It only took one message – and a very efficient brother-in-law.
Hannah is the next chicken keeper in our series “How Chickens Changed My Life.”
After spending time around her boyfriend’s parents’ chickens and visiting a café where hens wandered freely, Hannah floated the idea of getting some of her own in the family group chat. By the next day, five bantam chickens and a coop arrived on her doorstep, courtesy of her brother-in-law.
“I instantly fell in love with them.”
That moment marked the beginning of what has since become a full, thriving flock. Today, Hannah keeps eight chickens, including three chicks she hatched herself over the summer. Each has its own personality, but together they form a lively, ever-moving part of her daily routine.
Her hens – Nugget, Winnie, Eggatha and Henrietta – are, as Hannah describes them, “lovely happy girls.” Dave the rooster keeps a careful watch over the group while Nutty lives up to her name. “She literally runs around like a headless chicken.”
What started as a simple addition to the garden has quietly reshaped how Hannah spends her time.
With chickens to care for, the outdoors has become part of her everyday rhythm rather than something reserved for weekends or spare moments. “I have always been a lover of the countryside and the outdoors but now this gives me a reason to get outside, potter about and enjoy nature without feeling like I’m not doing anything productive.”
There’s a slower pace that comes with it – small, familiar tasks and daily routines that bring a sense of calm and continuity. “It has inspired me and brought me so much happiness, I didn’t realise what I was missing and now I’ve found something that brings me endless joy.”
Alongside that enjoyment has come a subtle shift in perspective. Caring for animals day to day naturally builds patience, consistency and an appreciation for things that develop over time. “The best things in life don’t happen instantly, and material things aren’t the key to happiness or a measure of success.”
As her time outdoors increased, so did her interests beyond the coop.
That time spent outdoors has had a ripple effect, gradually expanding from the coop into the wider garden and into new, hands-on ways of living.“It started with 5 chickens and as I was spending more time outside, I started pottering in the garden and fell in love with gardening, which then led me to want to start growing my own vegetables and now I even bake my own bread!”
Sharing her journey has also connected her with a wider community.
Through her online presence, Hannah has found herself part of a wider network of like-minded people, with opportunities to connect beyond her immediate surroundings. “It has opened opportunities for me, I was kindly invited to an Omlet event, and loved meeting lots of other like minded people who are also creators too!”
But among all the day-to-day moments, one stands out clearly. “My favourite chicken related memory has got to be the day my chicks hatched… It was so adorable.”
For anyone considering starting their own flock, Hannah’s advice is reassuringly simple. “You don’t need heaps of space, just a good coop and a couple of hens and you’re good to go! You can learn everything about chickens as you go.”
We asked Hannah to finish this sentence: “My life is better #BecauseOfTheChicken… “ It’s brought me a whole new meaning to life.”
From the moment our guests drove into Bella Luna Farms just outside Seattle, they knew this wasn’t going to be your average farm visit. Why? Because Barbara, the blow-up Omlet chicken, was waiting to greet everyone in style.
Barbara set the tone for a day full of laughter, curiosity and chickens doing their thing – whether that was strutting around the Eglu Pro coop, or deciding yoga mats were the perfect perch.
The minds behind the magic
Co‑founder Hanns kicked things off by sharing the story of Omlet and how it all began, just over 20 years ago. Guests were captivated, and as Sean (@themindfulfarmer) said:
“Seeing the story of Omlet and talking with Hanns was a major highlight. Omlet isn’t just raising chickens, it’s about creating a family experience.”
Next up, Dan from Scratch and Peck Feeds took the stage to share the history behind their feed and the team led a hands-on granola bag building activity. Attendees got a sense of the care and quality that goes into every bag.
Downward chick…
Then came something the guests had definitely never experienced before: Chicken Yoga. Mats were laid out under a gorgeous wooden A-frame in the forest, while curious chickens wandered in, hopped on shoulders and flapped about while the group worked their way through different poses.
