Spring on the Homestead: Fresh Eggs and Watchful Eyes

Spring has arrived, and our yard has had its seasonal tidy-up! The coop is getting a deep clean, and the hens are loving the fresh air and sunshine. Today, the girls gifted us with an incredible five dozen eggs, and we’re excited to officially open up for pickup orders and local deliveries (egg-drops).

As the hens roam freely, enjoying their time scratching and pecking, we get to enjoy watching them—but we’re not the only ones taking notice. With warmer weather comes a new challenge: predators.

Hawks, eagles, foxes, weasels, snakes, opossums, dogs, and even cats will all be eyeing our flock. Protecting the girls is always a battle, especially when dealing with sneaky predators. Some, however, aren’t so subtle…

Last year, while washing dishes, I caught a hawk mid-flight out of the corner of my eye. Without thinking, I bolted out the door, leaping down three stairs, yelling “Shoo!” at the top of my lungs. The hawk was mid-swoop, claws out, just about to snatch one of our hens when it spotted me and panicked. Thankfully, it changed course and flew off, leaving the hen unharmed.

This year, we have three roosters keeping a closer watch over the girls, and so far, they seem to be doing their job well. As long as they continue to behave, they’ll earn their place here on the homestead.

Here’s to fresh eggs, happy hens, and outsmarting the predators this season!