Fresh Eggs Here We Come!

         

Moving from Connecticut to California has been a big change to say the least. There are many things I took for granted, and one for sure was Farm Fresh Eggs. Not knowing California's Rules & Regulations about Urban Farming, I did my research. Man, was I in luck! Just this past year the City Council passed the Backyard Hen-Keeping Ordinance, that allows people to have up to three hens in their backyard. And just like that we began our journey into chicken parenthood. 

Informational Sites:

http://sacramentopress.com/2011/08/31/city-chicken-ordinance-passed-by-city-council/

Instructional Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gRBbpTjxMY

We decided to build our own coop, hoping our inner DIY Pallet skills would come shinning through. I searched for days on the web for the right Coop with the right set of plans. To better understand the plans, I drew them out myself in steps that made sense to me. Luckily the Coop I found also came with a video. We chose a Coop that had a runner attached to it. This way the chickens could safely roam outside while still being attached to an enclosed area. Once we got about half way through the Coop, we decided it was time to pick up our new family members.

Introducing Cameron, my boyfriend & personal contractor.

Almost completely framed.

Before you get your baby chicks, I recommend calling ahead to your Feed Store to see what they have available. Take down a list of the breeds and look them all up. Baby chicks are all the same size, and all familiar in color, but they certainly don't grow up that way. There are some really interesting breeds out there. I also recommend picking up a helpful book on what to expect with baby chicks. Hobby Farms CHICKENS by Sue Weaver, answered all of questions.

http://www.amazon.com/Chickens-Tending-Small-Scale-Pleasure-Profit/dp/1931993483

We decided to get 1 Ameracucana & 2 Brahmas. (Lucy, Betty & Mindy) 

I found a long cardboard box and was able to rig it into a little home for the girls. I cut a whole in the top and covered it with a sheet of wire, this way the heat from the lamp could get it safely. The inside was long enough to hold their shavings, food and water. Every other day I would dump out the shavings and refill it. The best part about this idea, is that when you're finished with it, you can toss the entire thing in the trash. Easy Cleanup. Thankfully after a few weeks the chicks were big enough to move outside. 

Since the chicks have settled into their new home, everything has been a breeze. We are only a couple months away from fresh eggs no, and i can't wait!