Unveiling the Allure of Silver Spangled Hamburgs: A Unique Rare Breed

In the realm of rare and captivating chicken breeds, the Silver Spangled Hamburg stands out as a true gem. With its distinctive appearance, energetic personality, and rich historical significance, this breed has earned a special place in the hearts of poultry enthusiasts around the world. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of Silver Spangled Hamburgs, exploring their origins, unique characteristics, and the joys of raising these stunning birds.

1. A Glimpse into History:

The Silver Spangled Hamburg, often simply referred to as the Hamburg, is an ancient breed that traces its roots back to Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany. It was brought to the United States in the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest chicken breeds on American soil.

2. Striking Appearance:

Silver Spangled Hamburgs are renowned for their eye-catching appearance. Their small, agile bodies are covered in glossy black feathers adorned with distinct white spangles. Their wings carry these elegant spangles, creating a visually captivating pattern that is truly one of a kind.

3. Energetic Personalities:

Known for their spirited and active personalities, Silver Spangled Hamburgs are always on the move. They enjoy free-ranging and foraging for insects, seeds, and plants. Their boundless energy and inquisitive nature make them a joy to watch and interact with.

4. Egg-cellent Layers:

While their stunning appearance steals the show, Silver Spangled Hamburgs are also known for their egg-laying prowess. These birds lay small to medium-sized white eggs with a reputation for their exceptional flavor. They are consistent layers that contribute reliably to the egg basket.

5. Ideal Backyard Companions:

Silver Spangled Hamburgs are a great choice for backyard chicken keepers. Their smaller size and excellent foraging abilities make them suitable for urban and suburban environments. They are also relatively hardy, able to handle both hot and cold climates with proper care.

6. Caring for Silver Spangled Hamburgs:

• Housing: Provide them with a secure coop and ample space for free-ranging.

• Diet: Offer a balanced diet of quality layer feed, supplemented with grains, fruits, vegetables, and access to fresh water.

• Protection: As active foragers, they need protection from predators, so ensure their coop is well-secured.

• Social Interaction: Silver Spangled Hamburgs are social birds that thrive with companionship. Consider raising them with other compatible breeds.

7. Breeding and Preservation:

Due to their rarity, Silver Spangled Hamburgs are considered a conservation priority by poultry preservation organizations. If you're interested in breeding these beautiful birds, consider joining preservation efforts to ensure their unique genetics are preserved for future generations.

8. Joining the Enthusiast Community:

Connect with fellow poultry enthusiasts and breeders to exchange knowledge and experiences about Silver Spangled Hamburgs. Participating in online forums, social media groups, and local poultry clubs can provide valuable insights and support.

Silver Spangled Hamburgs are a testament to the timeless appeal of heritage chicken breeds. Their exquisite appearance, lively personalities, and historical significance make them a captivating addition to any poultry flock. By embracing the joys of raising and preserving these rare birds, you're contributing to the conservation of a breed that embodies the beauty of both the past and the present.

Getting Your Coop Ready for Autumn: Essential Steps for a Happy Flock

As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to dip, it's time to prepare your chicken coop for the upcoming autumn season. Ensuring a cozy and well-equipped coop will not only keep your feathered friends comfortable but also help them stay healthy during the colder months. In this blog post, we'll guide you through essential steps to get your coop ready for autumn, so your chickens can thrive no matter the weather.

1. Deep Clean and Declutter: Before the chill sets in, give your coop a thorough cleaning. Remove all bedding and debris, scrub the floors and surfaces, and disinfect with a poultry-safe cleaner. Decluttering ensures a hygienic environment for your chickens to roost and nest.

2. Inspect and Repair: Check for any cracks, gaps, or potential points of entry for drafts or predators. Repair any damages to the coop structure, windows, and doors. A well-sealed coop keeps cold air out and warm air in.

3. Improve Ventilation: While sealing gaps is essential, ventilation is equally crucial to prevent humidity buildup. Install adjustable vents or windows that allow for proper airflow without causing drafts directly on your chickens.