“Meeting fellow chicken lovers, enjoying yoga and spending time with like-minded (chicken) people was incredible!”
It was simultaneously calming, hilarious and slightly chaotic – exactly what you’d expect.
Yoga worked up an appetite, and lunch did not disappoint. Guests dined under grapevines, sampling farm-fresh dishes prepared by chef Danny Conkling, while chatting all things chicken.
“Hard to pick one favorite thing of the day, but if I had to, lunch was phenomenal!”
Owner Pam then led a tour through Bella Luna Farms’ charming cottages, creamery and pastures, introducing everyone to the resident animals, including the famous Stinky the donkey. Guests also got an close look at Omlet’s Smart No Waste Feeder in action and all got to take one home for their own flocks to try out.
“Learning how the feed is manufactured and what sets it apart was eye-opening. Both brands are dedicated, passionate and thoughtful.”
The afternoon wrapped up with a no waste cooking demo, also from chef Danny, and sampling of local cheese and wine. Guests left feeling inspired, connected and maybe a little more obsessed with chickens than when they arrived.
“From the blow-up Omlet chicken greeting to yoga, farm tours, and incredible food, it was the perfect event.”
Watch this space… because with this kind of energy – more chicken yoga, granola bag building and farm adventures are definitely on the horizon.
At the base of Mount Rainier, WA “right at the foothills,” Venise Cunningham’s chickens aren’t just part of the farm – they’re part of the bar.
It began with “a teeny, tiny chicken coop” and five Rhode Island Reds at Venise’s first house by the river, and her family’s first time trying out chickens. Twelve years on, the flock has evolved. Most recently, her seven year old son decided he wanted to hatch eggs so they borrowed an incubator, sourced fertile eggs from local farmers and tried their luck. “Humidity and temperature is kind of hard here,” she says. “But we got seven to hatch!”
Today, the chickens roam, scratch, fertilize – and the hens lay eggs that find their way into the cocktail shaker of Simple Goodness Sisters drinks business.
Venise is the grower. She cultivates the herbs, edible flowers and fruit that shape the flavours of Simple Goodness Sisters, the business she runs with her sister Belinda. Belinda is the cocktail maker. Before setting up their cocktail syrup business, the sisters worked in downtown Seattle and Bellevue for tech companies, planning large scale events. It was there they spotted the gap.
“There’s a lot of attention on farm to table,” Venise says, “but not a lot of attention goes to the glass.” So they built what she calls “a whole cocktail farm.”
The syrups anchored drinks at their restaurant and at events across the region – including the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival in Seattle (where we met the sisters who also had a booth there) where they were mixing the introductory cocktails for the afternoon speakers.
When Venise is making a blueberry lavender syrup, she’ll use 100 pounds of blueberries bought directly from a neighbouring farm. The juice is pressed and bottled. And this is where the chickens come into play. The hens aren’t a novelty – they’re integrated. Because once 100 pounds of blueberries have given up their juice, Venise is left with skins and flesh still full of value.
“All of the juice comes out of the blueberries, but you still have all the skin and the flesh,” she says. “I’m still pulling a lot of really good ingredients out of the syrup kettle.”
In their book, she and Belinda call the philosophy “whole animal bartending” – the cocktail equivalent of nose-to-tail cooking. Use everything. Waste nothing. Some fruit leftovers become shrubs. Some are dehydrated and ground into sugar rimmers. And when they’ve taken it as far as they can, the rest heads back outside.
“It goes to the farm, and it becomes chicken food… then it goes into my compost, and then it turns into compost, and then I put it in my garden bed – it never goes into the dumpster.”
That circular thinking extends beyond the bar. Watching how thoroughly the chickens scratch through pasture sparked another idea: “Can they weed for me?” Venise built a temporary structure over her raised beds so the flock could claw through weeds before planting season.“In a couple of weeks, all of my beds are weeded,” she says.
