Nothing is more exciting to a chicken owner than gathering the eggs daily; having a variety of egg colors makes this task extra fun!  Here is a guide to creating a flock that will give you a colorful egg basket.

Browns

Brown eggs have always been considered wholesome and farm-fresh.  Did you know there are many varieties of brown eggs?  Typical brown eggs are produced by Rhode Island Reds or Australorps.  A few egg-layers produce gorgeous brown eggs and add vibrant color to your egg basket.  Chicken breeds such as Welsummers, Barnevelders, and Marans produce these beautiful egg colors.  Welsummer eggs are not only dark brown but also have speckles on them.  Marans tend to be a bit more expensive, while Welsummers and Barnevelders are on the lower end of cost.

Whites

White eggs offer their own beauty in any egg basket.  A typical white egg layer is the Leghorn; a less common but popular breed that lays white eggs is the Polish chicken.  Several rarer breeds, laying white eggs, are Andalusian, Ancona, and Lakenyelders; these breeds are not necessarily expensive, but they may be harder to find.

Greens and Blues

Green and blue eggs are particularly fun to have in our egg basket, and the chickens that lay them are easy to find and are not terribly expensive.  The most popular breed that lays green and shades of blue eggs is the Easter Egger.  The Easter Egger is not a recognized breed, and their appearance can vary quite a bit.  But you can be assured their egg will be beautiful!  A more expensive green egg-laying breed is the Olive Egger.  Their eggs end to be darker shades of green, similar to olives.

Pinks and Creams

Several common chicken breeds will produce beautiful eggs that are cream to pink in color.  Affordable and easy-to-find breeds include Australorps, Orpingtons, and Susex.  Some Easter Eggers may lay this hue of eggs as well.  A unique, beautiful chicken breed that lays cream-colored eggs is the Silkie.  These fluffy chickens are relatively easy to find and are affordable to purchase.

Creating a mixed flock designed to lay a colorful variety of eggs is fum and easy!  Despite the color of the shell, you ca be assured they all offer the same farm-fresh aste.

No matter the breed, be sure to treat them with PopWorms! ECO and PopWorms! PRO!  Stock up on both of these products and more during our site wide spring sale!!

Chicken breeds are hugely varying in terms of color, physical appearance, as well as their egg-laying characteristics.  The following are some unusual and remarkable chicken breeds:

1. The Appenzeller Spitzhauben

This breed originates from Appenzell in Switzerland, the Swiss-German region.

What makes them unusual: They possess a unique forward-pointing crest.  This breed has a v-shaped comb and can display black spangled, silver spangled, gold spangled, and blue spangled plumage.

What makes them remarkable: Curious and active chickens hat choose to range and forage in an unlimited area.

Eggs and availability: This breed lays around 220 tinted or white eggs per year.  This breed is pretty scarce in the United States.  They do well in free-range, but not so well cooped.

2. The Naked Neck

This spooky appearing chicken breed originated from Hungary. 

What makes them unusual: Ability to display buff, black, white or red plumage.  The breed can also be patterned wearing shriveled feathers.

What makes them remarkable: Naked necks are affectionate and friendly to their keeper.  Due to their gentle and sweet nature, they can make perfect pets for kids.  his breed can flourish if given the liberty to forage.

Eggs and availability: This chicken breed lays around 120 light brown eggs per year.  They are readily available.  Search for them here.

3. The La Fleche

This breed originates from France.  It is among the most distinctive looking chooks on the perch.

What makes them unusual: They have a unique horn-shaped comb that gives them an ominous-looking form with white earlobes and a blood-red wattle.

What makes them remarkable: They are a pleasure to keep in the chicken coop.  Active and inquisitive chicken that like devising ways to explore their backyard in a very aloof way.

They lay around 180 eggs per year and are very scarce.

4.  Ayam Cemani

Ayam Cemani is one of the strangest and most superb chicken breed in Indonesia.  They are well-regarded as religious and mystical signs and are tremendously expensive.

