The Omlet Blog Archives: January 2019

When Your Eglu Looks Like An Igloo

A lot of chicken keepers are worried about their chickens during cold winter days. Chickens are usually well adapted to the cold and as long as their coop is dry on the inside, they feel happy and warm in the Eglu.

Of course there are a few things to look out for and prepare for during the winter, so we have spoken to Stefanie, who is going through her second winter with the chickens in their Eglu Cube this year. She tells us about the preparations and adaptations she makes for when the weather gets icy and how she and her chickens get through the season.

Omlet: How long have you been keeping chickens and how many have you got?

Stefanie: We have been keeping six chickens since February 2018.

 

Omlet: What is your favourite thing about keeping chickens?

Stefanie: I love that we have our own, freshly laid eggs every morning.

Omlet: You live in an area of Germany that usually gets very cold and snowy in winter. How cold can it get in winter and how much snow do you have at the moment?

Stefanie: We live in Lohberg, in the south of Germany. The temperatures are usually between -5 and -15 degrees centigrade in winter (5f), so it does get very cold here. We currently have around 50cm of snow, which is normal for this time of year.

 

Omlet: What changes did you make to the Eglu Cube to get it ready for winter?

Stefanie: We use the Extreme-Temperature Jackets and run covers during the winter as they help keep the cold out.

 

Omlet: Do you change the daily food and water routine during the winter?

Stefanie: We make sure to feed them more regularly and keep an eye on them to make sure they definitely eat enough. They eat a lot of fresh lettuce, and I like to give them warm food to help them keep warm. Keeping an eye on the water is extremely important as it easily freezes.

 

Omlet: Do the chickens use the run more or less in the winter than they do the rest of the year and do your chickens like snow?

Stefanie: My chickens don’t like snow at all, so that’s why they mainly keep to the covered areas of their run, where it’s dry.

 

Omlet: Do your chickens lay eggs in the winter?

Stefanie: Our six girls don’t lay as much as they usually do during other times of the year, but even though we have a lot of snow, we still get around two to three eggs every day.

Omlet: Do you add a light source to your coop?

Stefanie: Yes, we do have a light in the coop as it gets dark very early these days.

 

Omlet: As chickens love scratching and foraging for food, do you give them some other entertainment when it’s snowy and icy?

Stefanie: Yes, we tend to spread some corn in the covered areas of their run. This keeps them entertained and offers them a chance to scratch naturally.

These are great ideas to keep your chickens happy and healthy during the winter. Have a look at our video of top tips for chicken keeping in winter:

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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 31st, 2019 by sammorley


WIN an accessory bundle for your new Eglu!

Did you upgrade your coop or hutch to a brand new Eglu in January? We want to see your before and after photos!

For your chance to win a bundle of accessories for your chicken or rabbit, worth over $50, head over to our Facebook page, and comment on our recent post with a before and after photo of your pet’s home, showing your new Eglu! Make sure you like our page to be entered into the prize draw. 6 winners will be chosen from all the entrants from the worldwide Omlet Community!

Good luck!

Terms and conditions

  1. All Omlet competitions and promotions are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.
  2. This competition is open to all Omlet customers worldwide, who have an Eglu Cube, Eglu Go, Eglu Go UP, or Eglu Go Hutch.
  3. Only one entry will be accepted per person. The competition can be entered on any Omlet Facebook Page.
  4. This competition is not open to Omlet employees or members of their immediate families. Likewise, it is not open to the Employees of Omlet Partners who may be involved in promoting this competition.
  5. To enter, the customer must share a before and after photo of their coop or hutch, including a photo of their Eglu. Each entrant must like the Omlet social media page on which they have entered.
  6. The competition will close at midnight on the 31st of January 2019. The prize will be a bundle of accessories worth over £50/$50/€50/500kr for either a rabbit or chicken, depending on the winner’s pet.
  7. There will be 6 winners; 3 to win chicken bundles and 3 to win rabbit/guinea pig bundles. Winners will be selected at random from all applicable entrants worldwide, who have followed the entry requirements. Our decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  8. The winner will be notified by private message within 7 days of the closing date. If the winner does not respond to claim the prize within 7 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
  9. The prize is non-transferable and has no cash value.
  10. By entering this competition, entrants are indicating their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  11. All entrants agree to the use of their user-generated content (e.g. photos submitted on entry) for future marketing purposes.
  12. The winner agrees to the use of their name and any reasonable requests by Omlet relating to any post-winning publicity.
  13. Omlet reserve the right to withdraw competitions at any point. Omlet may amend any competition, competition information, or these terms and conditions without prior notice. Any changes will be posted either within the competition information or these terms and conditions.