4. Add Cozy Bedding: Replace old bedding with fresh, clean materials like straw, wood shavings, or chopped leaves. Deep litter bedding not only provides insulation but also generates heat as it decomposes, keeping the coop warm.

5. Consider Heating Options (If Necessary): Depending on the severity of your region's winters, you might need to introduce additional heat sources. Opt for safe and approved heating solutions such as heat lamps or panel heaters, but be cautious of fire hazards and ensure proper wiring.

6. Insulate the Walls: For coops in colder climates, adding insulation to the walls can help regulate the temperature. Insulated walls prevent extreme temperature fluctuations and keep your chickens comfortable.

7. Provide Dust Bath Areas: Autumn weather might bring rain, making it difficult for chickens to indulge in their usual dust baths. Create a sheltered area with dry dirt or sand where they can maintain their plumage.

8. Secure Nesting Boxes: Ensure the nesting boxes are well-insulated and draft-free. Line them with clean and cozy bedding to encourage egg-laying during cooler days.

9. Adjust Roosting Bars: Rearrange roosting bars so that they're lower during autumn. This helps your chickens huddle together more closely, sharing body heat for added warmth.

10. Offer Nutrient-Rich Feed: As temperatures drop, chickens require extra energy to maintain body heat. Transition to a feed with higher protein and fat content to support their needs during colder months.

11. Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your chickens have access to clean, unfrozen water at all times. Invest in a heated waterer to prevent freezing during chilly nights.

12. Prepare for Shorter Days: As daylight hours decrease, consider adding artificial lighting in the coop to provide the recommended 14-16 hours of light for consistent egg production.

By taking proactive steps to prepare your chicken coop for autumn, you're ensuring the well-being and comfort of your flock as the temperatures drop. With a clean, cozy, and well-equipped coop, your chickens will continue to thrive throughout the season, providing you with fresh eggs and joyful interactions.

Creating a Chicken-Friendly Garden: Harmony Between Greenery and Feathered Friends

Gardening enthusiasts and chicken keepers often find themselves seeking a harmonious balance between lush vegetation and their feathered companions. Designing a chicken-friendly landscape not only enhances the well-being of your flock but also adds charm to your outdoor space. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of cultivating a garden that welcomes both plants and poultry with open arms.

1. Zoning Your Garden: To maintain a harmonious environment, designate separate zones for your chickens and your plants. Designate a chicken run or coop area where your feathered friends can scratch and forage freely without disturbing your precious plants.

2. Chicken-Friendly Plants: Opt for plant species that not only beautify your garden but also offer benefits to your chickens. Plants like comfrey, nasturtiums, and sunflowers provide both food and shelter. Include herbs like lavender, mint, and oregano, which have natural pest-repellent properties.

3. Fencing with Finesse: Employ effective fencing to create a barrier between your chickens and delicate garden beds. A low fence or raised garden beds can discourage chickens from venturing where they shouldn't be.

4. Mulching for Health: Implement mulching to protect your plants' root systems and deter chickens from scratching the soil. Wood chips, straw, or leaves can create an effective barrier while enriching the soil as they break down.

5. Composting Collaboration: Integrate a composting system that involves both kitchen scraps and chicken manure. This symbiotic relationship transforms waste into nutrient-rich compost that benefits your garden soil.

6. Creative Foraging Areas: Designate specific areas within your garden for controlled foraging. Scatter scratch grains or kitchen scraps, encouraging your chickens to focus their foraging activities where you want them to.

7. Natural Insect Control: Capitalise on your chickens' natural pest control abilities. Allow them access to garden areas for a limited time, where they can feast on pests like slugs, snails, and insects.

8. Protecting Young Plants: Shield vulnerable plants by using wire cages or cloches until they're established. This helps prevent accidental damage from curious chickens while allowing plants to grow safely.

9. Mulched Pathways: Create mulched pathways or gravel walkways within your garden. These paths can guide your chickens through the garden without causing damage to your plant beds.

