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In honor of Mrs. Kara West, I'd like to share some simple ways to take care of chickens. After all, you yourself may also find six chickens in your backyard some day! Here's to farming!
1. While chickens are capable of finding their own food (bugs and seeds in the ground), they do require some additional nutrient supplement. No, Cliff bars won't work. Sprinkle Scratch in their pen along with your kitchen scraps (fruit, veggies, and bread). Don't forget to provide water.
2. Do you like long walks on the beach? So do they--but they prefer your yard. Don't keep your chickens cooped up all day. Consistently allow them to roam free. You'll find their eggs to be healthier and tastier. A happy, exercised chicken = yummy scramblers.
3. Winter weather can be difficult. You won't find chicken sweaters and booties at Petco, so you will need to take extra precaution to keep your feathered friends from freezing. Cover the pen and the coop windows with plastic to limit drafts. During the day, allow your chickens out of the coop. If you don't, they will quickly tire of each other and fight with their siblings.
4. Hungry? No eggs? Simple. Place a plastic egg or golf ball in the fresh nest. Your gal will get the idea. I wonder if this works with husbands..."Heather, what's this baby doll doing on my pillow?"
5. Most importantly, and especially for Kara, if you would like your hens to produce eggs, you do need a rooster. Can't live with 'em, but certainly can't live without 'em!