Using Chickens in the Garden & A New Omlet Eglu Coop: Part 1

[@greensmoothiequeen]

"But they're really little savages." 😂 So true. I only have 4 but they destroy my little yard when I let them roam.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😂

[@mhawang8204]

Bob is a beautiful rooster! It’s nice to see him enjoy his new home and retirement.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

He's a pretty cool dude!

[@doyourbest.9554]

I build skirts around all my coops...a very good idea.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it! I don't know why I never thought to do this with the fencing we have around the big chicken yard!

[@wakeupandhuman1800]

Awwwww Bob 🥺🥰

[@conradofm]

good job Bob 💪

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

🐓💚

[@keithhilton8869]

That's a cool little setup Jenna. Good luck with your new herb bed. Cheers.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I'm itching to get started on that new bed, but the the soil just won't dry out!

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

I used to think that I needed to do this with my garden... let chickens in to eat up every fall/winter and fertilize for me once my annuals are done with. I've found that just opening the gates will allow deer and wild turkeys in. It's nice that you let Bob collect his pension for his years on the job. I read somewhere that chickens stay younger and fitter if they get enough mashed-up, fermented food. Maybe give him some oats mixed with beer or something. Bob will probably like that.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do the wild turkeys behave in a similar manner as the chickens (pecking & scratching up the dirt)? I And I'm sure Bob would enjoy that!!

[@lindag4484]

I don't keep chickens. My neighbor has chickens and ducks, and sells eggs (my egg source). I heard somewhere that you don't need a rooster to 'keep' laying hens. Is that true? It doesn't make sense to me, so I thought I'd ask. The Omlet Eglu Coop looks like the perfect, portable home for a few chickens and a rooster! I love your videos and always look forward to them. Cheers!

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

You only need the rooster if you want chicks. Hens drop an egg regardless sorta like women (who are not men) ovulate regardless of the male company

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Grumpy Granny's Goats n Garden is right- no rooster needed. I like to have at least one rooster, especially for the hens in our larger, open chicken area, as the roosters look out for their flock, warn them of danger and alert them to food sources. Also, we've been lucky enough to have several mamas go broody and raise their own chicks- that's a lot of fun to watch!

[@jessb6555]

Savage is right!! Also, Bob is absolutely glorious and deserves his peaceful retirement.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄💚🐔

[@wingrider1004]

Wow - that is the best and MOST AFFORDABLE little chicken tractor ever. I have a hen house and run and an extended run. The extended run has become a rich, potential garden area much like yours, but I had no real idea as to how to move them out of it. That is a great idea. We went away for a few days and when we got back a hawk had killed 2 of my hens (they broke out of the coop area)...free ranging is not an option. Great vid - any time you can come away from a vid with an idea you can actually use - that is a good thing! Keep 'em coming :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh no!! I'm so sorry to hear about the hawk-- we've had similar experiences here. In fact, I swear the hawks know when we're leaving for a couple of days!! I've been very happy with the Eglu- for the price it's the best quality I've ever found (short of making our own).

[@onlinefarming5598]

Great video, thank you and keep em coming

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, will do!

[@DavidBrown-ii8wi]

Jenna, you do a great job. Your enjoyment of your gardening shines through. I have free range chickens and found that everyone loves chicken. The neighbors dogs, coyotes, hawks, even a mink, not to mention those awful raccoons! And yes, an eagle flying from Buckeye lake is occasionally spotted. I'm having success in free ranging within the confines of a long (100 feet) narrow (10-20 feet) poultry netting set up with pallets on 2x4 legs set here and there. The Hawks don't like the narrow flight pattern...so far. The mobile coop is a predator safe fortress. You have inspired me to use the chickens in the 25' x 50' garden for clean up if I can find time between cleaning up the garden and seeding a winter cereal rye cover crop.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you, David! It is a shame that everyone loves chicken- we have trouble with mink getting our youngsters which has been heartbreaking. Love the idea of the long, narrow chicken run- thanks for sharing!

[@DavidBrown-ii8wi]

@@GrowfullywithJenna You are very welcome. Just takes one mink! I'm finding success with the poultry netting much more so...I spent $20 on a 12 inch by 300 foot roll of sturdy black plastic to pin under the poles of the electric netting so it's not constantly getting grounded out by growing grass. Way less work!

