Raising Backyard Chickens Greeneville, TN

Well, after two different medicines and over 30 days in a cage by herself we finally nursed our 10th hen back to health. We feed our hens pellets, scratch (corn based mix) and lots of table scraps - they love bananas! So far they are laying about 7 eggs a day but since it got in the teens last night they should slow down. After we got the flock comfortable in their pin and coop, about 6 weeks, we started to let them free range daily. After some research and talking to others who have chickens we learned the best time to let them out is any time after noon. That way they are done laying and you don't have to search the woods to find eggs! Also, during peak daylight there are less predators around. They make their way back to their pin by themselves just before the sun sets.

Building their Taj Mahal. The coop is tight and compact to help them stay warm during the winter. We have 12 cubbie holes and two roosting bars. The pin area is about 15'X15'.

We have 5 brown layers and 5 white layers although some lay a light tan egg. Bluffs, white leghorns, brown leghorns and one mixed breed.

Some local girls help paint the coop. It locks up tight at night to keep them safe. We have found out that children LOVE to be around the chickens - feed them, collect eggs and try to pick them up.
Well, if you have any questions feel free to ask. We'll share what little knowledge we've picked up thus far...