John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Plan of Salvation in the foot notes

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Unlock the Secret to Raising Happy Chickens(Part 5,6,7)

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Part 5: Predator-Proofing Your Coop

Let’s face it: your chickens are basically a walking buffet for predators. Raccoons, foxes, hawks—even your neighbor’s overly curious dog—are all eyeing your flock. So how do you keep your feathered friends safe?

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Fort Knox for Chickens

  • Hardware Cloth: Forget chicken wire. It might keep chickens in, but it won’t keep predators out. Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth for all coop openings and bury it at least 12 inches underground to stop digging predators.
  • Secure Doors and Latches: Raccoons have opposable thumbs and a master’s degree in lock-picking (probably). Use predator-proof latches that require two-step opening.
  • Automatic Coop Door: Install an automatic door that opens and closes on a timer or light sensor. This keeps your chickens safely inside at night without you having to set an alarm.

The Buddy System

  • Rooster Watch: If your local regulations allow it, a good rooster can help protect your flock by acting as an alarm system and deterrent. (Bonus: Roosters are great at breaking up hen squabbles.)
  • Guard Animals: Some chicken keepers swear by using guard dogs, alpacas, or even geese to deter predators.

Overhead Protection

  • Netting: Install bird netting or wire mesh over your run to protect your flock from hawks and other flying predators.

Part 6: Handling and Training Your Chickens

Yes, you can train your chickens! No, they won’t fetch your slippers, but they can learn some useful tricks.

How to Handle Chickens Safely

  • Approach Calmly: Sudden movements will send your chickens into a feathered frenzy. Move slowly and speak softly.
  • Proper Holding Technique: Support their chest with one hand and their legs with the other. Keep their wings gently tucked against their body.
  • Bribes Work Wonders: A few mealworms or a handful of scratch grains can make handling much easier.

Training Tips

  • Name Recognition: Believe it or not, chickens can learn their names! Call their name each time you offer a treat.
  • Come When Called: Use a specific sound (like a whistle or clicking noise) before feeding them. Soon, they’ll associate the sound with food and come running.
  • Coop Training: Train your chickens to return to the coop at dusk by keeping them confined for the first week in their new home. They’ll learn to associate the coop with safety and roosting.

Part 7: Harvesting Your First Eggs

Ah, the moment you’ve been waiting for—your first egg! It’s like finding treasure in the nest box. Here’s what to expect:

When Will They Lay?

Most hens start laying around 18-22 weeks of age. But don’t be surprised if they take their sweet time—some late bloomers might wait until 28 weeks.

Signs of an Egg-Laying Hen

  • Squatting Behavior: When you approach, they crouch low with wings slightly spread. This means they’re maturing and ready to lay.
  • Redder Combs and Wattles: A bright red comb is a sure sign of a laying hen.

Egg Collection Tips

  • Check Daily: Collect eggs at least once a day to prevent cracks, contamination, or theft by opportunistic hens (or worse, predators!).
  • Handle with Care: Eggs have a natural protective coating called bloom. Don’t wash them unless absolutely necessary, and always use warm water if you do.

Celebrate!

Your first egg is a big deal. Take a picture. Make a tiny omelet. Do a happy dance in the coop. You’ve earned it!

Final Thoughts

Raising chickens is a delightful (and sometimes messy) adventure, but having the right tools makes it infinitely easier. From top-notch feeders and waterers to predator-proofing and egg harvesting, these essentials will keep your flock clucking happily for years to come.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Raising Chickens 101 Guide. Until then, happy chicken-keeping, my friend!

🌿 The Plan of Salvation 1. God’s Love and Purpose for You God created you to be in relationship with Him and to have eternal life. John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” 2. The Problem: Our Sin Separates Us from God All people have sinned, and sin causes spiritual death—separation from God. Romans 3:23 (KJV) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 3. The Solution: Jesus Paid the Price for Our Sin Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and died in our place. He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. Romans 5:8 (KJV) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 4. Our Response: Receive Jesus by Faith We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. We must personally receive Christ into our hearts. Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 10:9–10 (KJV) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 5. The Result: A New Life in Christ When you accept Jesus, you are made new and begin a lifelong relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” John 1:12 (KJV) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” ✨ Would You Like to Pray? If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior, you can do it right now. A simple prayer from the heart might sound like this: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I trust You as my Savior and invite You into my heart and life. Help me to turn from my sin and follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”
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