[@xvsj-s2x]

Super Cool, creative, functional and clever tips, Thank You for sharing this information ✌️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

My pleasure!

[@chrisshepherd8708]

I use the chicken tractors and then plant right after they go through it

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good to know!

[@jerryleopold1430]

An absolutely magnificent concept. Wish I had the room and city ordinances didn't prohibit such activities.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I wish you did too! I understand when city ordinances prohibit roosters, but it seems like keeping a few hens wouldn't hurt anyone!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Lucky Bob! He has his own pad. That is one cool unit!. Yes chicken manure is hot. It has been over 30 years...maybe more since we had chickens. But we have been raising and show at ARBA shows and conventions our meat rabbits for the past 30 years. That manure is cold. Rabbits are a lot more work than chickens...it is just my opinion, to take care of. Either way you have a very nice setup for your chickens and gardens. If we were younger, we would have chickens too. We have had rabbits for four generations since 1950 when my dad started the first rabbitry. That new coop will really help you out. Impressive! Enjoyed, take care!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I keep thinking about rabbits... I'm just not sure I want to take on yet another project (especially if they are more work than chickens)! So by 'cold' manure, you mean it won't burn plants, even fresh? That's really interesting- I didn't know that was a thing!

[@JulesGardening]

Bob agrees. lol. What a lucky run. ha ha ha ha ha. Good stuff Jenna. 👍

[@JulesGardening]

That is a cool coup. hmmm

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- Bob is quite vocal!

[@franksinatra1070]

Wow so the chickens will be happy in that little space? I always wanted chickens but didn't want to construct a coop and pen area for them but that setup looks a lot easier.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They seem to be- but keep in mind, I move them every day, so they always have fresh patch of grass to 'play' on. As long as they've got grass to scratch around in and potential bugs to forage- they seem to be happy. Also- the nice thing about this setup is that if I do want to keep them in one spot for a while, I can easily add a temporary fenced area by just securing some plastic or wire chicken fencing to the door of the existing run.

[@poodledaddles1091]

nice!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks!

[@ross6343]

As a lad growing up on Grandpap John's farm, one of my 'jobs' was to make certain all of the used aluminum pie pans were still hanging in place. The Sun 'flashing' and the irregular banging caused by the wind from those pans did a good job of keeping those birds of prey at bay...which was a good thing considering there were on average about 2000 laying hens free ranging in the runs. Lost a few though...Nature's way of taking care of the weak birds. Chickens are wonderful composting machines. My neighbor spent a weekend putting new plants in her garden...their chickens ate them in one day of free ranging. That Eglu set up is grand! Enjoyed the video! Cheers...

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

I love the aluminum pie trick!! Thank you!

[@ross6343]

@@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185 You be welcome!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I tried this by hanging all my old CDs from the trees using bailing twine...I though the reflective flashes might be enough, but they didn't make noise which might be why it didn't work 😆. They are definitely wonderful composting machines!

[@ross6343]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Beside the noise, CD's don't have the same reflective value that aluminum pans have - meaning how bright the 'flash' is. Nothing is fool proof except an enclosed run like what you have. Cheers...

[@holisticheritagehomestead]

You’ve definitely peaked my interest in this coop. Going to look into it. Thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

One thing I should have mentioned, is that Omlet says this coop is suitable for 6 full/large size hens or 10 bantams. I probably wouldn't put more than 4 standard hens in there.

[@holisticheritagehomestead]

@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you!

[@gardeningwhatshappening7152]

Once our free range chicken got in my garden and dig into my eggplant. 🤭 You're so amazing Jenna! Love watching your videos. 🤗

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They are so good at finding tasty things to eat (and tear up) in the garden! Thank you so much!

[@gardeningwhatshappening7152]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Very true Jenna! 🤣

[@williamaberthinks6255]

Wow, they certainly did a job cleaning up that area. I hope you will show an update of the herb garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes they did. And I will!

[@Gkrissy]

Thanks for the video and coop recommendation. I have been thinking about getting chickens.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ooh you should! It's a lot of fun, and was easier than I thought it was going to be when I started. Plus, it's hard to beat fresh eggs!

[@bbtruth2161]

One hard working lady! Keep up the good work Jenna. I'm loving that egglu. I may have to look into getting one. I'd love to free range my chickens, but with so many predators here I already know from experience that I will lose them in a hurry. Looks like a good set up. Take care.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! We're really enjoying it so far, and the chickens seem to like it a lot!