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This entry was posted in Offers and Promotions on January 28th, 2019 by sammorley


Eglu Cube vs Wooden Chicken Coop: Which Will Stay Warmer?

 

Hens stood in the snow next to Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop with weather protection

On a cold winter’s day, when there’s a heavy frost or a thick blanket of snow do you ever wonder how your chickens manage without central heating and a mug of cocoa? It’s natural to worry if your hens will be comfortable when the temperature dips below freezing.

Unsurprisingly, chickens will look for shelter when the weather’s bad so the first thing you can do to keep your chickens cosy is make sure they have a winter proof chicken coop. In this respect choosing the right chicken coop is similar to choosing your own house. You wouldn’t want drafty windows and doors, a leaky roof, and paper thin walls – and neither do your chickens. Many coops that are bought are fine during the summer, but unfortunately when winter comes they can leave their occupants shivering. We set about testing two very different chicken coops over the course of 3 nights in the Bavarian Forest in Germany. A place that gets more than its fair share of snow and ice.

The first chicken coop was typical of the type sold all over the internet. On first impressions everything fits together well and it’s attractively painted, it comes with a roosting bar and a nesting box and a run. It appears that this is a perfectly good chicken coop. However, on closer inspection it’s worrying to find that large sections of the wooden panels are only 5mm thick. There’s no insulation and nothing in the instructions regarding the suitability of the coop for year round use.

The second coop was the Eglu Cube Chicken Coop by Omlet. This chicken coop is part of the Eglu range which all feature a twin walled construction providing an insulating layer all round the coop. Similar to the way ice chests are made, it feels extremely robust and heavy duty. You could say it’s agricultural quality in a hobby chicken coop. It looks the part – but would the Eglu keep the cold out and the warm in?

Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop next to wooden chicken coop in the snow

 

Identical digital thermometers were placed inside the Eglu and the wooden coop which would take readings both inside and outside the coops during the night.  Cameras were also placed inside the coops to record the chickens. After the chickens went to bed the front doors were closed, in fact the Eglu Cube came complete with a rather fancy Automatic Chicken Coop Door which gently closed behind the last chicken.  

As it got dark the outside temperature dropped to -3.8℃.  While it was getting colder outside, it was getting warmer in the Eglu Cube Chicken Coop. Around an hour after the chickens had gone to roost the temperature inside the Eglu Cube was 8.3℃ and it stayed there all night. That’s a plus 12℃ temperature difference.

Unfortunately it was not as cosy in the wooden house. As the temperature outside dropped so too did the temperature inside the wooden coop. At 11pm it was -2℃ inside the coop. That’s only 1℃ warmer than the outside temperature. In fact the inside of the wooden coop stayed below zero for nearly the whole night, warming to just above zero by 7am.

If it was freezing inside you might be wondering how on earth the chickens survived. Chickens, as with all other warm blooded animals, have temperature-regulating mechanisms to keep their body temperature at a constant level (around 41-45℃ in a healthy adult hen), so they can cope with a certain amount of cold. Just like wild birds, chickens will fluff up their feathers when it gets cold; this traps a layer of air which insulates the chickens against the cold. This is why it’s so important that chickens don’t get wet during cold weather, as this prevents them from being able to fluff their feathers up. In addition a drafty coop will make it hard for them to trap this layer of warm air too.

They will also tuck their head under their wings and huddle together with their coop companions to keep themselves warm. On the in coop camera recording you could clearly see how the chickens select a roosting place, and then fluff up their feathers.

So if the chickens in the wooden coop were able to keep themselves warm even though it was freezing inside there’s nothing to worry about? Not quite, a coop that’s not insulated or draughty will place extra demands on your chickens because of the heat being lost. Chickens in a cold coop will have to increase their metabolism to turn food and fat reserves into heat at a faster rate than hens in a cosy coop. If the heat loss is extreme, or a chicken is not fully fit then over the course of several cold nights there is a risk that all the energy reserves are used up resulting in the chicken being unable to keep it’s body temperature high enough with potentially fatal consequences.

What this test shows is that properly insulated, winter ready chicken coop can make all the difference between a cosy night in the coop and one spent shivering to keep warm. As an added bonus hens that use up less energy keeping warm are more likely to keep laying.

