The Promise of Spring - New Baby Chicks

It seemed as if winter was never going to end but here we are knocking on the doorstep of spring. With spring comes the promise of new life, growth and the reawakening of all the things that laid dormant during those bleak winter days.

Here at Colored Egg Homestead we are beginning to see the resurgence of new life and the promise of spring in the growth of our vegetable seedlings and now with the hatch of our new spring chicks. 

We set 5 Lavender Ameraucana eggs in our Brinsea Advance incubator on February 15th and they all hatched 20 days later on March 8th. Here are some photos of the hatch and our new feathered friends. 

Here is a video that my son recorded of the first egg hatching. Enjoy!

You'll be seeing more of these little ones throughout the spring. 

Thanks for stopping by and please keep in touch!

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One Year Facebook Anniversary

Its hard to believe that its been a whole year since we created the Colored Egg Homestead Facebook page. While the blog followed along shortly after, the CEH Facebook page is where it all began. It was born in an effort to give friends and family a break from the constant onslaught of chicken & egg photos and garden ramblings on my personal page as well as open up the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who share our interests in all things chicken, garden and homestead. 

I have made so many wonderful friendships and connections through the CEH page and blog this past year and have learned a lot along the way. I want to thank every one of you for following along with us, sharing your thoughts and questions and helping us learn and grow.  

Sprouting Fodder for Chickens

We have been experimenting with sprouting fodder here at Colored Egg Homestead for the past few weeks. It all started when I came across this YouTube video

Fresh Eggs Daily & A GIVEAWAY!

I've been a fan of Lisa at Fresh Eggs Daily for quite a while now. When I was just starting out with chickens her blog and facebook page were (and still are) a great resource for me and the hundreds of questions I had about how to keep my feathered friends safe and healthy. I love that Lisa takes a natural approach to raising her flock. 

CEH Week in Review 10/6

Here is a peek into whats been happening around the homestead this week.

Here is one of the BCM pullets from this hatch. They grow so fast <3 We probably won't see any dark brown eggs from her and her sister until spring. 

CEH Week in Review 9/29

Its almost October and it really is beginning to feel like fall. I've been loving the crisp cool mornings this week. Here is what has been happening around CEH.

The two Black Copper Marans pullets that we kept from this hatch have been introduced into our main flock and are adjusting well. 

Maybelline, our 2 year old Black Copper Marans hen went to live with another family last week. She was always a sweet girl and we hope that she will be happy at her new farm.

Broody Brenda and Our First Broody Hatch

Little miss broody pants.

Oh Brenda.  Brenda is one of the "new girls" from this spring. She is a Tetra Tint. Many people have never heard of this breed before. Tetra Tints are a cross between a Rhode Island red male and a white leghorn female. They are produced by Mt. Healthy Hatcheries and sold to Tractor Supply stores. (I'm a sucker for the chick bin at TSC)

CEH Week in Review 9/22

It has been a rather exciting week here at Colored Egg Homestead. We have new chicks!
I'll be doing a separate and more detailed post this week about our experience with our first (and second) ever broody hens and our first hatching experience with them. But for now, here is some fluffy cuteness for you to enjoy.

Awwww <3

Here is another little cutie that hatched somewhat recently on our little farm.

CEH Week in Review 9/15

I just love this time of year. Cooler weather, crunchy leaves, PUMPKINS! Autumn is by far my favorite season. 

Here is whats been happening around the homestead this week.

CEH Week in Review 9/8

Another week has come and gone. We are beginning to get back into something that could resemble a routine here around the homestead. Our daily schedule is still a little nutty and it seems like there are never enough hours in the day but we make it work.  

This week around CEH...

CEH Week in Review 9/1

August is over and summer is slipping away. This past week seemed to just fly by. Our oldest child started 2nd grade this week and our youngest will begin preschool in a few days. Fall soccer is in full swing as well with practices and games for both kids.  

Meanwhile, the chickens are oblivious to it all.

CEH Week in Review 8/25

Its been a whirlwind week here at Colored Egg Homestead (as usual.) Here is a recap of what has been happening around the homestead.

The Olive Egg babies hatched! 

To see the hatch post click here

Here are some of the babies at almost a week old. They're so sweet.  There are two who are not pictured because they are being loved on by the kids. <3  

Incubator Update: HATCH DAY!!

The babies have hatched! It was amazing to watch them all slowly emerge from their shell.  Here are some photos from the hatch. Enjoy!!

Incubator Update: Day 18 - LOCKDOWN

Today is day 18 of 21 of our hatch. Today we will turn the eggs one last time, increase humidity, close the lid and wish the babies luck on their quest to reach this side of the shell.  The next time we open the incubator there will be chicks! 

Good Luck little ones!

Incubator Update: Day 14

Two weeks down, 1 week to go! These little babies have done a lot of growing over the past week.  

Here is what has been happening inside the shell this week:

Incubator Update - Day 7

Waiting is the hardest part. Today is day 7 since we placed the eggs in the incubator.  I have been hand turning several times per day. You can't tell by looking at them but so much has changed in just one short week.  

Here's a little info on what has happened inside the shell this week:

Breakfast in your Backyard

The popularity of backyard chickens has exploded across the nation. Americans are becoming more conscious about their food choices and the interest in local and sustainable food is growing. What could possibly be more local than your very own backyard? A few hens can provide you and your family with healthy homegrown eggs, nitrogen rich fertilizer, pest control and comic relief every day. What's not to love?