Since May 2023, my little chickens have been growing strong indoors, but as they continue to get bigger every day, I built them a cozy coop outside. The project took about a week to complete, and it was the perfect time for them to move outside as the weather warmed up. In just a month, they had fully grown adult feathers, and they seemed to appreciate the extra space

*If you’re interested in building a similar coop for your own chickens, you can purchase the building instructions on this Etsy page.

Once a month, we head to a local farm supply store to purchase two bags of Layena, which cost $22 per bag.

This treat is perfect for hot summer days! Simply place your chickens’ favorite dried mealworms and strawberry pieces on a cookie pan, then fill the pan with water all the way. Pop it in the freezer to freeze, and once it’s solid, toss it to them once in a while. They’ll have a blast pecking at it, enjoying the yummy food, and staying hydrated while having fun!

Two winters have passed since then, and the chickens have adapted beautifully. As the temperatures drop in the fall, they grow thicker feathers to stay warm, and lay fewer eggs—usually just one or two every two days, compared to the usual four a day. We have to be extra diligent about collecting eggs, especially during the colder months, as they can freeze and crack if left too long. When the weather gets really chilly, they prefer staying cozy inside the coop, so we make sure to keep their feed and water inside to encourage them to stay warm.