrated and healthy. The water is always crystal clean, as the waterer has a sealed reservoir system to keep out dirt. Well-hydrated hens ensure good ovulation and increase laying capacity, which means more eggs for everyone.
Omlet Eglu Pro
Designed for flocks of up to 10 large hens, the Eglu Pro Chicken Coop is Omlet’s most advanced chicken coop to date. It builds on the innovations of the original Eglu chicken coop that launched the company when the founders designed it at the Royal College of Art in London. Trusted by chicken keepers worldwide for its predator protection and effortless cleaning, it keeps hens comfortable in all climates. With its expert engineering and durability, it’s designed to last a lifetime making it the top choice for henhouses in thousands of backyards. The Eglu Cube is a fantastic option for a flock of six large hens or less. With its raccoon-proof mesh, easy to clean surface, and 10-year warranty, this is an excellent option for those just starting a flock.
Omlet Smart Automatic Door
The Omlet Smart Automatic Chicken Coop Door allows chickens to thrive by starting their day at dawn and getting to bed by dusk. The Smart Autodoor has an app that provides open and close door notifications, giving you full control from your phone for convenience and peace of mind. And even if you haven’t yet upgraded to an Omlet chicken coop, the Smart Autodoor is compatible with almost all, wooden chicken coops.
“My favourite chicken-related memory from this year happened while I was cleaning out the coop. I’d left my phone down for a moment when Eggsy wandered over and started admiring herself in the reflection.” —Kealy, Norfolk UK
