Well…..we made it through a year. The hens have officially been at City Boy Hens for the last 13 months. For me…it’s a big deal. Not because the hens are 1 year old, but rather, I or something else, haven’t managed to kill them in that time. In the last 12 months, they have survived cat and owl attacks, an attempted break in by a raccoon, one weasel close call at the cottage and two red tail hawks that continue to circle the backyard at home looking for a take-out chicken dinner!
The hens have also moved from their first accommodation – The Chicken Ark- which I made last Spring, to permanent swanky digs that didn’t have to be moved around the yard each day. They, like the Jeffersons, were “Movin’ on up!”
Portable chicken ark.
I kept the new digs toasty throughout the Winter by constructing a well insulated coop which generated heat via a 100 watt lightbulb. The light was on for the better part of the day and this kept the eggs and drinker from freezing. If you would like more info on these accommodations, check out my page: https://cityboyhens.com/laying-eggs/coop-run-requirements/
There are still no signs of lice or mites on the hens and our dog, Stanley, has yet to develop a taste for raw chicken. The transition to the cottage in the summer was pretty easy except for some stinky poop on the way up and some aggravated hens who wouldn’t stop squawking when we stopped for a burger. As I have said before, they love meat!
As Spring continues to tease us with the expectation of warmer and dryer days, I look forward to returning to the cottage in the months to come and watching the hens free ranging down at the beach. In the mean time, the neighbours at home continue to get the freshest of eggs when there’s surplus and my friend Ted continues to call me the Chicken Man.
I guess it’s like anything in life. You reap what you sow. With that said, wouldn’t it be easier to just get some eggs, salami, cookies, pickles or whatever at the grocery store? From a time perspective, the answer is yes. But, I’ve learned a lot in my trade-off with time. Satisfaction, pride in accomplishments, successes with small failures, and the opportunity to share with family and friends have made every moment worth while. I’ve also met a lot of great people all the way and it is great getting to know you all.
My blog has been up and running for the last few months and I am amazed at the interest. It has gone to places in the world that I will never reach. Thanks to all for spending some of your valuable time at City Boy Hens. As Spring unfolds, I look forward to sharing the progression of my vegetable garden at the cottage and some canning posts on making jams and preserving asparagus, peaches, pears, olives, peppers and more as we move into summer.
So….the hens are one year old. Though they all started laying at different times, I think we’ve received around 650 eggs and counting since Honda got the ball rolling last July! In the end, we’ve all survived. In fact, I believe we thrived! My only regret…….the odd Saturday sleep in to 8 o’clock would have been great!
1 Week’s Work!
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“Ok Swiffer……..I’m gonna’ do the right thing,…….take the higher road………and say……………I’m sorry! I’m sorry for all the times I cursed your name, for all the times that I labeled you as the trouble making hen in my small flock of three……………but most of all……..I’m sorry for making fun of those Ping -Pong ball size eggs that you laid for almost 3 years. 
City Boy Hens 