[@breehenson1316]

That was fun- thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Most welcome!

[@dawnburton5961]

Just found this video. So helpful! I need this coop! Praying they will still accept the code even though it's December. Thanks so much

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope it works!

[@dawnburton5961]

The code didn't. But I got a 5% discount being first order. Just came in the mail. I'm so excited!

[@mgronnvoll]

This is such good information. We're just starting our flock and hope to use them in the garden for weed and pest control this year. On the lookout for some kind of run that will fit on the raised beds.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm thinking about ways I can utilize these guys in the end of season cleanup- I think they'd be great at it. If you find a run you like, I'd love to hear about it!

[@mgronnvoll]

@@Only-Memories-In-The-End We've thought of that, and may end up going that route. The problem is that, where we live, raptors are a problem, so we need something with a cover 😒

[@mikefrench3800]

Dang those chickens were thirsty!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes they were! Those meat birds are so weird- even if they just ate or drank 10 minutes ago, you drop the feeder or waterer into their enclosure and they swarm. My egg-layers don't do that!

[@mantzbrinkman4780]

I so enjoy your videos. This one was out of my realm, as in my long life, I have experienced almost no exposure to raising chickens. I have a friend that took care of the neighbors chickens while the owners were on vacation. It was not an uneventful duty. He entered the yard to feed the chickens and the rooster attacked him. He grabbed a pitch fork to fend off the attack and neither my friend or the rooster was harmed. My buddy locked up the hens. The rooster retreated into the brush. Turns out, the rooster got killed during the night by some bigger critter. I told this story to a Farm Girl friend of mine and she said hens can have eggs just like humans and no roosters are needed for the eggs. I think chickens are great but they are currently a domesticated food source I know nearly nothing about. Thanks for a bit of education.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have heard stories of roosters that terrorize people- we are very fortunate that for all the roosters we've had (5 at this point), we've never raised one that's been aggressive towards people. It is true that you don't need roosters to get eggs- the girls will lay regardless. But I like having a rooster around because they do a great job protecting the flock and once in a while we get a hen who goes broody and will end up having chicks- that is a lot of fun!

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Those coops are great! Got to borrow one for a season, wish they were bigger, lol

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree- I do wish it were bigger, but for folks with only a few backyard chickens I think it's an ideal setup. Luckily we've got the bigger coop and chicken run to keep the rest of our flock in!

[@doyourbest.9554]

My rooster is "Buddy" he is Protective and a very good bird...he was supposed to be a hen. Lol. I'm glad I have only 1 rooster!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- glad I'm not the only one with a supposed hen turned rooster!

[@johnjude2685]

I love chickens more than dogs or cats,To make strays of both. Nice easy setup might need tie downs. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Our chickens have always been about half feral, so I've never really felt like they were pets. But I do love keeping chickens and especially love the eggs!

[@KarenWirtz]

I have an eglu, as well! I love it 😁 it’s so easy to move & clean

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you love your Eglu too- how long have you had it?

[@KarenWirtz]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Since last August.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@KarenWirtz Thanks! Good to know- I was curious how it would hold up with time.

[@KarenWirtz]

@@GrowfullywithJenna it’s still in fantastic shape. My suggestion is to get a bunch of cheap tarps from Dollar tree to help keep the snow out in winter unless you are moving them to a stationary coop. 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@KarenWirtz Thanks for the tip!

[@rezayaseri2790]

💖💖💖

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@davidcrosby8552]

Yep! Did I see you in the new Gurney's Seed commercial or am I imagining things?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You did!

[@davidcrosby8552]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Very nice! I was half asleep in my easy chair when I saw it.

[@Joyful-lw2ky]

Want a bigger Omlet run?? I've had one for about 5 years. Worked really good until these last couple of years. The openings in the wire at the top half are about twice the size of the ones on yours. Unfortunately now we seem to have a large bunch of some kind of bird that are bent on getting in and getting the chicken feed AND the openings in the wire are big enough for them to get in. Concerned about this Avian Flu going around. Feeling like nothing short of building a new run using hardware cloth is my only option and that isn't a quick fix. In the meantime.......... I considered the Eglu at one time. Like the thought of using it for a chicken tractor.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks- but I'm actually considering just rigging up my own- I looked at the larger Omlet runs, but I've got pretty much all of the material I need to make my own here. We had starlings that were stealing a LOT of chicken food this past winter, but they seem to have stopped doing it.