Graph comparing warmth of Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop with wooden chicken coop

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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 24th, 2019 by sammorley


Jo changed her wooden coop for an Eglu Go UP

Jo Page is a veterinary nurse who also runs the blog My Little Country Lifestyle, where she shares stories from her countryside life in the South West of England. Jo recently upgraded her old wooden chicken coop for an Eglu Go UP, and has written about her first weeks with the new coop:

“As a veterinary nurse I take the welfare of all my animals very seriously. As humans we have bred animals and birds to suit our wants and needs and on occasion this does mean they aren’t able to survive or thrive without human intervention.

The hens are also not ‘only a chicken’ they are birds I have chosen to keep for the benefit of fresh eggs and it is my responsibility to ensure their needs are met.

The Eglu Go UP is worlds away from the make shift house they had when we moved and much more superior to the coop and run at our previous house. Both were predominately made of wood and we have already had to dispose of one chicken house due to a red mite infestation which we could not clear. Red mite bite the chickens at dawn and dusk, can make them anaemic and effect egg production. They thrive in damp woody environments so traditional wooden chicken coops are a breeding haven for them.”

 


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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 23rd, 2019 by sammorley


Caring For Your Rabbits In Winter

A fluffy brown rabbit in the snowWhen the temperatures drop, most rabbit owners know the importance of checking that their pet’s hutch is winter ready.

However, did you know it’s just as important to consider your rabbit’s emotional needs as well?

Brave the cold to give your bunny a cuddle!

An often-overlooked problem for rabbits in winter is that they have reduced playtime with their owner. When the weather’s nice, you’ll often be outside even if you’re not specifically going out to see your rabbit. You and your pet will benefit from lots of regular visibility. However, in the winter when you’re not going outside as much, you and your rabbit will also be missing out on regular contact, and this will have a significant impact on your rabbits’ health. Even if kept with other rabbits, they can still miss you and feel lonely. Brave the cold and get outside to maintain as much of their normal routine as possible. And remember rabbits are crepuscular meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn so even when it’s dark you can still pop out to see them, it’s unlikely you’ll disturb their sleep.An Eglu Go hutch covered in snow

As well as less playtime with their owner, less exercise is also an unhealthy side effect of the winter months. It is incredibly important you do all you can to avoid this affecting your rabbits’ health.

Consider a hutch with a run attached so that your rabbits have access to space for exercise during the day. A large walk in run also makes it easier for you to play with your rabbit, as there is space inside for you to join them, and you and your rabbits can be protected from the elements by covers over the top and around the sides of the run.

If your rabbits’ hutch is not attached to a run, the Zippi Tunnel System is an excellent solution to link these two together and provide rabbits with easy access to a larger area for exercise when they choose. You can also open the run in the morning and close in the evening by using the door on the Zippi Tunnel entrance.

Provide lots of dry bedding in their hutch and if your rabbit’s get really wet then you can dry your rabbits with a towel after outdoor activity. Check there is food and water available in the run, as well as a shelter and toys. You can even place some bedding in the run to encourage exercise when it is cold.

Your rabbits’ home

In winter, ensure that your rabbits’ home is waterproof, dry and ventilated. A common problem with standard wooden hutches is that they can become damp and cold from leaks and drafts. If you do have a wooden hutch, it is important to check the home for damp patches regularly. You will also need to remove any wet bedding promptly as this can freeze.

Consider moving your hutch closer to your house, in a sheltered area to protect it from wind and rain and make it easier for you to check on your bunnies regularly.

Provide your rabbits with extra bedding to keep them warmer during these colder months, and you may also want to purchase a safe microwavable heat pad to place underneath bedding if temperatures drop below freezing.

Ensure your rabbits have access to clean drinking water at all times, as they will likely drink more in winter, and check this is not frozen on particularly cold days. As well as hay, provide your rabbits with some leafy greens as these may be in short supply for them in your garden at this time of year.

Some owners bring their rabbits indoors for winter. This can be a great way to keep pets warm and healthy in the colder months, however, the process needs to be carefully managed. Moving your rabbits into a different habitat can be a stressful change, which should be done gradually. Remove all hazards and cables from ground level in the rooms which your rabbits will have access to, provide a dark sleeping spot, and place familiar items from the outside hutch into the home.

We recommend seeking further advice from animal welfare experts or your vet if moving your rabbits indoors.

