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!

Do you have a special chicken keeper (or the chickens) in your life? Would you like to give them a gift this holiday season, but not sure where to start?  Then keep reading because every chicken enthusiast has a long list of things they wish they had. I’ve had so much fun combing the internet to hand-pick some of the best gifts to help them excel at their favorite hobby.  There were so many, I am showing products within a 5-part PopWorms! Guide to Chicken Christmas Cheer!  I could not help myself…so many cute and cool chicken clothes (for your chicken person, not the chicken), goodies, gadgets, and gizmos out there!
 
To kick it off, let’s talk about items for the coop.  When looking for the right gift for chicken keepers, you can’t go wrong with anything that helps your chicken loving friends upgrade, or fortify their coop more easily or comfortably, or to allow chicken entertainment.
 
Coop and Chicken Heating
 
Want to help keep the feathered friends warm over the colder months? The K&H Pet Products Thermo Chicken Perch will keep chickens warm and happy.  The perch warms chicken feet, and aids to retain body heat.  This ergonomically designed perch also includes dual internal thermostats to regulate the perfect temperature, day and night. You can purchase for $36.44 from Chewy.com.
 
If you would rather provide a more substantial heating source, the Cozy Products Flat Panel Chicken Coop Heater uses both radiant and convection heat with low wattage for warmth without the risk of overheating.  This heater should be easy to set up in any coop, and uses 90% less energy than a space heater.  This product also comes from Chewy.com and is a little under $40.00.
 
Water and Feed Containers
 
Chicken feeders and water containers are nifty devices that come in handy.  Even if your hobbyist already has some, they could also use more, as it never hurts to change them out periodically for a good cleaning.  And who doesn’t like new stuff?  Lixit makes a versatile and inexpensive product that can be used as a chicken feeder and /or waterer.  The reservoir holds 64 ounces of water or 4 pounds of food, and the chicken design on the outside is just cute! Feathers and Beaky drinkers and feeders add a height adjustable feature that lifts the base off of the ground, and features a sturdy design.
 
The Bergan's Autowata drinker keeps a continuous supply of fresh water flowing.  The drinker is simply attached to a garden hose and ensures that the chickens always have enough to drink.
 
If your chicken enthusiast is good at DIY, then the poultry water nipple would be a great addition! These can be easily attached to a PVC pipe, a hanging bucket, or watering kit to provide the flock access to a steady supply of clean water.  And depending on geography,  Heated waterers or bases can keep the ice water away all winter long!
 
Fun Chicken Toys
 
Chicken lovers love to keep their feathered friends stimulated and happy. These chicken coop toys are sure to please!  You can get them all or choose one or two. Your chicken hobbyist, and the chickens, will thank you.
 
For starters, the Ware Manufacturing Chick-N-Veggie Treat Ball rolls and entertains chickens.  It can be filled with fresh veggies to also provide a  healthy treat.  
 
Want to combine chicken exercise with chicken enjoyment?  The chicken swing or chicken ladders are easily installed inside the coop and are sure to delight!  These products are also perfect for giving to your friends who have chicks.  Everyone will enjoy watching the chickens jump on and off, and the chickens will be occupied and have a blast!
 
Finally, another way to keep the chickens engaged is with the Lixit Chicken Toy.  This fun toy doubles as a treat dispenser and food is slowly released from the openings, as the chickens peck to get at the food, keeping them active and occupied. 
 
Of course you need to fill the dispenser with something, so why not our PopWorms! ECO or PopWorms! PRO treats!  And, there is no need to decide which product to get the girls… just get them both with our PopWorms! Holiday Bundle: 2 bags of PopWorms! ECO, and 1 bag of PopWorms! PRO, for a great low price!
 
Stay tuned for next week’s post, but until then, maybe some of these gifts might inspire you to take up the hobby yourself! Also, be sure to check out our upcoming site-wide sale from 11/29-12/1!

