Jackpot

I believe we have solved the mystery as to why our hens weren't laying eggs for well over 2 months. People served up opinions such as it was too cold or too dark (we don't have a light set up in their coop), but we knew that wasn't the case. Our hens had been laying quite nicely up until that point, well into the winter when it was very dark early and the winds would howl.

Our problem? Roosters. They are problems in more ways than one... I admit, we have too many. When we made our initial order, we only wanted a handful of chickens. The minimum order was TWENTY FIVE. Yes, that is 2-5... They also threw in a couple males for warmth. So, we ended up with more than the two roosters we'd originally ordered. So far, we have been too busy to "off" them, and we aren't exactly experienced with that sort of thing. Dave did go help our friends the Terrys butcher some chickens last year, though, so at least he has some idea!

Needless to say, whenever we'd put the hens back into the coop for the evening, all 5 of the roosters would jump on them. The poor things have feathers scratched off their backs and heads and when you touch them, they would crouch down in fear. Dave got sick of the roosters terrorizing the hens, so he threw all 5 into our movable chicken pen. There. They can have at it. They have been in there for a few days and so far they are all still living. They will remain in there until we decide when we will make some of them crock pot material. WHEN, not IF!

Meanwhile, the hens, in utmost appreciation for ridding the coop of those mangy beasts, have rewarded us with 4 eggs yesterday and two already today! We are back in business with nice, fresh eggs! So far, it has only been Auracana eggs, but we'll take what we can get. ;)