What makes them unusual: They are completely black--all over!

What makes them remarkable: Friendly and make caring mother hens.

Eggs and availability:  Ayam Cemani lay around 80 cream, slightly pink-tinted eggs per year.  These are also pretty scarce, but you can get them here when available.

5.  The White Sultan

This chicken breed originates from turkey and belongs to the group of crested chicken. 

What makes them unique?  They have feathered feet, a long tail, full crest, a horned comb, and a fifth toe!

What makes them remarkable: They are a feathered fashion show !  Also, they are friendly and can live health lives restricted to a roomy chicken backyard.

Eggs and availability: he Sultan chicken breed lays around 180 white eggs per year.  You can look to buy them here.

These are only just a handful of the odd and amazing chickens out there.  I encourage you to check out the links I included in the blog to add some to your flock!  And no matter how bizarre the breed, be sure to give them love with our PopWorms! treats. 

Do you own several hens and are thinking about adding a rooster to your flock?  Maybe you don't have any chickens, but you just loving having a handsome rooster strut around your barnyard.  Here are a few of the basic pros and cons for adopting a rooster, along with some considerations and warnings.

Benefits of Owning a Rooster

Roosters offer several benefits, including:

• Provide stud service--Probably the main advantage of adding a rooster to your hen house
• Act as a relentless bodyguard--Roosters are known for guarding and defending other barnyard animals from perceived danger.  They are constantly on the lookout for possible intruders, warning hens and other pets when danger is detected.
• Alert your chickens for food--When a rooster finds tasty food, he shares the news with his chicks.
• They lower stress levels for hens--When you add a rooster to your flock, you can lower the stress level of your hens.  Having a "man" in the hen house can calm down the chickens as they know they are being protected.  As a result of being calmer, your hens can produce more eggs.
  

Disadvantages

• Some roosters are too aggressive and can be annoying when they jump on people.
• Even worse, they can peck kids and adults, causing pain and injury.
  
• Roosters can be extremely noisy.  Even if you don't mind the crowing and early morning wakeup calls, your neighbors may complain.

Introducing Your New Rooster

Before introducing a new rooster to your hens, wait about two weeks, keeping him separate from the chickens.  This lets you look for any possible health problems that he may have, and gives you time for handling his temperament.

While your rooster is being housed in a separate pen that is in viewing distance for the other barnyard animals, he and the chickens can watch one another interact.  Then, after your rooster seems to be acclimated to the hens, let him out of his pen, so he can join the others.

Food, Water, and Housing Requirements for a Rooster

Roosters consume both plan and animal foods.  Feed them a complete diet as found in feed store products.  Replace the water trough daily, making sure drinking water is not too cold or too warm.  Don't let your rooster drink puddle water as it may contain dangerous pollutants.

It is best to let your rooster have its own sleeping quarters in a separate wire cage, when it's not enacting or mating with hens.  If you are raising roosters for showing in competitions, such as fairs, keep them in a smaller pen that is about two feet wide by three feet long.  Just ensure it is located in a warm spot since there are not other birds to help it stay warm.

Other Considerations and Warnings

• If you have a lot of hens, hen you may need more than one rooster.  You need ten to 12 hens for each rooster, so they get enough time with each hen, which resouces competition, and prevents overbreeding.
• Since roosters are most fertile at age one and a half to three or four years old, this is the best time to adopt.  Their average lifespan is about fife to eight years.
• Before investing in a rooser, make sure it is allowed in your neighborhood.  Therefore, check the municipal codes for where you live.  Most likely, you will be able to bring home a rooster if you live in a suburban neighborhood.

To learn more about how to care for hens and roosters, visit us at Popworms.com for tips and treats!

Chickens are pretty amazing and unique animals which inspire curiosity both in folks who own them and those who don't.  These are some of the most frequently asked questions about chickens.