Since your chickens are limited on what they can forage this time of year, you need to feed them more. Of course give them their scratch, meal and corn (digesting corn warms the little darlings up internally), but you will definitely be supplementing more during the winter. 

Warm, Tasty Treats Your Chicken Will Thank You For

• Warm cooked oatmeal mixed with banana or other fruits, or even some syrup is a great treat, just not every day.
• Oatmeal uncooked.  It can still be warm and mixed with birdseed for a tempting beakful.
• Scrambled eggs, if your little ladies are still laying well. Make sure the eggs are well cooked, you do not want to give them a taste for raw eggs.
• Cooked pasta is well liked and you can change it up with different vegetables. 
• Vegetables cooked and raw make them happy. Feed them as many greens as you can. 
• Quinoa cooked with some greens or syrup will be a tasty snack.
• Warm potatoes and almost all table scraps are well received.

Other Treats Chickens Love

• Apple, banana, etc. peels, but not rinds.
• Berries especially strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
• Seeds, pumpkin, sunflower, plum, chia, squash, and melon, if you have any.

PopWorms!, are nutritional treats made from dried black soldier fly larvae. Your chickens will rave about them. PopWorms! ECO has a higher protein content and 25% more calcium than mealworms. PopWorms! PRO has probiotics, necessary for keeping a healthy gut. You can get the girls a PopWorms! Holiday Bundle, which comes with 2 bags of the PopWorms! ECO and 1 bag of the PopWorms! PRO by clicking here.

What Not to Give your Chickens

Per The Happy Chicken Coop you should not give your girls these: acorns, apple cores and seeds, avocado, dry rice, eggplant, beans and lentils, leeks and onions for a complete list click here. 

Springtime is the traditional season for getting new chicks and beginning to raise them. However, there are many advantages to doing so in the fall instead! These advantages could range from the freedom to spend more time with your chicks to better egg laying when they've matured.
 
Here are 4 key benefits of raising chicks in the fall:

• They will lay more eggs come springtime. Spring chicks begin their laying cycle at about 5 or 6 months of age. This means that their laying will likely be inconsistent due to the summer heat, and then the shorter daylight hours as fall approaches. When you begin raising chicks in the fall, they will begin to lay in a cooler temperature range, and as the days are getting longer - which means a lot of eggs for you (even up to 7 per week)!
  
• You will be able to care for them in more comfortable temperatures. It's not as much fun to feed your chicks in the blazing summer heat as it is in the much cooler temperatures of mid-to-late fall and early winter.
  
• Your time will not be eaten up by other activities. Especially if you have kids, your summer will likely be chock-full of family activities, such as vacations, hikes, and all sorts of other outings. With fall chicks, your kids will still be in school, meaning you won't have to plan around an array of other activities in order to take care of your feathery friends.
  
• You will be able to beat the "springtime rush" and get first dibs on rare breeds. Whether it's the Rhode Island Red, the White Leghorn, or another rare breed, you'll be more likely to get your chicks (and maybe at a better price) in the fall, as opposed to the spring.
  

 
 Of course, in order to be successful you'll need to plan ahead. For instance, you'll need to obtain a heat plate or some other source of heat for those colder days that will signal the start of winter. Also, you will want to take advantage of fall produce, and occasionally feed high protein treats to your chicks, especially after they begin their first molting season.
 
For more insight into how best to care for your chicks, as well as many, many other chicken-related resources, explore our website at PopWorms!

If you are reading this blog it's because you are like us...You LOVE chickens! We do too! But there are some other awesome poultry pals you can keep which we find almost as enthralling. The best thing about a mixed flock is that they usually don't compete for the exact same food resources, so you can keep more birds with a little variety.

Ducks - YES!

Ducks are AWESOME! They are hilarious to watch and many have very distinct personalities. While not incredibly intelligent, they aren't mean spirited either. They tolerate most climates pretty well, aside from the desert southwest. They like rain and humidity and they love to have a good romp in the snow. 

If you've got touchy neighbors, ducks usually make much less commotion early in the morning and all night long than some other fowl friends we'll cover. 