[@stevegermain1222]

I looked at the coop, the price was enough to scare me away. Yes I feel like I'm qualified enough to make a replica for Less. Good luck to all love the video

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

If one of your buffs ever goes broody, you may want to consider letting her raise some black austrolorps. Birds of prey don't want anything to do with crowd, and from above, black chickens look like crows. No more aerial attacks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Interesting! I have never heard that before!

[@bethmartin1788]

I sure hope you can give them additional run space at some point. They may have gotten a nice new coop, but they lost a lot of space to spend their time.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- they get out to free range all the time 😁

[@dellwalker430]

Scarlett Johansson, Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, and Gal Gadot have nothing on you. You're the sexiest woman alive because of the content you provide. Intelligence, good looks, and a good heart trump everything. Keep up the good work Jenna and tell your husband he's the luckiest man on the Earth, lol. Speaking of which...happy Earth day!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Awe shucks 😊... thanks. And happy Earth day to you as well!

[@tonyarueff3230]

Savages indeed.😆

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😂

[@sigi8055]

Fantastic video! May i ask how long you have the chickens sit on a piece of land if you want to use it for garden beds later?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Even a few weeks can help- but I generally like to leave them on for at least several months.

[@threeowls369]

Savages with a purpose 🐣💪🤪😂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes indeed!

[@AquarianSnflower]

Hello, I'm in Ohio also, My question is how will I heat/cool coop? Did you put a small fan or heat lamp to keep them comfortable in our crazy environment.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! It's always great to hear from a fellow Ohioan! We've used a variety of different coops through the years and I have never heated or cooled any of my coops. The chickens always have access to the outdoors and don't stay in the coops during the day, they are out in all weather. We've always raised breeds which are quite hardy and well-suited to this environment, and they have always thrived.

[@AquarianSnflower]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you for you response.

[@MartinaSchoppe]

OMG now I definitely want chickens - eglus are availlable in Germany and they look sturdy enough so my dogs can't knock them over to get themselves some chicken dinner.

[@MartinaSchoppe]

do you know if I could use your promo code?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I think it would be sturdy enough- we've got an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd and I highly doubt they could get into it and definitely couldn't knock it over.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great question, and I'm not actually sure 😄, I am able to track the number of people that click on or use the link in the description- but I don't think I can track if my promo code is used.

[@DrHangos]

Martina, I’m in the exact same boat. Located in Germany and ready to make a purchase but have been waiting for a 10% code. So far, looks like this one is not valid on the Germany website, which is frustrating. Thanks for the video Jenna :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@DrHangos Oh no! I've sent an email to Eglu to see if there is anything that can be done. Will let you know!

[@matthewkurt2246]

I'd love to have chickens, but the town I live in only allows 4 hens and no roosters. Also, I have a bee hive with around 20,000 bees. The only place I can put a coop is about 30 feet away from the hive. You probably know better than I do, but I'm assuming that would be an issue for the hens.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ooh- that's a good question and I don't know. Bee keeping has long been on my 'want to do' list, but I've yet to try it and I don't know how the chickens/bees would do that close together. But check out this article which claims they can work together well... might be of interest: www.thegardencoop.com/blog/keeping-bees-with-chickens/

[@matthewkurt2246]

@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you for your reply and for the link you provided. I truly appreciate it!

[@gsrflyby]

BGSU grad by chance? I only ask because of the name choices for the unplanned rooster.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nope! My daughter named it Freida originally after the artist Frida Kahlo- when we found out she was a he, Freddy seemed like the easiest option 😆.

[@pmaher63]

Jenna - we have the smaller Eglu. 3 hens and a rooster. They seem to sleep in their with comfort. However, every morning the rooster crows at 100 decibels until the door opens. Is this harming the hen's ears? Thanks...

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm honestly not sure- I guess I've assumed it would not... but I have nothing to back that up. Hoping maybe some other viewers can chime in!