1. How many eggs does a chicken lay?

The number of eggs most chickens lay depends on the care you provide and also on their breed.  Some chicken breeds can give you up to 300 eggs per year, while others may only give 50-60 per year.

2. Do chickens come home to roost?

True to the legend, your chicken can walk all through Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee but rest assured that she will be back at your brooder by sunset.  Chickens are very loyal and intelligent creatures.

3. When do chickens start laying eggs?

Egg-laying varies by breed, but most chickens will start laying eggs at around five months of age and keep doing so for the rest of their lifetime if good care is given.

4. What predators should I be watching out for?

Raccoons, being smart and intelligent animals, are the greatest threat to your backyard chicken-second only to the human being who occasionally eats chickens.  Simple safety practices will keep your chickens safe from predators such as raccoons, eagles, and hawks.

5. How long do chickens live?

If you give them the care they deserve,  you will have your chickens roaming around your backyard for 7 to 15 years.  Different breeds have different lifespans, but it is vital to understand that the longevity of your chickens depends on how well you care for and how happy and active you keep them.

6. Are roosters needed for chickens to lay eggs?

Unlike humans, chickens had 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wave feminism inbuilt and don't need a male to lay eggs.  However, it is not all doom and gloom for the rooster as he is required for the eggs to hatch.

7. How much attention do chickens require?

Despite being lovely, chickens require pretty low maintenance.  Chickens mostly go about the backyard minding their own business.  Apart from routine food, watering and egg collection, your chickens will do just fine.

8. What do different egg colors mean?

Egg color depends mostly on the breed and does not signify taste or quality.  The feed and care the chickens are given determine the quality of the eggs.

9. When should I let my chicks outside?

It is a general rule of thumb to let your chickens outside when they are well feathered.  It is advisable to let your chicks out at about 5-8 weeks.

10. Why do roosters crow?

Your guesses here were probably correct.  The crow is alarm clock 1.0, and roosters crow as a response to an internal body clock, and also a response to stimuli such as people walking around or cars approaching.

Here at PopWorms!, we are a family dedicated to providing quality treats for your chickens.  We hope this post answers some of your nagging questions regarding chickens.  But, please also check out our other blog posts, and great products that will help keep your chickens happy!  Shop our selection of products and use promo code "KC" to receie 25% off orders of 1lb bags of PopWorms! ECO or PopWorms! PRO!  Hurry, because this offer is valid only until February 16, 2020!

As winter settles in, our flocks have acclimated to the colder temperatures.  Often, our chickens' activity levels drop off during this time of year; in addition to the colder weather, the ground is dormant, and the bugs are gone.  Despite all of this, you can create enriching exercises for your flock that will make them more active and are excellent boredom fighters.  Here are some ideas!

Let's Play!

Providing fun things for chickens in the coop will keep them engaged and exercised.  You can install a chicken swing.  Chickens love to roost on elevated surfaces; having a swing adds movement in addition to height.  You can also add treat balls to their environment.  Treat balls are toys that you can fill with tasty treats for your flock; they have to peck at the ball for a surprise to fall out!  Check out our selection of delicious and nutritious treats for your treat balls!

Let's Eat!

Another easy way to add enrichment for your backyard flock is to hang a head of cabbage!   Drill a hole through the cabbage and thread a rope through it, then hang it up in the coop!  Hang it high enough for them to have to work at it, but not too high that they lose hope of reaching it.  You can also use baskets or hanging seed cages and stuff with leafy treats, such as kale or spinach.  Creating opportunities for your chickens to work for a fresh vegetable treat will fight that winter boredom, and it is good for them!

Let's Get Physical!

There is a good chance that your backyard flock is excited to see you every day!  Take advantage of this energy and lead your chickens on a walk!  Get them out of the coop and get them moving.  You can also quickly train your flock to follow you.  Use delicious treats, like PopWorms! ECO, PopWorms! PRO, and PopWorms! LIVE. Encourage them to follow you while making a noise reserved for them, such as a high-pitched whistle.  Chickens learn quickly, and before long, you can open their coop and whistle for them to come to you!  Whether urban or rural, your chickens will benefit from some supervised and guided free-ranging time!

