We started the tractor barn and chicken shed in May, knowing that December would come to Wisconsin. And so it has. It being the shortest day of the year, it seems appropriate to show our efforts to keep the birds happy and productive even in these dark days

Automatic timer keeps us from staying up late

We will run permanent electricity to the tractor shed once we have rewired the house and addition. In the meantime, extension cords serve. The timer gives us 6 hours of light inside the coop after sunset. The chickens started to lay when they were in their pasture, but then stopped when the day length fell below 12 hours.

Not exactly a sun lamp, but it does the trick

There are two nesting boxes for the chickens, one for the ducks.

Chickens only use the boxes to lay eggs, but not to sleep. For that, they use the roosts.

The birds have a place to go out most days and come in at night. Feeders are not a problem, but the water freezes. That is, until Michael ordered fish tank heaters. Now the water still flows as needed.

For food, water, light, and shelter, they give us 10-12 eggs every day.

The duck eggs almost don't fit the egg tray

Duck eggs taste like chicken eggs, only richer. Both are much more yellow than commercial eggs. I love my ducks!