A grey and white fluffy rabbit sat outside

If this is not an option for you, or if your wooden hutch is looking a little worse for wear, and not providing your rabbits with the warm, dry shelter, they require, consider upgrading to a insulated waterproof hutch, such as the Eglu Go, which offers complete protection against the elements.

The Eglu Go Hutch has a unique twin wall insulation system which works in a similar way to double glazing to keep your rabbit’s home well insulated, while the draught-free ventilation system allows fresh air in without blowing cold air over the bedding area. The removable bedding tray can be slid out and cleaned quickly making it easier for you to meet your rabbits’ needs and maintain their dry living conditions.

Watch this video to see how easily the Eglu Go Hutch can be made completely winterproof…

Source – RSPCA (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/pets)

Click here for full terms and conditions for New Year, New Eglu promo.

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This entry was posted in Rabbits on January 15th, 2019 by sammorley


Healthy Oat Pancakes

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Ingredients

2 ripe peeled bananas,

1/2 cup of oats,

2 eggs,

1 tbsp of yogurt,

Splash of milk.

To cook

1 tsp coconut oil

This is the easiest and quickest breakfast to make if you’re on the go. All you have to do is put all the ingredients apart from the coconut oil in a blender and blend until it’s smooth. Then heat a non stick frying pan with a little bit of coconut oil and then pour or ladle the pancake mixture into small ‘American style’ pancakes on the frying pan. You should be able to fry roughly 2-3 at a time depending on the size of your frying pan. Wait for the pancake to cook on one side, once you start to see air bubbles coming through, you can then flip the pancake to cook on the other side. They should come out golden brown and fluffy. Serve with any fruit of your choice, we personally like them with blueberries and a dollop of greek yoghurt. If you wish to reheat these pancakes at a later date for a healthy alternative breakfast, just pop them in the toaster for a minute for a crisp and warm pancake.

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This entry was posted in Recipes on January 14th, 2019 by sammorley


Top 10 benefits of owning a pet

Couple sat outside with their dog on Omlet's Nest Dog Bed

As any pet owner can tell you, animals have a wonderful way of weaving their way into our lives, bringing an abundance of joy, comfort, and a dash of adorable chaos. Owning a pet is more than just having furry, scaly, or feathered companions. Pets are the keepers of our secrets, the bringers of laughter, and the silent healers of our hearts. At Omlet, we think beyond the innovation of pet products and celebrate the remarkable bond that fosters people and pets. We recognize the benefits of owning a pet and know they are more than just a companion – they are an integral part of our lives, enriching them in countless ways.

Top 10 benefits of owning a pet 

The decision to bring a pet into your life transcends companionship; it unlocks a myriad of benefits that enrich your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From fostering responsibility to alleviating stress, the advantages of owning a pet are diverse and impactful.

Let’s delve into the top ten benefits of owning a pet:

1. Companionship and emotional support

The unwavering loyalty and unconditional love pets offer can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide profound emotional support. Whether you are 2 or 92, pets offer comfort to our lives by giving us a sense of purpose and meaning. 

Add fun products to your pet’s environment like a dome-shaped bird cage or a cat scratcher with lights and see how quickly your bond together strengthens. With wagging tails, furry coats or flocked feathers, pets become confidants, giving us comfort during difficult times, companionship through loneliness and a celebration of highs, making each day brighter.

2. Physical health improvement

Pet ownership often translates to increased physical activity. Whether it’s a dog needing walks or playing with an energetic cat, the regular exercise associated with pet care is tremendous. With increased exercise comes lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and a boost in overall fitness. 

And don’t forget all the benefits your pet receives with movement as well as the increased bond they are getting with you. As a pet owner, you have your companion to thank for helping keep your health in check and happy. 

3. Stress reduction

Have you ever had a stressful day only to come home, sit on the couch, start petting your dog and begin to feel more at ease? That’s because the mere presence of pets has been proven to reduce stress levels. There’s a reason pets are used as ‘calming mechanisms’ in hospitals, schools and nursing homes. 

The simple act of petting a cat or dog triggers the release of oxytocin, or the “feel-good” hormone, in our brains which, in turn, promotes relaxation and decreases cortisol levels. And bonus – your dog or cat receives just as much happiness and satisfaction from being pet by you.