Providing enriching activities for your flock is a great way to fight obesity in your hens and beat boredom!  Happy, health chickens is the goal.  Check out PopWorms! for more tips and delicious treats!

We love the summer, and chickens do too! Not only does summer mean warm weather and lots of bugs to eat, but it also means lots of eggs from our flock. But, as the days grow shorter, our hens lay fewer eggs. Hens require 14 to 16 hours of light a day to lay an egg. When the days become shorter, they naturally lay fewer eggs. But you can influence your hens' winter laying by adding artificial lighting to your coop!

To Light or Not to Light

This is a never-ending debate among chicken owners. Some say to allow chickens to rest over the winter, others say to provide artificial lighting to keep them laying. There is no wrong answer here--it all depends on what you, as the owner, want to do! You'll have to weigh the pros and the cons of providing artificial light and decide what is best for your flock.

The Pros

By lighting the coop through the winter, you'll continue the egg-laying cycle despite the shorter days. The artificial lighting stimulates the pituitary gland in the hen, which signals her ovaries to release an egg. For chicken owners that sell eggs, this will keep your business running. Families will continue to get the eggs they need for their household as well. Lighting your coop also warms up your coop just a bit, and in particularly cold climates, this is a nice benefit.

The Cons

Providing artificial light means the hens don't get rest through the winter, which many agree ultimately shortens their life. How much it impacts their lifespan is up for debate. Also, lighting a chicken coop increases the chances of an accidental fire that may destroy your flock. Lighting the coop requires consideration for doing so safely.

Types of Lighting

There are several methods for providing light in your coop. You are essentially extending their daylight hours, so putting your lighting on a timer to come on early in the morning and again after the sun goes down, ensuring your hens get at least 14 hours of light in all, is a preferred method. You can use a regular light bulb or a halogen light; you can even choose to use an infrared lamp. Lighting can be powered using solar or using electricity. In the end, ensuring your lighting is safe from breaking is most important. Also, installing your lighting in just the right place to avoid direct contact with your coop bedding is a critical consideration.

For more ideas on getting the most out of your chickens, check out our blog. For more useful information and to learn about our PopWorms! ECO and PopWorms! PRO chicken treats, visit our website. Your chickens will love you for it!

In case you just noticed, Christmas is now just about here.  Time is running out, but there is still time to get last minute gifts for chicken keepers-or those that just love chickens!  Part 5 of the Chicken Cheer Gift Guide is all about unique and novelty items for the friend who has everything and wants nothing, and even the hard to please.  Most of these can be obtained with 1-day shipping to you, or shipped to your friend’s address.  These could also be great for after Christmas get-togethers or New Year’s host or hostess gifts.  Even if you just want some inspiration for ideas for the upcoming year…you have come to the right place!
 
Everyone needs mugs, but these will appeal to your coop keeping friends!  This creative, handmade mug has a 3D rooster head handle.  The mug holds 15 ounces, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and will be a lovely addition to the kitchen or office. Your friends will drink with delight! 
 
This is another fun one: the OCD mug (Obsessive Chicken Disorder).  And if you are looking for  a mug that is a bit edgier, there is the “cluck it” mug.
 
Speaking of Clucky gifts, there is also the Don’t Give a Cluck wine glass, or the What the Cluck? 2020 day-to-day calendar.  The calendar is a great gift for entering into the new year.  It is chocked full of chicken facts, chicken-related quotes, trivia, and jokes.  It is both lighthearted, and informative!
 
AND…you can also pair your clucky items with the “cluck it” wooden sign.  The sign is made in Tennessee, USA, of natural wood grain.  They are eco-friendly and heat and water resistant. The sign measures approximately 3.5 inches x 4.5 inches, and is a definite conversation piece.
 
