Fifteen years ago, I purchased six chicks in a variety of breeds. I watched in facination as these darling little creatures started out as day-old fluff-balls and grew into egg-producing hens in just six months. They were fascinating birds, with intelligence and personalities all their own.

I became interested in installing a camera where I could watch them from inside our home. That led to an interest in having a website where I could share my delightful hobby with others. Thus, my Backyard Hencam project began.

Now, many years have passed and I am on my third flock. And boy, do I have stories to tell.
My Panasonic cameras are still working but are not currently showing up on my website. Evidently, I need to find a new platform on which to share the antics of my hens. Please be patient as I learn about this unfamiliar technology. Until then, I’ll share some old chicken photos from my albums.

 

We had a rooster for a few weeks and he began crowing with a gentle “wake up” call. He was 4 months old. Because we’re not allowed to have roosters in our area, I had to find a home for him. And I did. A simple ad on Craig’s List produced a buyer for 3 hens and the young rooster. The beginning of a new flock for folks who could keep him. Perfect! I miss his distant morning crowing but I’m sure my neighbors are relieved. I like to keep them happy. Here are a couple of videos of crowing roosters for your enjoyment. Listen to the differences in their vocal patterns and volume. After listening to them for a few minutes I think you will be relieved that they don’t sit outside your window.

 

Robert Hock in Austria made this one. It is fantastic.

 

 

 

 

I think you’ll like this too!

I’ve been cleaning the coop today, spraying the roosts and cement floor with bleach to disinfect. We’ve never had a problem with mites and I’d like to prevent it, if possible.

I found a home for our last two hens and tomorrow some young pullets are arriving. I bought them from a family who got them as chicks about 3 months ago. They suddenly had to move due to a job change. This will be my third flock of hens. Fifteen years ago I bought six day-old chicks. I had to get rid of one because she terrorized the other hens. These original hens you can see on https://www.backyardhencam.com/six-hens/. After those had all passed away, I took two hens from a neighbor. When they passed away, I bought four hens as young layers.
I recently found a home for Zelda and Roxanne, my last two, so that I could begin with a new flock of chicks.

My favorites were the six I raised from chicks. So tame and sweet. One lived to be eight years old. I’ve really looked forward to starting over with chicks. I’ll post a picture when they arrive and you can always look in on them on my webcam.