Scoot Over, My Turn! Two Hens Finally Laying Eggs

Meet Penelope. Found her in the nest this morning laying an egg. So now we have two hens a layin (say that with the sing-song voice, six geese a layin!) As our other hen Cleopatra layed an egg this morning too! Yesterday we nearly lost her. In fact, I'm still holding my breath. It's a miracle! Seriously. I won't go into details on her injury. It's pretty bad, and I'm afraid to look again at her neck. I know... I'm being a chicken. :(

One of the most exciting milestones for any backyard chicken keeper is finding that first egg—and even more exciting is discovering another hen has decided to join the egg-laying club. That morning I opened the nesting box to find Penelope happily sitting on her freshly laid egg, while Cleopatra had already left us another surprise earlier in the day.

Watching young hens begin laying is incredibly rewarding. After months of caring for them as fluffy little chicks, providing fresh food and water, cleaning the coop, and patiently waiting, those first eggs make all the work worthwhile.

Winter Challenges with Backyard Chickens

Of course, raising chickens isn't always glamorous.

Heavy rain had turned the chicken yard into one giant mud puddle. Trying to collect eggs while wearing flip-flops and a nightgown probably wasn't my brightest idea. One quick step later, I found myself windmilling through the mud trying desperately not to become the morning's entertainment. Somehow I managed to stay upright, although my daughter later wasn't quite as fortunate and ended up changing clothes after taking a tumble herself!

Every Chicken Has Its Own Personality

One of the things that surprised me most about keeping chickens was how different each hen's personality became. Some were bold and curious, while others preferred to keep their distance. Penelope quickly became one of our dependable layers, and every new egg felt like another small reward for all the time we'd invested caring for our flock.

Despite the muddy boots, rainy weather, and occasional surprises, collecting fresh eggs never lost its excitement. Those simple moments are still some of my favorite memories from raising backyard chickens.

Diary Entry:  Now if only we can get the ground to dry outside! It's been raining like crazy. My daughter (who was still in bed) actually heard me scream this morning while I was tending the coop. I nearly did a back flip slipping and sliding in my nightgown, and ridiculous flip flops. Fortunately, I caught myself in mid air, but I pictured myself sprawled in mud and poop, yelling, I've fallen and I can't get up!

Pamela, wasn't so lucky. She later slipped and fell, having to change clothes. Yesterday, she almost did the splits. It's nasty outside. What a crazy week it's been! Now, we're hoping this guy follows through and shows up this Friday. He offered to adopt our rooster, Jesse!! Yay!!

One of the most exciting milestones for any backyard chicken keeper is finding that first egg—and even more exciting is discovering another hen has decided to join the egg-laying club. That morning I opened the nesting box to find Penelope happily sitting on her freshly laid egg, while Cleopatra had already left us another surprise earlier in the day.

Watching young hens begin laying is incredibly rewarding. After months of caring for them as fluffy little chicks, providing fresh food and water, cleaning the coop, and patiently waiting, those first eggs make all the work worthwhile.