The Chicken Lovers Parking Only sign is also a really fun sign.  Violators will be egged!  Also made in the USA, and is built to last with the highest quality aluminum, with a weather resistant finish. The sign is 9x12 inches- large enough to get noticed, but ideal for smaller spaces. It would be a great addition to the chicken coop, the yard, or the office!
 
Do you have a friend who has cute, fluffy and sweet chickens?  Or…do you know someone with chickens who are not so friendly?  Either way, this sign is perfect for everyone!  This gift could be a serious, or gag gift.  The sign is made for either indoor or outdoor us, and is a unique addition to the home, office or coop.
 
What could be better for your coop keeping friend than a new automatic chicken coop door kit with timer controller.  It is designed especially for chicken coops, and comes as a weather-proof fiberglass door that works vertically or horizontally with a powerful motor. This controller allows full automation of the coop door to get the girls in safely in at night, then let them out in the morning!  Your friend will love this…or get it for yourself!
 
And they can also protect the flock when you give them a great trail camera!  The camera will allow surveillance to identify chicken predators or other threats.  They will also your friends to troubleshoot issues and also to dig deeper into their chicken’s behavior!  This one is waterproof, and motion activated with a color screen and keypad.  It comes in 3 available user-friendly modes (photo only, video only, photo + video), Up to 32GB SD card (not included in the package), also has loop recording, temperature/date/time/moon phase imprint, time lapse, and timer setting. There are many options for trail cameras out there, but this one comes with many options, and won’t break the bank!
 
But, if you want to show up with gift in hand, you can pick up a chicken handling or other chicken guide/hobby farm magazine.  Just about every grocery store or feed store carries them.  Surprise them with the current issue and an upcoming subscription!
 
Depending on where you are, you should pick up our PopWorms! Chicken Treats! in stores.  But if you are not in the areas where they are sold in stores, make sure to order online.  For only a short while longer, the PopWorms! Holiday Bundle allows you to buy 2 bags of PopWorms! ECO, and 1 bag of PopWorms! PRO, for a great low price!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us to you!!

This week’s PopWorms! Chicken Cheer Gift Guide is chocked full of must have gifts that any chicken lover will covet!  I have included a list that features stylish dresses, shirts, pajamas, clogs and shoes, and even accessories such as hairclips and shawls. This list should have you covered for unique ideas that will be perfect for the chicken loving fashionistas in your life!
 
Dresses, Shirts, and PJs
 
This Chicken Happy Print Pattern Sleeveless Dress by JTamigo is so eye-catching, it is bound to get some compliments!  It is very versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  It’s design of polyester blend and heat-dye application means it is both comfortable and structured not to fade.  It is available in a variety of sizes from XS to XL, and also has pockets!
 
Looking for a men’s casual button down shirt with flare?  Look no further than this short sleeve shirt by INTERESTPRINT.  The shirt is made of machine washable, comfortable and breathable elastic fabric and has a great print of multiple roosters.  You can get this in both short sleeve and long sleeve, and in a variety of sizes. This shirt would be great for the beach or for that casual get together!
 
Running out of ideas (as if we haven’t given you so many already!)? How about a T-shirt?  These T shirts are designed to make a statement!  But the designs are only equal to the comfort these will add to your coop keepers’ wardrobe. Amazon has so many designs to choose from that will satisfy any taste, including “Yep, I talk to Chickens”, “Chicken Whisperer”, “Cocky”, and for the edgier, “What the Cluck”… to name a few!  Check out the many selections here.
 
For the lounger, you can’t go wrong with chicken PJs.  These PJs provide comfort, cuteness, and affordability that will be worn all winter long! For the ladies, choose the jersey notch collar PJ sleeve and short set.  Made of spandex and rayon this set is both light and breathable.  And the spring chickens design will be a hit!  Also available in the same design, is a jersey knit short sleeve night shirt. And for those who love flannel, these 100% cotton PJ set is just perfect! 
 
