The Coop

Chickens tend to lay more eggs during the summer months due to increased daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Longer days trigger hormonal changes in chickens, signaling their bodies to lay more eggs. Additionally, the warmer weather improves the birds’ overall health and comfort, further boosting egg production.

Chickens are omnivorous animals and enjoy a varied diet, including:
• Grains: Corn, wheat, barley, and oats.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and pumpkins.
• Contains vitamins that are beneficial to the flock.
• Fruits: Apples, berries, watermelon, and bananas.
• Protein: Mealworms, earthworms, grubs, and insects.
• Although mealworms are most common, protein is vital for any chickens feather grow and health.
• Scraps: Bread, pasta, rice, and cooked meat (in moderation).
• Calcium sources: Crushed eggshells, oyster shells, or commercial supplements.
• Grit: Small stones or commercial poultry grit for digestion.
A balanced diet ensures their health and productivity. Providing fresh water and opportunities for natural foraging behavior is essential for their well-being.

Although the Urbandale Machine Shed goes through 160,000 eggs per year, the restaurant cannot use or sell the eggs from our chickens in our made-from-scratch meals due to local and federal health and safety regulations. These regulations require that all eggs used in commercial food preparation come from approved, inspected, and certified sources to ensure they meet specific safety standards. This is to prevent any potential risks of foodborne illnesses.

Chickens sleep at night, roosting off the ground. They rest with their heads tucked under their wings, primarily sleeping during darkness. They sleep for approximately 6-8 hours each night, although this can vary depending on age, environmental conditions, etc. At dawn, they wake up and become active again. Although chickens usually stick to their 6-8 hours of sleep each night, it’s not uncommon for them to take naps! Between egg laying, sun bathing, eating, and roaming, they can get tired enough to catch mid-day z’s. They may also nap more frequently if they have been stressed. This can occur during transportation, introduction of new chickens into the coop, or a recent predator encounter.

• Protection: Coops shelter chickens from predators and harsh weather.
• Ventilation: Ensures fresh air and reduces moisture to prevent respiratory issues.
• Nesting Boxes: Provide private spaces for hens to lay eggs.
• Roosting Bars: Allow chickens to sleep off the ground safely.
• Space Requirements: Adequate space prevents stress and disease; about 2-3 sq. ft. per chicken indoors, 8-10 sq. ft. outdoors.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning prevents waste buildup and parasites.
• Lighting: Artificial light can extend daylight hours to maintain egg production.
• Insulation: Keeps chickens warm in cold climates.
• Predator Proofing: Secure latches and wire mesh keep predators out.
Feeding and Watering Stations: Provide constant access to clean food and water.

• Chickens can run a mile in about six minutes and forty seconds, with their top speed reaching nine miles per hour!
• There are more chickens than humans in the world! There are approximately 20 billion chickens in the world, and over 8 billion humans in the world.
• Chickens take dust baths in order to keep their feathers squeaky clean! They roll around in dust and shake/fluff their feathers to remove excess oils and parasites.
• Chickens have incredible eyesight, better than humans! They are able to see different colors, sense their way around obstacles, and differentiate between high and low spaces. This rapid development of chickens usually occurs over a two-day period.
Chickens are living descendants of dinosaurs and the closest living relatives to dinosaurs! These two share many behavioral similarities.