Ducks are more expensive than chickens to maintain. They'll cost almost twice as much to feed, and they require adequate water. Ducks need to be able to swim and bathe all the time. In a backyard setting you can just keep a kiddie pool or two filled with fresh water daily for them. They do lay a considerable number of eggs though, so they really do try to earn their keep.

Turkeys - YES!

If you are meat farming, you need a turkey or two. They are relatively efficient for their size because they forage a lot. Turkeys come in many varieties, and some of them are known to be quite intelligent and personable. It is this author's experience that turkeys raised singly by a family can be quite a loving pet, while those raised unhandled in large groups tend to get rude and aggressive, especially towards little children.

They are suitable for most climates, and tolerate just about any kind of weather. So if you're into raising poultry, not little people, give them a try!

Peafowl (peacocks) - Maybe?

Peacocks are amazing if you have the space. A lot of space. Did we mention they need space? The males especially need at least 100 square feet per bird to really stretch out during mating season. If you're farming for sustenance you'll be spending good money after bad with peacocks. As one old farmer once told this author "They're more of a lookin' bird than an eatin' bird."

Pheasants - If you've got what it takes.

Pheasants are gorgeous. They're also solid layers during spring and summer, laying as many as 10 eggs per day! But they come with some real challenges too, like the fact that your chickens may not like the pheasant addition. It's true. Pheasants are very aggressive and competitive, and may attack smaller birds, if they feel they are a threat.  However, offering alot of space to prevent overcrowding, and raising pheasant and chicken chicks together from the beginning, with caution, might ease initial threat perceptions.

Though not native species to many areas, pheasants can handle most US climates other than the driest deserts. But they need a lot of space or they will start pecking at others.

They also spook much easier than other birds. So if you live in a noisy neighborhood or have big barking dogs, you might find that pheasants stress out too easily.

Here at Popworms, we love all kinds of poultry just as much as our customers do. Take a look at our website for more great poultry resources, and enjoy your flock! Use coupon code LIVE to receive 30% off Popworms! Live.  Offer good through October 31, 2019.

Autumn brings changes to our backyards. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and an abundance of falling leaves transform the outdoors. Our chickens are noticing seasonal changes too. Help your chickens prepare to enjoy the fall season with these simple maintenance tips.

Pamper Molting Chickens

Strewn feathers in your chicken coop and run are a sign of molting. Loss and regrowth of feathers is a natural phenomenon that occurs annually, typically during fall. Seasonal molting begins when chickens are at least 18-months old. The process can last for eight to twelve weeks. You might notice a slight drop in egg production during molting. Chickens give themselves a well deserved break from laying and prepare their bodies for winter. You can help your chickens to remain healthy and comfortable by:

• Avoiding unnecessary handling; chickens' skin is sensitive during molting.
• Keeping a low-stress environment; do not introduce new hens into the flock to minimize the stress of maintaining a pecking order during molting.
• Feeding a protein rich diet; food rich in protein encourages healthy feather regrowth.

Tidy Coops & Runs

Fall is a great time for a thorough clean of your chicken coop and run. Chickens will enjoy the comforts of a clean, dry, well ventilated coop during their fall hiatus. Keep an eye for any mites, lice, or parasites as you clean and treat the coop with pest repellent if necessary. Molting chickens are particularly susceptible to infestation. Scrub feeders and water fountains with an environmentally friendly cleanser.

Secure the Perimeter

Protect your chickens from lurking predators. Food becomes scant during fall so, predators are on the hunt for an easy meal. Inspect your coop and run and make any necessary repairs to overhead netting, chicken wire, fencing, or other perimeter boundaries.

Light Up the Coop

Chickens are photoperiod sensitive. Dwindling hours of daylight as fall progresses can decrease your chickens egg laying. Help your chickens to continue to lay by providing 14 to 16 hours of light per day. You can achieve sufficient lighting by equipping your coop with one 24W bulb for every 40-square-feet of coop.