And don’t forget men’s lounge pants.  The officially licensed Foghorn Leghorn Chick Magnet lounge pants are perfect for a man who wants a whole lot of casual and a whole lot of awesome! These are a cotton polyester blend, so should not shrink and comes in multiple sizes.  Great for all ages!
 
Clogs, Boots, and Sneakers
 
These slip on clogs by sloggers provide easy on and easy off comfort.  They also have a special insole  that provides all day support, and the bottoms provide good traction.  These clogs are also made of waterproof rubber and are easy to clean. And the adorable designs of rise and shine chickens (in either yellow or red) will add to the happiness of going to check on the flock! Sloggers also has these in mid-calf rainboots that are perfect for the coop, the garden or on the go in the rain!
If you have a coop keeping friend who loves sneakers, then this is the perfect gift!  These Gnarly Tees Women’s High Tops are pretty unique, and pretty awesome!  They are canvas, lace-up high tops with light blue and purple background with multiple chicken designs. They include a soft textile lining with lightweight construction and high-quality outsole for traction and durability. Let your friends strut their stuff in these smart and snazzy kicks!
 
Accessories
 
Do you need some unique stocking stuffers or add-ons? Then how about a beautiful chicken print shawl/beach wrap? This soft and smoot gift is made of silk chiffon and is very versatile.  It will add style and fun to any outfit.
 
If you are thinking jewelry, how about this Rooster brooch pen? You can choose between either black and white or in multi-color.  Either way, it is an ideal gift for brooch collectors and chicken lovers!
 
Hair accessories are also great gift ideas, and these hair tie and clips are likely to get poached (get it?)! They are designed with no sharp ends and are gentle on hair to reduce snags and hair breakage.  The poached egg design also add a whimsical style to any wardrobe.  These are super cute must haves--and at $5.99 for the set, you can buy a few!
 
This gift list of unique clothing, shoes and accessories would make any chicken lover happy to get under the tree. And be sure to check out our PopWorms! Website for great add-ons including our PopWorms! Holiday Bundle!  It is not too late to add this perfect accessory for the coop keeper on your nice list!  Merry Christmas!

Have you started making you holiday to-do list and wondering what gift to give for the chicken lover in your life? Look no further than our PopWorms! Chicken Cheer Holiday Gift Guide!  We have already covered gifts for the coop and items that make egg collection easier and more fun!  This week’s focus is on items for the kitchen.  Because eggs are used for all meals from breakfast to dinner, and nibbling that happens in between, it makes sense to have kitchen tools to make cooking egg-based meals easier.  I love chickens and I definitely love cooking and eating eggs, so I am excited to share my list of ten, low-cost gear and gadgets that will help you answer the question of what to give your coop keeping friends (or anyone who just loves eggs) for Christmas! 
 
1. Oversized Decorative Kitchen Towels

These embroidered towels are super cute, super absorbent, and also dry quickly. They come in a set of 3 towels with a charming farmhouse patchwork design and chicken silhouettes.  They are also made of 100% cotton that should stand up to multiple washes.
 
2. Chicken Shaped Oven Mitt and Hot Pad

This set is so adorable and would make a nice, whimsical addition to kitchen decoration, while also being functional.  They are made of 100% cotton, and are heat resistant and machine washable.  Both the oven mitt and the hot pad are designed in really fun chicken shapes, and would be great add-ons with the towels (both are made by Design Imports). I want a set for myself (hint hint)!
 
3. Farmhouse Chicken Chef Bib Apron

Make the ensemble complete with this delightful chef’s apron! The apron is made of 100% cotton and features a charming design including chickens, chicken footprints, hearts, and polka dots.  There is also a useful and fashionable red front pocket that accents the red ties and neck strap.  This gift will add style with practicality!
 
