Tag: Homesteading

The Omlet Smart Chicken Feeder. Is it Everything it Claims to Be?

Omlet Smart Feeder

Not sponsored by Omlet, I bought the feeder, and here’s my honest opinion.

Well, I did it, I bit the bullet and bought this fancy (pricey) smart feeder, hoping it would solve my feed waste problem and help keep those pesty sparrows out of my feed. They say it’s no-spill, automatically opens and closes, sends notifications right to your phone, and has a reliable app. Is it true? Yes! I’ve been using the 12 lb feeder for two weeks, and I couldn’t be happier. Setup was easy, though like any new device, taking your time to read the manual helps you fully understand its potential.
I have zero feed on the ground, which means no waste, and that means it saves money. Not to mention no dropped feed on the ground and a closed feeder at night keeps the rodents away. I set the feeder to open at dawn and close at dusk, but you can customize the schedule anytime directly from your phone. The 12 lb capacity fed my six hens for a full week—exactly as Omlet promised. Don’t have a smartphone? No problem. The feeder works right out of the box using a built-in light sensor to open and close automatically. There’s nothing to complain about, this feeder is a total win on every level.
Price: Yep, kinda spendy, $229+ shipping. Is it worth it? 100% yes.
Want to learn more? Omlet Smart Feeder

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The Daily Reality of Raising Backyard Chickens


The dream of collecting fresh eggs from your backyard is one of the biggest attractions of modern suburban homesteading. However, behind the dream lies the reality, keeping a small flock of four to six hens requires consistent labor, routine maintenance, and a non-negotiable commitment to cleaning. While chickens are relatively low maintenance, having a small flock demands a steady commitment and a good deal of your time.
Every morning begins with letting the flock out of the secure coop into their enclosed run. Waterers must be checked, dumped, and refilled with fresh water. Mid-day or late afternoon requires a quick trip to gather eggs before they get broken or dirty. Dusk brings the mandatory task of locking the coop door to protect the flock from predators like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, etc. These are non-negotiable chores every single day.
Maintaining a tidy coop is where the real effort lies. Chickens produce a surprising amount of poop. Without regular care, smells become overwhelming fast, attract flies, rodents, and can cause respiratory disease over time. Scraping manure off the roosting boards, checking nesting boxes for broken eggs, replacing soiled straw or wood shavings, and wiping down the nest boxes is a necessary part of chicken keeping. Raking the outdoor run to prevent mud buildup and turning over soil or adding fresh pine shavings keeps odor at bay, which is a weekly chore at the very least.
Whatever bedding method is used, a comprehensive scrub-down is necessary every few months. Deep cleaning involves hauling out all old bedding, scrubbing surfaces, cleaning drinkers and feeders, and adding lime to the ground to deter mites and lice.
While keeping chickens is not backbreaking work, it does require a daily commitment, regardless of rain, snow, or heat. For those willing to put in the time, the reward is a steady supply of farm fresh eggs. But there are other benefits too, chickens have distinct personalities and can be fun to watch. You may find that spending time with a flock is not about the work at all, could it be your new way to relax, unwind, and be entertained? I’m not opposed to calling chicken keeping… therapy.

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Silkie Chickens Sleeping in the Corner on the Ground at Night?

Why Silkies Don’t Roost at Night

While this behavior can surprise new owners, it is completely normal for this breed. Because Silkies don’t fly well, hopping onto high perches is difficult, so they often avoid the challenge entirely and cuddle together in a corner on the ground for the night.
To accommodate this behavior, you can provide a wide, low perch (a 2×4 works well) no more than a foot off the ground with a sturdy ramp for easy access. Your Silkies may still choose to sleep in the corner on the ground, but at least you have given them a choice. Because Silkies spend more time on the ground, regular cleaning is especially important to prevent dampness, parasites, and dirty feathers.
Although their habits may seem unusual at first, they are simply part of the charm of this beautiful and unique breed.

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