4. Enhanced social connections

Want more friends in your life? Get a pet. Pets serve as wonderful catalysts, easing social interactions among their owners. Whether it’s meeting fellow pet lovers at the park or engaging in conversations with neighbors during walks, pets act as the perfect icebreakers. Fostering new connections with pet owners is easy because they all have one thing in common – they love their pets like family. 

5. Mental health benefits

The companionship of pets contributes significantly to mental health. They offer a sense of purpose, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and provide a constant source of joy and entertainment, uplifting spirits during challenging times.

When feelings of depression or sadness abound, establishing new routines can be very beneficial in bringing about a general sense of well-being. With pets, routines are inevitable. Whether it’s the daily routine of walking your dog, scheduled feeding times or regular grooming schedules, having set plans for you and your pet makes mental health better. 

6. Teaching responsibility

For families, owning a pet is an excellent way to teach children responsibility. Caring for a living being instill values within children like empathy, compassion, and accountability. By giving your child the responsibility of nurturing a pet, you will in turn be nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Woman holding boy, stroking a cat on the Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree

7. Improved immunity in children

While many people, and children, are allergic to certain animals, a lot of research has been conducted to suggest that early exposure to pets can actually bolster a child’s immune system. Pet hair and dander allergies are certainly real, however, the earlier a child is exposed to an animal, the greater the chance of reducing the risk of allergies and asthma. 

In fact, growing up with pets introduces a variety of microbes to a child that they would not otherwise come in contact with and, as such, strengthens their immune system’s resilience. Always consult your doctor if medical conditions persist, but having a childhood pet is not just a memory maker, but an immunity booster as well. 

8. Therapeutic benefits

The therapeutic benefits that pets offer to people are countless. From assisting in physical rehabilitation to providing comfort in emotional therapy, the presence of a pet can dramatically accelerate the healing process. While some pets are trained for specific service roles such as sight-seeing dogs, almost all pets can provide emotional support to their people just merely through their presence. 

9. Sense of security

If you live alone or in a place where your sense of security feels weak, having a pet can make all the difference. Pets, especially dogs, offer a feeling of safety as they are another being in your house that can protect and provide reassurance. Dogs have keen senses and protective instincts, making owners feel safer and more secure with them around. 

10. Unconditional love

There’s a quote by George Eliot that says, “Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” We would add that they are also one of the few beings that will love you more than you love yourself.

The joyous moments shared with pets leads to a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment. Through their antics, playful demeanor, and unwavering loyalty, pets offer us humans unconditional love and companionship that’s incredibly special and mutually beneficial.

Omlet and your pets

The relationship between pets and people extends far beyond the surface. Omlet acknowledges and cherishes this profound connection, recognizing the multitude of ways in which pets enhance our lives. That’s why we make products like the Geo Bird Cage and the Switch Cat Scratcher to enhance the unbreakable bond that is between a person and pet. Owning a pet is an enriching experience that contributes to holistic well-being, companionship, and happiness in immeasurable ways and Omlet is proud to be a partner in the care of your pet. 

Woman looking into the Eglu Cube Chicken Coop to collect eggs

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This entry was posted in Pets on January 11th, 2019 by sammorley


New Year Resolutions For You And Your Pet

A woman jogging on a beach with her dog

January is historically the month to set yourself some achievable goals for the year ahead. We’ve put together some ideas for creating New Year Resolutions for you and your pet!

Get fit

No more quick walks around the block after dinner. 2019 is all about getting fit with your pet. Both you and your pet will reap the rewards both physically and mentally. On an average 30 minute dog walk you can burn between 100 and 200 calories.

Try a new activity with your pet

From hiking to kayaking, hitting the waves to joining a pet exercise class, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new pastime. These new activities will help you burn lots of calories! A 30 minute walk on the beach will burn approximately 150 calories and you could expect to burn 220 calories on a 30 minute hike.

Incorporate more playtime into your routine

Dogs love to play games and Cats love the thrill of chasing a toy; let’s just not tell them it’s exercise! Enjoy spending more time playing with your pets this year. A fun 20 minute tug of war would see you burn 50 calories.

Groom your pet every day

Brushing your pet helps to remove excess fur from their coat which reduces the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. It also helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur, to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Grooming an average sized dog burns 200 calories.

Teach an old dog a new trick

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in older animals. By keeping your senior pet’s brain active, it can actually make it healthier.

Update your pet’s ID info

Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags. Don’t wait — update their tags and microchips now.

Make new friends

Visit your park and get to know other pet owners! It’s easier that you think!