10. Rotation and Rest: Just like crop rotation in agriculture, consider rotating your chickens' access to different parts of the garden. Allowing some areas to rest and regenerate will help keep your garden in balance.

11. Dust Bath Delight: Provide designated dust bath areas for your chickens, complete with loose soil and sand. This keeps them engaged and minimizes their impact on garden beds.

With a thoughtful approach to design and planning, it's entirely possible to create a garden that thrives alongside your beloved chickens. By implementing these chicken-friendly landscaping strategies, you can cultivate a space where both plants and poultry coexist harmoniously, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor haven.

Preserving Genetic Diversity: The Role of Smallholding Farms in Maintaining Rare Breed Chicken Populations

In an era where industrialised agriculture dominates the landscape, the importance of preserving genetic diversity in our food sources cannot be overstated. One such area that often goes unnoticed but holds immense significance is the conservation of rare breed chicken populations. These unique and often historical breeds are at risk of disappearing, making the role of smallholding farms in maintaining and protecting their genetic diversity all the more crucial.

The Rarity of Rare Breeds

Rare breed chickens, unlike their commercial counterparts, possess traits that are often suited to specific regional climates, traditional farming practices, and culinary preferences. These breeds have been carefully developed over centuries to exhibit qualities such as disease resistance, adaptability to local conditions, and exceptional taste. However, due to the rapid expansion of industrial agriculture and the focus on high-yielding commercial breeds, many of these rare chicken breeds have been pushed to the brink of extinction.

The Significance of Genetic Diversity

Maintaining genetic diversity within chicken populations is essential for several reasons. Firstly, diverse genetic traits ensure that chickens are better equipped to withstand diseases that can rapidly spread through monoculture populations. Secondly, genetic diversity provides a valuable resource for future breeding efforts, which might require specific traits such as adaptability to changing climates or unique flavour profiles. Lastly, rare breed chickens are an integral part of our agricultural heritage and contribute to cultural and culinary diversity.

The Role of Smallholding Farms

Smallholding farms, often characterised by their modest size and commitment to sustainable farming practices, play a critical role in the preservation of rare breed chicken populations. These farms serve as sanctuaries for endangered breeds, providing a safe haven where these chickens can thrive without the threat of being outcompeted by more common, high-production breeds. Smallholding farmers prioritise the preservation of genetic diversity over sheer productivity, and this commitment ensures that these rare breeds have a fighting chance against extinction.

Challenges Faced by Smallholding Farms

Despite their vital role, smallholding farms encounter several challenges in their efforts to conserve rare breed chickens. Limited financial resources, lack of access to advanced breeding techniques, and the need for education and awareness all pose significant obstacles. Additionally, finding markets for products from rare breeds can be difficult due to the prevalence of commercial chicken products in the market. However, consumers' growing interest in sustainability, local produce, and unique culinary experiences is gradually creating a demand for products from rare breed chickens.

The Way Forward

The conservation of rare breed chicken populations requires a collaborative effort between smallholding farms, agricultural organisations, and consumers. Governments can provide support through grants, subsidies, and incentives to encourage the preservation of genetic diversity. Agricultural extension services and educational programs can equip smallholding farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and breed these rare chickens effectively.

Consumers also play a vital role by choosing to support local smallholding farms and seeking out products from rare breed chickens. By valuing the unique flavours and cultural heritage associated with these breeds, consumers can contribute to their preservation.

In Conclusion

Preserving the genetic diversity of rare breed chicken populations is not just about protecting the past; it's about securing the future of our food systems. Smallholding farms are the unsung heroes in this endeavour, dedicating themselves to the cause of conservation against the tide of commercialisation. By recognising the value of these farms and the significance of genetic diversity, we can ensure that these unique breeds continue to enrich our culinary landscape for generations to come.