4. Ceramic Chicken Measuring Spoons

Add charm to the kitchen while measuring out those small amounts of ingredients!  These measuring spoons are neat gifts for chicken lovers and would make great hostess gifts.  The set comes with 1-Tbsp, 1-tsp, ½-tsp and ¼-tsp measuring spoons as well as a chicken shaped holder for the spoons that make for a playful kitchen display.
 
5. Nested Hen and Chick Dry Measuring Cups
 
The measuring cups from Fred & Friends comes in a set of 6 that measure from ¼ cup to a full cup.  The nested cups are true to their name and all fit inside each other for easy storage.  But when needed, the one-cup “mother hen” can be opened to reveal an egg with a little chick inside, followed by another.  They are made of food-safe plastic and provide accurate measurements for dry ingredients.  Buy these with the chicken measuring spoons to make it a complete set!
 
6. Electric Egg Cooker
 
Whipping up boiled eggs is now fast and easy!  This Chefman electric egg cooker allows cooking eggs in a variety of ways.  With this gadget you can make poached eggs, omelets, and even soft, medium or hard boiled in minutes.  It also comes with a tray lifting tool for easy removal without burning your hands.  An included piercing tool and measuring cup that allows piercing shells without breaking.  There is also a nifty buzzer to alert when the cooking is finished.  Also, the compact size is perfect for dorms or offices.
 
7. Silicone Egg Rings Non Stick Fried Egg Mold
 
This gift will allow your friend to whip up fluffy, perfectly shaped eggs for egg sandwiches, eggs benedict, or omelets every time!  These are made of food-grade silicone so they are easy to clean and also eco-friendly.  They come in a pack of four in different colors.  They are reusable and also dishwasher safe.  They have a handle that can be wiggled to see when ready.  Your friends will love the fact that these egg rings are totally non-stick, so there will be no more scratched pans!
 
8. Egg Peeler
 
Have you ever tried to peel a freshly boiled egg only to lose half of the egg with the shell?  Me too! Ugh!  This nifty little gadget is a must have for any kitchen.  This is one that you don’t think you need until you get it.  It is the ultimate time and temper saver!  With this egg peeler, All you need to do is add a little water in the peeler,  enclose the egg inside, and shake it a few times to remove the peel.  And a nice bonus is that after the shell is off, you can use the egg slicer that comes with the peeler!  Two gifts in one that could also make great stocking stuffers!
 
9. Snap ‘N Stack 2-Layer Food Storage Container with Egg Holder Trays
 
This is something that I wanted for years and finally got…and I love!  If your friend is always making deviled eggs and bringing them to the party on paper plates, then this is the perfect gift.  The Snapware egg holder holds deviled eggs or whole eggs safely in place for transport to potlucks or parties. The set includes 2 egg holders that can hold up to 24 eggs and a plastic lid, all of which are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. The egg holder inserts can also be removed and the container can be used to hold or transport other foods as well.  Another bonus is that Snapware plastic products come with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect.
 
10. The Egg Cookbook: The Creative Farm-To-Table Guide To Cooking Fresh Eggs
 
This delightful cookbook includes delicious recipes to help you make the most of those great, and often large supply of eggs. The book features over 100 recipes including breakfast classics such as simple to fancy omelets, poached eggs, and interesting twists to huevos rancheros, and even breakfast stew.  Recipes also include uses for eggs in eggnog, meringues, and mayonnaise…just to name a few.  Also included are some entertaining stories, observations, and lessons learned from the author from years of raising backyard chickens.
 
We hope you love the gift ideas that we have recommended! AND be sure make your gift complete by including the PopWorms! Holiday Bundle to any of the gifts above!  Merry Christmas!

Last week I focused on some fun gift ideas for the chicken coop and for chickens.  This week is focused on helpful items for laying hens, egg collection and storage, that your backyard poultry enthusiast will surely love!
 
