Tag: Homesteading

Seriously? Let’s Look at the Spendy AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime

HatchingTime AI Coop

First of all, I have no experience with this “Smart Coop,” so take that however you want. But I just left the website for this coop, and right off the bat I see issues. On top of the already SHOCKING price tag, be prepared to dig even deeper into your pockets if you think this coop is suitable for a new chicken keeper. I say “new” because any seasoned chicken keeper is laughing at this setup. Maybe as an extra coop, for quarantine, sick, or injured birds, but at that price? No.
Let’s Get to the Root of the Issues…
Unless it has a floor, which it isn’t described as having, it’s not at all predator or rodent proof, so plan on an additional expense there because predators don’t just exist at night, they are a threat at all times. The wire spacing is also too large, small predators can easily squeeze through it. And the size of this coop? The square footage is only really suitable for about 4 standard birds, or 5 bantams, and I’m being generous. The manufacturer claims 8 birds, that is true, but expect drama, bullying, and unhappy birds due to overcrowding.
If you can still see the possibilities in this coop, and for some people it might be a fit, that’s fair. But are you 100 percent comfortable trusting technology, especially AI in its early stages, to handle something as important as feeding, watering, safety, and relying on solar?
That’s a NO for me.
We all have our own opinions on the best way to enjoy our flocks, so if your interested, here’s the website for the AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime, because to be honest, only you know what fits your needs best. 🙂

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The Reality of Chicken Keeping in a HOT Desert Climate

Phoenix, Arizona, is a great example of what chicken keeping is like when temperatures soar to 115+ degrees. This is not an exaggeration, and to be perfectly honest, 120 degrees is certainly not unheard of. Chickens are pretty hardy as a rule, but they are not invincible. They need special care when temperatures rise, you can learn more about that in the article below.

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Now that the chickens are taken care of, let’s talk about you, your role in all this, and what you can expect your days to look like during the hottest months of the year. You might be thinking you can handle the job for just a few months of summer, but Phoenix is a lot different. From May through October, the heat is relentless, with June, July, and August being especially brutal.
That means you’re out in the heat too, and not just once or twice a day. If the water in the drinkers gets too hot, the chickens will avoid it, and that can be a death sentence, so it has to be refilled with cooler water throughout the day. This is why auto drinkers and nipple drinkers should NEVER be used in desert climates. Mist systems and fans need to be adjusted and managed, and diligent housekeeping is imperative because chicken droppings create even more heat. To be clear, diligent means every day.
There may be a chicken that needs medical attention, things break, and problems are inevitable. When something goes wrong, you need to be out in the heat dealing with it. That’s the reality. I’ve been doing this for 14 years, so for me, it’s worth it. The question is, is it worth it for you?

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A List of Insects Your Chickens Will Eat

Chickens Are Natural Exterminators!

Chickens are natural foragers and are often referred to as “feathered raptors” because of their enthusiastic appetite for insects. Most bugs are excellent sources of protein and minerals. Here are the favorites…

Common Garden Favorites

Grasshoppers and Crickets: High energy snacks.
Beetles: Most common garden beetles, including June bugs and Japanese beetles.
Caterpillars: Chickens will clear out many types of larvae, though they might avoid brightly colored species.

The “Soil Dwellers”

Earthworms: A staple of the chicken diet and a primary protein source.
Grubs: These are the larvae of beetles and are excellent for their fat and protein content.
Mealworms: Perhaps the most famous chicken treat. Whether live or dried, chickens find these irresistible.

Pests They Help Control

Ticks and Fleas: Chickens are remarkably efficient at “vacuuming” a yard for ticks.
Spiders: Most common house and garden spiders are eaten without hesitation.
Termites: If they find a colony, they will stay there until every last one is gone.

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