Nurturing Rare Breed Chickens: A Journey from Hatching to Adulthood

Raising rare breed chickens is a rewarding endeavour that allows us to connect with nature and heritage while preserving unique genetic strains. The journey from hatching to adulthood is a fascinating one, requiring careful attention and dedication at each stage. In this blog post, we will explore the different stages of a rare breed chicken's life and the specific care they need along the way.

1. Hatching Stage

The journey of a rare breed chicken begins in the incubator or under a broody hen. During this stage, optimal conditions are crucial for healthy embryo development:


Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a consistent temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) and humidity levels of 50-60%. Fluctuations can lead to developmental issues.


Turning Eggs: If using an incubator, turn the eggs several times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell and ensure even development.


2. Brooding Stage

Once the chicks hatch, they are vulnerable and require a warm and safe environment. Brooding involves setting up a suitable space for the young chicks:


Brooder Setup: Use a brooder box or pen with a heat source (heat lamp or heating plate). The temperature should start around 95°F (35°C) and decrease by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until ambient temperature is reached.


Bedding: Provide clean, non-slippery bedding like pine shavings. This helps prevent leg issues and provides a comfortable surface for the chicks.


Water and Feed: Offer fresh water and starter feed formulated specifically for young chicks. Proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth.


3. Growing Stage

As the chicks grow, their needs evolve, and they start exploring their surroundings:


Transition to the Outdoors: When they are feathered enough (around 5-8 weeks), gradually introduce them to outdoor spaces. This process, called "hardening off," helps them adapt to temperature changes.


Space Requirements: Ensure enough space to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stress and disease. Provide at least 2-3 square feet per bird in the coop.


Varied Diet: Transition to a balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, greens, and insects. This helps promote healthy development and supports their immune system.


4. Adolescent Stage

During adolescence, chickens undergo significant changes, including the development of social hierarchies:


Social Dynamics: Be observant of any bullying or aggression among the birds. Provide hiding spots and multiple feeding/watering stations to reduce conflicts.


Supervised Free-Range: Allow supervised free-range time to encourage foraging and exploration, but protect them from predators.


5. Adulthood

Reaching adulthood is an achievement that brings a sense of accomplishment. At this stage:


Egg Production: If raising laying hens, expect the onset of egg production around 5-6 months. Provide nesting boxes with clean bedding for them to lay eggs.

Cockerel Behaviour: If keeping cockerels, be prepared for crowing and territorial behaviour. Monitor their interactions to prevent aggression.


Health Maintenance: Regularly inspect for signs of illness, trim beaks and nails if needed, and ensure their living space remains clean.


Raising rare breed chickens is an enriching experience that allows us to play a part in preserving genetic diversity. From the delicate hatching stage to the majestic adulthood, each phase requires attentive care and understanding of their changing needs. By providing the right environment, nutrition, and attention, you can enjoy the companionship of these unique birds while contributing to their wellbeing and the continuation of rare breeds for generations to come.

Soft-Shell Eggs

Soft-shell eggs, also known as thin-shelled eggs or eggs with fragile shells, are eggs that have a shell that is not fully formed or is thinner than usual. These eggs can break easily or completely fall apart in your hands.

There are several reasons why a chicken may lay a soft-shell egg. One of the most common reasons is a lack of calcium in the chicken's diet. Calcium is an essential mineral that is necessary for the formation of strong eggshells.

Other possible causes of soft-shell eggs include stress, disease, and genetics. Chickens that are under stress or have an illness may produce eggs with weaker shells. Some breeds of chickens are more prone to laying soft-shell eggs than others.

If you have a backyard chicken coop and are experiencing issues with soft-shell eggs, there are several steps you can take to help your chickens produce stronger shells. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your chickens are getting enough calcium in their diet. This can be achieved by feeding them a diet that includes plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as oyster shells, crushed eggshells, and calcium supplements.

You can also help reduce stress in your chickens by providing them with a clean and comfortable environment, plenty of fresh water, and a balanced diet. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help identify and treat any health issues that may be affecting your chickens.