Maintain a healthy diet

Lead a healthy life with a balanced diet and not too many treats.

Most of all; enjoy spending time with your wonderful pets!

A girl holding her hamster with the Qute cage in the background

 

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This entry was posted in Pets on January 11th, 2019 by sammorley


How to prevent your hens’ eggs from freezing 

Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop with Autodoor in the snow

If you live anywhere subject to cold temperatures, chances are good that you’ll encounter a frozen chicken egg in the nesting box. Frozen eggs are less than ideal for numerous reasons –  but they can be avoided. Here are some quick tips to show you how to prevent your eggs from freezing before you get to them. 

Why do eggs freeze? 

Eggs are mostly liquid inside until they’re cooked or are able to develop into a chick – and like other liquids, they have a freezing point. Chicken eggs freeze around 29℉, and can freeze solid in just a couple of hours. Since a non-broody hen doesn’t sit on the eggs for long, eggs laid in the nesting box are susceptible to the cold. 

How can I tell if an egg is frozen? 

Frozen eggs may feel more dense than usual, and may also crack, burst, or bulge from the internal pressure. Some eggs may not be completely frozen when they’re collected, and if you use them right away, you may see the partially frozen egg white. Partially frozen eggs may also feel off-balance in your hand, or make an audible sound when shaken. 

Can I use frozen eggs?

Eggs that have frozen don’t have the same consistency or taste that you would normally expect from fresh eggs. Frozen eggs can be thawed and eaten, but due to their makeup, their texture will be grainy and unpleasant. Frozen yolks that have thawed will be thickened and gelatinous, losing their ability to be mixed well. 

Any eggs that have cracked or appear misshapen from pressure should be thrown out – including those that have frozen. Once the shell of an egg has cracked, it exposes the egg to bacteria and other contaminants that can make you ill. It’s in your best interest to toss frozen eggs and focus on preventing them from freezing in the first place. 

3 ways to prevent eggs from freezing

Insulate your coop

Insulated chicken coops help contain the body heat from your hens and keep it from dispersing too quickly. It also minimizes the effects that the exterior temperature has on the interior, keeping the coop warmer than the ambient temperature. You can attempt to insulate your existing chicken coop – but be sure not to limit the ventilation, which is important during the winter months to prevent moisture buildup. Our line of Eglu Chicken Coops have twin-wall insulation with draft-free ventilation to keep the coop comfortable during the cold. Extreme temperature protection can also be added to further insulate our coops in especially cold climates. 

Focus on the nest box

Make the nesting box as warm and inviting as possible. Thick bedding like straw is a good choice for winter nesting box comfort. You can also hang strips of thick fabric like fleece as a curtain in front of your hens’ nesting area to further insulate against the cold. Chicken nesting boxes should be elevated above the frozen ground, and warm enough to prevent the eggs from freezing until you’re able to collect them. 

Collect eggs more frequently

During the winter months, it’s important to check for eggs several times a day to prevent them from freezing. While chicken eggs can stay in the coop for several days under normal circumstances and still be edible, frozen eggs should be avoided. Hens typically lay their eggs mid-late morning or in the early afternoon. It’s good practice to check the nesting box after your morning cup of coffee, after lunch, and at least one other time before dark. 

What to avoid when preventing eggs from freezing 

There are some insulating or heat-producing measures that may be tempting to take in order to prevent your eggs from freezing, but be sure to avoid: 

  • Placing a heat bulb or plate inside of the coop, as this will make your hens too hot and potentially cause them to go into shock when they venture out into the cold temperatures. 
  • Completely sealing up a chicken coop – this prevents air from circulating and will encourage moisture buildup on the coop and your hens, which can lead to respiratory illness and frostbite on their combs and wattles.
  • Offering blankets or other cloth as nesting box bedding. Hens’ claws can easily become snagged in fabric and cause injury.  

Omlet and your eggs 

Our range of Eglu Chicken Coops all feature the same expertly designed insulating methods to keep your hens as comfortable as possible in all weather conditions. And, with the addition of an automatic chicken coop door, you can schedule your hens to stay in their coop during the coldest parts of the morning – adding heat to both the coop and their eggs. When you choose an ingeniously insulated Omlet chicken coop, you can have confidence that your chickens are comfortable when they roost, play, and lay their eggs. 

A boy in a snowy Eglu Chicken Coop with his chickens

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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 8th, 2019 by sammorley