It’s the start of a new year and it’s a perfect time to make some New Year’s Resolutions. Instead of hitting the gym, or reading the books you’ve amassed over the years but never read, how about some chicken-themed resolutions instead?
Here are 10 resolution suggestions to start off your new chicken-tending year.
01. Enrich your chickens’ lives with a new toy or activity.
Chickens, just like all pets, animals, and people in general, benefit greatly from having entertainment in their lives. While they are typically good at entertaining themselves with pecking, scratching, and foraging, there are many options for toys or activities that you can provide for your chickens to keep them further entertained.
What are the benefits of providing entertainment to your chickens? Chickens that have sufficient entertainment are less likely to have aggression issues towards other chickens. While normal pecking order behavior’s are common, chickens that lack sufficient distractions can potentially become overly aggressive. Providing activities and entertainment are one of the best ways to prevent aggression in your chickens. They will also be happier and healthier in general.
02. Learn more about chickens with a good book or two
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the world of chickens and expand your knowledge on their care, behavior, and various breeds, turning to books is a fantastic step. A plethora of books cater to enthusiasts of all levels, offering insights into every aspect of chicken keeping. From comprehensive guides covering the essentials of raising healthy flocks to in-depth explorations of specific breeds, behavior, and sustainable practices, these books serve as invaluable resources. Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced chicken keeper looking to refine your skills, these books provide a wealth of information, tips, and guidance to nurture your passion for these fascinating feathered friends.
03. Raise your own chicken snacks
Raising mealworms or other insects as snacks for your chickens can be an enriching and nutritious addition to their diet. These protein-packed treats not only offer a natural source of nutrition but also stimulate your chickens’ natural foraging instincts. Mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or crickets are popular choices, easy to rear in small containers with minimal effort. Their high protein content supports healthy feather growth and provides an energy boost, especially during molting or colder months. Supplementing your chickens’ diet with these insects offers not just a healthy snack but also an opportunity for them to exhibit natural behaviors, ensuring a well-rounded diet and happy, healthy birds.
04. Save & use chicken feathers for a craft project
Saving your chicken’s feathers to use for crafts offers a wonderful opportunity to repurpose and create beautiful, unique items. Whether it’s vibrant plumage from molting or feathers naturally shed by your flock, these feathers possess a multitude of uses. From intricate dreamcatchers and whimsical jewelry to decorative ornaments and artistic embellishments, the diverse textures, colors, and sizes of chicken feathers inspire a range of crafting possibilities. Crafting with these feathers not only showcases their natural beauty but also honors your cherished flock, infusing your creations with a touch of their spirit. Additionally, utilizing feathers in crafts serves as a sustainable practice, repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste and adding a personal, meaningful touch to your handmade creations.
05. Automate your chickens day with an automatic door
Another great way to increase security around your chickens is by installing an automatic chicken door. These doors can be programmed to open at sunrise and let your chickens out to roam and to close at night after it’s dark, keeping your chickens safe inside their coop.
If you’ve been manually letting your flock out in the morning and then closing them up at night, this is a great way to add some automation to your chicken care routine and will allow you to sleep in a bit more in the morning. There are a lot of automatic chicken doors available online, but the below two suggestions are one’s I have personally used and recommend.
Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop Door
While one of the pricier options, the Omlet brand produces high quality products with excellent design and functionality. This chicken door is easy to install, runs on batteries (which last for several months), has built-in safety and light sensors. There are green and grey color options available and the door can be flipped to open from the right or the left.
Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Another great option for a chicken door with great reviews. This door opens vertically and has very similar functions to the Omlet door including a timer, programmable light sensor, battery power operated etc. but what’s especially great about this door is it can be remotely programmed using a phone app.
06. Start a chicken manure compost pile
Embarking on a chicken manure compost pile journey is a rewarding and sustainable endeavor. Utilizing the nutrient-rich waste produced by your flock, composting chicken manure creates a valuable organic fertilizer for gardens and plants. Begin by designating a composting area, ideally away from water sources and your living spaces. Combine chicken manure with other organic materials like straw, leaves, or kitchen scraps to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, aiding in the decomposition process and reducing odor. Regularly turn the pile to aerate it, allowing beneficial microorganisms to break down the mixture into nutrient-rich compost. Over time, this compost becomes a natural, eco-friendly soil conditioner, enhancing soil structure and fostering healthy plant growth while minimizing waste from your chicken-keeping routine.
07. Implement regular health checks for your chickens
Caring for a flock of chickens involves more than just providing food and shelter; it requires vigilance and proactive measures to maintain their well-being. Implementing regular health checks for your chickens is paramount to ensuring their optimal health and early detection of any potential issues. These routine examinations empower chicken keepers to become attuned to their flock’s health, fostering a stronger bond and promoting a thriving, happy flock.
08. Do a safety audit of your coop, run, and year
Conducting a safety audit of your chicken coop, run, and yard is a critical step in ensuring the well-being and security of your feathered companions. Begin by thoroughly inspecting the coop’s structural integrity, checking for any signs of wear, potential entry points for predators, or hazards like protruding nails. Evaluate the run for secure fencing, ensuring it’s predator-proof and free from gaps or weaknesses that could compromise your chickens’ safety. Survey the yard for any toxic plants, potential dangers, or escape routes that could pose risks to your flock. Completing this comprehensive safety audit not only safeguards your chickens from potential threats but also provides peace of mind, creating a safe haven for your cherished birds to thrive.
09. Add a security camera to your coop/run setup
Help protect your chickens from predators, spy on your chickens, or simply enjoy watching them go about their daily chicken lives with a security camera.
GMK Solar Security Camera
This wireless security camera is both solar and battery powered. It has 1080p WiFi, night vision, motion detection, and 2-way talk functions. It’s waterproof and has both Cloud and SD storage capabilities. The camera comes with 1 solar panel, mounting brackets and screws, and a USB cable. DS memory card not included so that will need to be purchased separately but you can get a decent one for fairly cheap.
10. Start a side hustle selling excess eggs
Embarking on a side hustle by selling surplus chicken eggs can be a rewarding and sustainable venture. Utilizing the abundance of fresh eggs produced by your flock not only promotes self-sufficiency but also presents an opportunity to generate extra income. Begin by assessing local regulations and obtaining any necessary permits or licenses for selling eggs. Establish a customer base by reaching out to neighbors, farmers’ markets, or local stores interested in purchasing fresh, organic eggs. Emphasize the quality, nutritional value, and ethical practices behind your eggs, attracting customers seeking high-quality, locally sourced produce. This side hustle not only capitalizes on the surplus from your chicken-keeping endeavor but also fosters a sense of community connection and offers a valuable product that contributes to a sustainable lifestyle.