Moulting Chickens - Why do my hens look naked?!

Our girls have been going through a pretty heavy moult over the winter months, they are just on the other end now with new pin feathers coming through!

Poultry moulting is a natural process that occurs in birds where they shed their feathers and grow new ones. This process is important for the health of the birds, as it helps to keep their feathers in good condition and ensures that they are able to regulate their body temperature effectively.

What is a moult?

Moulting is a natural process that occurs in birds where they shed their old feathers and grow new ones. This process usually occurs once a year, but can happen more frequently depending on the age and health of the bird. During the moulting process, birds may stop laying eggs temporarily, as their bodies are diverting energy to growing new feathers.

The moulting process can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species of bird and the individual bird's health. It is important to note that during this process, birds may experience some stress and discomfort, as they are shedding their feathers and growing new ones.

Why is moulting Important?

Moulting is important for the health of poultry because it helps to keep their feathers in good condition. Feathers are important for birds because they provide insulation, protect the skin, and help with flight. If a bird's feathers are damaged or worn out, it can lead to health problems such as hypothermia, sunburn, and infections.

In addition to the health benefits of moulting, the process can also help to increase egg production in poultry. When birds go through the moulting process, they stop laying eggs temporarily, but once they have grown their new feathers, they will often begin laying again. This can result in increased egg production and improved profitability for farmers.

How to manage a moult

If you are a farmer or backyard chicken keeper, it is important to be aware of the moulting process in your birds and to take steps to manage it properly. Here are some tips for managing poultry moulting:

1. Provide a balanced diet: Birds need a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy feather growth.

2. Ensure adequate lighting: Poultry require at least 14 hours of light per day to maintain egg production. During the moulting process, birds may require additional lighting to help them grow new feathers and resume laying.

3. Keep birds comfortable: During the moulting process, birds may experience some discomfort and stress. To help minimize this, provide them with a clean, dry, and comfortable environment with plenty of space to move around.

4. Monitor health: Keep a close eye on your birds' health during the moulting process. If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, consult with a veterinarian.

Moults are most common during autumn, and in my experience, it usually happens between late September, October and November, just before it gets really cold.  It can be quite frightening as one day they can seem fine and fully feathered and the next morning you are faced with a coop full of feathers!

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. There are many different strains of the virus, some of which are more dangerous than others.

Globally, AI has been seen to be a problem mostly in the developing, rather than western, world. However, whilst Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency do their best to keep the disease out, it is impossible to prevent it. It makes its way into the UK with migrating wild birds and can all-to-easily be transferred to domesticated birds. Whilst there are AI vaccines, these have their limitations and in the UK the vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against AI is not currently permitted.

During the autumn of 2021 there were multiple findings of the highly pathogenic strain of HPA1 H5N1 in wild birds and following its confirmation in poultry, the UK was declared no longer free from AI under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) rules. This led to an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (APIZ) being declared across Great Britain on November 3 requiring all bird keepers by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. It also brought in a ban on all gatherings. A further requirement was imposed from November 29, making housing mandatory.

Advice and what to do:

Bird flu (also called avian influenza) is a notifiable, infectious disease that affects both wild and kept poultry. The disease is taken very seriously as it's devastating to birds, spreads very fast and whilst some strains have the potential to jump from birds to humans, this is very rare.

The UK's devolved administrations may decide to declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), either regionally, or across the whole of the UK to help reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

• Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on: 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact: 0300 303 8268.

• If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7). You can also report dead wild birds to defra on their website. Don't touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. This is especially relevant if your birds are in a Higher Risk Area (HRA). If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt  advice from your vet.

You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so Defra can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.

Keepers can check where disease control zones and AIPZs are located in GB and if they are in a zone on the animal and plant health ahgency’s map.