Embrace the autumn changes in your backyard and enjoy the scene while listening to the happy, "Cluck, cluck!" of your well prepared chickens! Don’t forget to treat your chickens with Popworms! during the autumn season! Use the Promo Code “FALL” to receive 20% off PopWorms! ECO and PopWorms! PRO.  Valid through October 5, 2019.

Nothing is more exciting than starting off your chicken raising adventure! Whether you're starting a coop to harvest precious eggs, raising birds for meat, or just enjoying the company (and sometimes cacophony) of a flock of beautiful birds, you'll need to make sure your yard is ready!
 
The most important investments you'll make for your chickens is quality housing and a safe outdoor space to frolic. 

Chicken Coops: Size Matters!

The size of your coop depends on the number of chickens you plan on having. You don't want to overcrowd poultry! Floor space should be your number one concern when planning your coop.
 
Per Coopsandcages.com "Ideally, every chicken must have at least 3 feet space. Therefore, if you have 5 birds, you'll have to get an enclosure that measures 15 [square] feet. In addition to the recommended 3 feet space, every coop must also have a roosting area, a nesting area, and a feeding area."

• If your chickens will need to spend cold winter months all cooped up then you'll need more space per bird. They'll need at least 5 square feet per bird if you live in a harsh climate.
• You'll also need 1 nesting box for every 4 hens. Chickens prefer to nest in boxes that are dark and quiet. Bed them with straw or another clean, soft medium.
• Windows and doors are also key. You need to be able to open up your coop for ventilation, and you'll need ready access to collect eggs and clean the coop. 

 
Chicken Runs: Shady Pastures
 
Fit your yard for chickens with plenty of shade and plenty of water. You can hand water chickens once or twice a day or purchase automatic chicken waterers. These still need to be checked every day! Chickens love dust baths, so a nice dry spot of dirt would really be appreciated. 
 
Finally, shade is key! Chickens can suffer from heat exhaustion in the summer, so make sure you have some methods to cool down your yard, and plenty of shade.

Welcome to an amazing new hobby! You're going to have so much fun! Check out the rest of our blog for more great chicken articles and stories, and to learn more about our PopWorms! ECO and PopWorms! PRO chicken treats!  Your chickens will thank you!

So you've taken the leap, bought the chickens, and now you're dreaming about all the fresh eggs and other benefits your new coop will bring you. But, now you are wondering: who knew chickens could be so noisy?  Don't worry, you're not alone. Navigating the noise of domestic chicken flocks is one of the most frequently searched questions for prospective backyard farmers, but luckily the problem isn't insurmountable.

Breed Matters

When it comes to deciding what birds fit your needs, research is key. Certain breeds, like the free-range loving Ancona, are hardy and intelligent, but tend to be pretty vocal. Calmer breeds, like the tenacious Australorp or the beautiful and broody Orpington, are quieter, and might be a better fit for your home coop. Whatever the breed, roosters will always be louder, and they can create drama in your flock.

Time and Reason

Many breeds of chicken are naturally quiet, but even these birds will speak up if given a reason. Pay attention to the sounds your birds are making and when. Chickens will often make an excited noise when laying an egg, or cluck busily after laying as though to announce her accomplishment. They are also much more vocal when they feel in danger, so heightened noise levels may mean that your birds are uneasy. Make sure you're providing them with a safe shelter they can retreat to when they feel threatened. Which brings us to the next point.

Relaxation

Depending on the breed, your chickens will likely need 12 to 14 hours of light in order to lay, but providing a sheltered, safe-feeling space for them to retreat is just as important as giving them access to the outdoors. Nervous chickens are noisy chickens, so if your birds are constantly clucking, it might be that they're telling you they don't like their coop.

Regulations

As with all aspects of backyard farming, it's important to know the rules. Look into your local sound ordinances, or any specific restrictions your area may have on raising chickens. You don't want to literally bet the farm on keeping your coop a secret, only to have the chickens themselves give it away. Additionally, many localities have laws against owning roosters but not hens, so make sure to study up!