[@shamshersinghfarmernews884]

👍 🍅🍎🍇🌺🌾 💚

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@jimmason1072]

Only thing "old Bob" will have to climb the stairs to go to bed....any area rulings on the chickens free ranging with the Bird Flu in your area?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yeah- I was a little worried about him at first. It's been a year since he's had to climb up into a coop, plus he acts like he's half crippled. But he manages to get up that coop just fine somehow! Nothing yet on the flu- so far Ohio's hasn't had any commercial outbreaks yet and only 1 backyard flock confirmed... here's hoping it stays that way!

[@terributler215]

Is you new omlet 6 or 9 feet? Thanks. Nice video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks! It's the 9 foot run option.

[@terributler215]

Thank you so much for answering my question. Most don’t. Ordered my coop this morning. Never had chickens before and I am 70. 😳 love your garden videos also. No need to comment back, know you are busy. Coupon code saved me a lot. Still pretty cold here in Idaho. Thanks again. Terri

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@terributler215 that's so exciting! I'm so glad you're going to give chickens a try! I hope the coop works out well for you.

[@jef8528]

How long ago did you video this? I suspect it’s turning greener, trees, grass and garden…..

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Just a week ago- things are a smidge greener already. Our trees still aren't leafing out though.

[@jef8528]

In the 80’s here (NE Ohio) this weekend

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@jef8528 Same here! It's great to see the sun!

[@jef8528]

Got to watch the noggin 👴🏻 don’t need a sunburn already

[@jef8528]

So here we go again….. snow ❄️ Wednesday night 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cindylangford5335]

What are the dimensions of the space they worked for you?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It is approx. 16' x 16'

[@Wilson82668]

My dad and I hatched 8 chickens a couple months ago we had no chickens before the chicks. We built a chicken tractor where we put them in after 5 weeks old and they stayed in that for a couple months. We just got done building a coop on top of the chicken tractor and put a ladder down so they could go up there at night we have perches, vents, Windows, and bedding in this coop. The only issue is I cannot get the chickens to go up there, I used some mealworms to coax them in there and only 1 would get on the ladder and climbed all the way to the top and got in the coop but she quickly left and hasn't returned. We live in Illinois and yesterday we had 60+ mph windstorm and as it was blowing I went out to see if they got in their Coop and they were all standing behind the ladder huddled together looking at me like why haven't you built us a house yet. Do you know how to coax them up there because I don't know what to do and I feel bad?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh no, Greg-- I'm sorry to hear this! Most of my chickens figure this out intuitively, but in the past I've had a few that I have to physically move up into the coop for several nights, to a week in a row until they eventually start doing it on their own. I'd love to hear an update- if they do start going in!

[@Wilson82668]

@@GrowfullywithJenna curiosity killed the cat not the chicken apparently lol. We took their perch down in their chicken tractor and bought a light you can hang anywhere since it has a built in battery and a little solar panel we mounted to the outside of the coop to charge the light during the day. The light is remote controlled and you can set it for 30 min 2hrs 5 hrs or 10 hrs so at 7 pm I turn the light on and set it for 2 hours and they all went up the very first night with no issues I just made sure not to have any other lights on other than their coop light. They go up there every night no issues and I'll see them go up there during the day as well now so all is well. Thank you for your response

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@Wilson82668 I'll be darned! Well, I'm glad to hear it!

[@richardkostura3474]

The Bald Eagles probably won’t eat your chickens. They eat fish. There is a big Blue Herron nesting spot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a few Bald Eagles moved in without a problem

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I realize chickens are not their prefered snack- but it's not completely unheard of... and I'd rather not risk it 😄.

[@joannak4640]

Looks like an ok idea but awfully small 💔🤷🏼‍♀️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The coop itself is a good size for these 3 (Omlet says you can house up to 6 large hens, but I probably wouldn't do more than 4... Bob is a big boy and takes up a lot of room by himself 😆). The run is small, but I move them every day, so they always have fresh patch of grass to 'play' on. As long as they've got grass to scratch around in and potential bugs to forage- they seem to be happy. Also- the nice thing about this setup is that if I do want to keep them in one spot for a while, I can easily add a temporary fenced area by just securing some plastic or wire chicken fencing to the door of the existing run. I plan on doing this during the days that I am out working in the garden- but it's nice to have the security of keeping them totally protected when I'm not there!

[@beerbuzz62]

Great video, thank you and keep em coming

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, will do!