To receive immediate notification of new cases and updated zones in GB please sign up to the APHA’s Animal Disease alert subscription service further details can be found on the link below

Keeping Birds:

Preventing the spread of avian influenza involves taking several precautions, including practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick birds or their faeces, and cooking poultry products thoroughly. It's a legal requirement for all bird keepers (whether they have commercial flocks, a few birds in a backyard flock or pet birds) to follow strict biosecurity measures. Keepers with more than 500 birds need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

The prevention zone means bird keepers must:

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources.

• Feed and water kept indoors or enclosed areas to discourage wild birds.

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures.

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy.

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

Avian Influenza can be devastating to the poultry industry, we’re already seeing the knock-on effects of the culling last year with limited egg availability in the shops!

The hens are currently under a housing order put in place by the government, we’re hoping that this will be lifted shortly, last years housing order was in place for over 16 weeks, which meant all the eggs in the UK had to change their classification to ‘barn raised’. We’re hoping this doesn’t happen this time! We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that the hens will be out in the sunshine soon!

Egg Bound Hens; What To Do

In the 8 years of keeping chickens professionally, we’ve only ever come across an egg bound hen once. In this instance, and as a novice in this area, I went straight to the internet to see what other chicken keepers recommended I do to save the poor girl.

If left untreated, an egg bound hen could die, so it’s best to get in their quick and help her out as soon as you notice something isn’t right.

What is egg binding?

‘Egg bound’ means she has an egg stuck somewhere in her oviduct. The usual place is between the uterus and the cloaca. Sometimes you can even see it from the cloaca/vent. When the egg is ready to pass, the cloaca seals shut the intestinal opening so that eggs don’t get covered in poop. If the hen cannot poop within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, she will likely die. Other effects seen from egg binding are vent prolapse – where the vent hangs out of the rear end and, in severe untreated cases, egg yolk peritonitis which can quickly kill a hen from infection.

What’s the reason behind it?

There are multiple things that can cause egg binding. Some are manageable, others not so much.

• Passing large or odd-shaped eggs. The oviduct can only stretch so far, and a large or misshapen egg can get stuck.

• Malfunction in the reproductive system. Some hens are prone to problems and will lay odd or parchment eggs regularly – genetic issues.

• Double yolk eggs. These are larger than the usual egg and can cause problems.

• Malnutrition – poor diet low in necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein.

• Sedentary life or obesity – muscles become weak from lack of activity or being overweight.

• Premature laying – hens that are forced to lay before they are fully developed often develop binding.

• Elderly chickens – weak muscles and inactivity.

• Egg retention – if insufficient nest boxes are available, a hen will sometimes ‘hold’ her egg.

• Underlying reproductive tract infection. Severe infestation of internal parasites.

As you can already see, some of these are readily preventable by good nutrition and attention to the health and welfare of your hens.

How do you know when a hen is egg-bound? Truly, sometimes you don’t. As we know, hens are secretive about any illness or problems. If she can pass the egg herself, you may not even realize she had a problem.

Common symptoms to look for include:

• Decreased appetite and drinking.

• Lethargic, sitting around, fluffed up.

• ‘looks sick,’ depressed.

• Shaky wings.

• She walks like a penguin – she will periodically stop walking and try to squat.

• Abdominal straining – you can see the cloaca (vent) straining to expel something.

• Tail pumping – her tail will pump up and down to expel the egg.

You can probably apply the first three groups of symptoms to any chicken that is sick with anything. They will usually set off by themselves in a quiet spot. She will fluff the feathers out, and she may have her eyes closed like she’s taking a nap. These signs always bear watching.

How to treat your hen

First, you need to check if she actually is egg bound. Using a latex glove and some vaseline, very gently insert your finger into the vent. Push your finger straight back about two inches or so – you should be able to feel the egg. If you cannot feel an egg – she’s not egg bound.

Prepare a warm water bath with Epsom salts (1 cup ES/1 gallon of water). It needs to be deep enough for your hen to sit to a depth of about three to four inches.

Before you put her in the bath, give her some calcium. A calcium tablet will work great. Make sure you powder it or break it into tiny pieces so the hen can swallow it. Calcium helps to improve the strength of the contractions and helps to expel the egg.