Nesting Boxes and Pads
 
First, let’s talk about nesting boxes-I mean, the girls need a secure place to lay their eggs!  Also, the nesting box is essential for your flock keeping friends in order, to maintain the eggs in a single, safe location. If your friend is a beginner or has only a single hen, then the Miller Manufacturing 16320 Single Chicken Nesting Box is a good choice.  The box is made of polyethylene, so it will not dent, corrode or rust.  The slanted roof prevents roosting and it can be mounted to a wall.  Other options include Homestead Essentials Roll Out Poultry Nesting Boxes.  You can buy those with two or more compartments.  These are made of galvanized steel with plastic lids, and also have slanted roofs.  But, these also come with a removable tray for easy cleaning.  Also, the eggs roll to the front of the nesting box for easy collection! And if the nesting box is your choice, don’t forget to add on nesting box pads.  These nest pads are perforated to allow debris to pass through, leaving a clean surface so eggs are cleaner than with conventional straw. And they are washable!  Another bonus is that they are made in the USA!
 
Incubators
 
If your flock keeper is intending on adding to the brood, then may I suggest giving an egg incubator.  These little contraptions come in all sizes, styles, and brands.  They also range from basic, tabletop styles for the beginner or small scale enthusiast, to cabinet incubators for the advanced hobbyist or larger-scale professional.  Most are equipped with temperature and humidity control, and many also come with automatic egg turners.  There are many to choose from, and range from around $20.00 and up.  You can sort through the selection based on the level of complexity and your price range, here.  Adding on an inexpensive egg candler is a fun and helpful way to allow for viewing the progress, growth and quality of the fertilized eggs.
 
Egg Collection, Cleaning, and Storage
 
If the goal is to consume or to sell the eggs, no flock keeper would be complete without a range of supplies for egg cleaning, collection, and storage. The Harris Farms Coated Wire Basket holds up to 6 dozen XL eggs and is constructed of heavy-duty wire that is coated with plastic to protect the eggs from breaking.  Also, the design of this basket makes it ideal not only for collecting, but also for washing and drying eggs. A more decorative choice for collection and also storage is the Black Metal Mesh Wire Storage Basket by MyGift.  This basket also features a super cute ceramic hen that tops the wire basket, allowing both function and decorative style. If you are looking for alternatives to collection baskets, check out the choices of egg gathering aprons.  These are sturdy, machine washable, and come in a variety of beautiful colors and designs to allow your coop keeper to gather eggs in style. Some are also made in small sizes for the young egg collector.
 
Egg cleaning towelettes are also nice add-on gifts, as they are convenient to use and are natural alternatives to chemical cleaners. Towelettes by MannaPro are also economical as one towelette can clean up to one dozen eggs.  I also came across this nifty hand egg brush by FarmTek. If you are looking for something all inclusive, this Egg Cleaning Kit has just about everything needed.  The kit includes a basket, egg wash powder, egg brush, and a hose to connect to an air compressor.  The washer uses air pressure to agitate the water that results in super clean eggs (pressure valve needed, but not included).
 
Your egg enthusiast will never be short on storage with the gift of egg cartons.  You can choose from those made from recycled pulp, glass, or plastic. Most hold 12-14 eggs and are reusable.  Cartons from Lixit even come with cute carton decoration!
 
PopWorms! Poultry Treats

No list would be complete without including PopWorms! Poultry Treats!  These make great stocking stuffers, and these tasty treats are packed with protein, fats, amino acids, and calcium, which are great for layers!  You can choose between PopWorms! ECO and PopWorms! PRO, or if your don’t want to choose, then go with our PopWorms! Holiday Gift Bundle that includes both! And, you will feel good knowing that you have given gifts that are not only nutritious, but also Eco-friendly!
 
I hope this list gives you great gift ideas for your friends, loved ones, or yourself!  Be sure to check out next week for part 3 of the Chicken Cheer Gift Guide!  Happy Holidays, Everyone!