Gently put your hen into the water. She may struggle for a bit, but they usually settle down after a couple of minutes – I think it feels good for them!

She will need to sit in the bath for about fifteen to twenty minutes. When you take her out, towel her off, so she gets dry – a hairdryer will do the trick nicely if she tolerates the noise.

Before doing anything else, place your hen in a quiet, dark, and warm space. The goal is to allow her to lay her egg without any extensive intervention from you or a veterinarian.

After her ‘salon treatment’, put her in a darkened crate with some water and food to drink. If her vent area is swollen, apply some Preparation H, it will help to reduce the swelling. You may need to repeat this treatment three or four times over several hours to try to move the egg along. If, despite your best efforts, she does not pass the egg, your treatment options are getting narrower.

You should seek the services of a veterinarian if you can afford them. If not – the alternative is to remove the egg yourself.

This is not without hazard to your hen. This course of action should be taken as a ‘last resort. We do not advise you to do this unless you have no other choices.

If you can see the egg at the vent, gently make a hole in it large enough to be able to suck the contents out with a syringe (please, no needle!). Once you have the contents out, gently pull on the shell in an attempt to bring it out intact, but if it breaks apart, make sure you have all the pieces.

If you cannot see the egg but can feel it, try to lubricate the vent and cloaca well and try manual manipulation. Sometimes the egg will move, sometimes it breaks. If it breaks, you will have to remove all the shells manually. Any shell pieces left inside will cut and a-braid the interior of the oviduct, leaving the hen wide open to infection.

If you have successfully removed the egg, put her in a crate for a few hours until you know she is eating and drinking just fine. Also check her vent area for prolapse or excessive redness – if it looks red and sore, keep her separate from the flock for a bit longer. If the egg broke inside her, you would need to give her some antibiotics to prevent infection – this requires a veterinarian.

Hopefully you’ll never experience this yourselves, but if you do, I hope this helps you out as much as it helped me!

Why Choose Pasture Raised?

People always ask us; What’s the difference between pasture fed and free range?

Pasture raised basically means that the way we farm is different. We don’t have 1 huge shed filled with thousands of chickens, which nowadays is the norm when it comes to raising chickens for egg production. We have a few smaller coops that house 150 in each. This allows us to keep our husbandry to the highest level and make sure all our hens are happy and healthy.

We take great pride in the welfare and environment of our hens. All our laying hens live in small mobile coops with constant access to our pasture. We regularly move the runs to give them new areas to feed and display the hens natural behaviours. The hens eat only natural organic food and a mixture of grasses and herbs as well as any delicious grubs they can dig up! They are put to bed in their hen sheds at night to protect them from any predators, where they roost on elevated perches. We nearly always have cockerels with the flocks as we find the hens like the added security that they provide and it gives the flock much more of a natural family feel. A happy and well-nourished flock equates to great eggs.

Contrary to popular belief, chickens are actually omnivores, not vegetarians. As the chickens are able to forage for some real animal protein. Insects, worms, flies. They can also eat as much grass as they like, not to mention breathe fresh air and feel the sun on their backs (when it’s available). All contributing to the living conditions of our happy hens. Although we don’t use our hens for meat, we do use our surplus cockerels. A huge bonus of pasture raised chickens is the higher quality meat. There’s research that shows that an animal that is raised on a pasture based system produce meat that is lower in total fats and calories! Their meat is also higher in good fats such as Omega 3, they’re more concentrated with antioxidants such as vitamin E and C with higher levels of disease-fighting substances like CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) thought to help prevent cancer. Not to mention the improved taste!

We take our cockerels to at least 6 months old on the pasture before taking them to the abattoir. They live the best possible life, living naturally and free ranging all day before giving us the opportunity to sell them as meat to create more income to help sustain their breed. You can buy our cockerels ready processed and frozen on our website. Why not give it a try and let us know what you think!