And it’s not just weeding – “they’re adding the fertiliser… it’s all really great for the soil. ”For Venise, this is the heart of farming. “That’s the part of farming that I love the most – getting really creative.” The Herb Garden Sour cocktail also involves the flock – it uses the egg whites from the flock’s eggs for its foamy and bubbly texture.
From coop to cocktail foam, from spent berries to chicken feed to compost to soil, the system runs in a tight circle.
The farm grows the flavours. The bar shakes the drinks. The chickens keep it moving. And as Venise puts it, nothing “ever goes into the dumpster.”You can find out more about the farm, the cocktails, and the book the sisters have written ‘Drink Your Garden’ on the Simple Goodness Sisters website.
A quarter-acre and a whole heart, how Meagan started with a few garden beds and now has a full and thriving ecosystem.
We sat down with Meagan (@meggrowsplants) to talk about daily life with chickens, the joy of fresh eggs and how a small urban space can become a powerhouse of productivity. Meg specialises in growing, preserving and cooking her own food at home, she shares her top tips and recipes with her online community, as well as snippets of her chicken-keeping journey.
“It just felt natural to get chickens.”
“It was kind of a landslide,” Meagan laughs. “I started with garden beds in my backyard. We live on about a quarter of an acre, around 9,000 square feet of backyard space, and once I got into gardening, I just kept thinking: I could have chickens… and a greenhouse… and bees.” So chickens were the next logical step.
But it wasn’t just about having fresh eggs for breakfast. It was about building a system.“I’m very much an ecosystem gardener. My goal is to increase the ecosystem in my backyard. Feeding the chickens, the chickens feeding me, using their manure as compost, and then feeding that back into the garden… it’s a circle of life kind of thing.”
“I originally started naming them after iconic queens in history because I called them my queens.”
Meg currently keeps eight hens (no rooster – city rules won’t allow it). Each hen has a name, some after iconic historical queens: Pippi, Penny, Charlotte, Maple, Lizzy, Winona, Mavia and Hazel.The flock is a mix of breeds, “I wanted one of each, just to see how their personalities and feather patterns differ. They all get along great.”
With eight good layers, she collects around seven to eight eggs daily. “They’re really good chickens,” she says proudly. “I only have one freeloader – she goes broody a lot.”
What to do with all the eggs?
“I eat a lot myself – boiled, scrambled, egg salad, deviled eggs. I’m the egg salad girl at every party.”
The surplus never goes to waste.“I bring eggs to friends whenever I visit. I give them to neighbors. I donate to a local food pantry. Eggs are such a good source of protein, and there are a lot of people who need that.” She doesn’t charge for the eggs, it just feels right to share.“I don’t really treat it like a business. They’re my chickens. They lay eggs. It feels good to give some away.”
Benefits beyond food
“They’re a reason to get up in the morning and get outside, they are part of my morning routine. I love waking up and going to see what they’re up to.” Morning light, fresh air, collecting eggs – it’s all very grounding, and the routine can do wonders for your mental health.
“I struggle with my mental health sometimes. Getting outside first thing and getting that vitamin D really helps. And I do think the chickens help in a very real way.” In the early days, she checked on them constantly. “Every five minutes,” she laughs. “Now it’s once or twice a day, but I’m in the garden a lot anyway, so we’re always kind of hanging out.”
Built for the backyard
Meg’s chickens live in a sectioned off run at the back of the yard, protected by an Omlet fence. “I had another fence before, and they kept hopping over it and getting into the garden. TheOmlet fence is high enough, and I love that it’s freestanding. It was exactly what I needed.” Because she lives in the city, predator worry is relatively low, but she keeps an eye on them whenever they’re out.
Alongside the hens, Meg keeps bees. And surprisingly, the chickens help. “There’s a pest called the hive beetle. It pupates in the ground around the beehive. The chickens forage there and eat the larvae.” Since allowing the hens to scratch around the hive area, she’s noticed a reduction in beetle issues. “It’s a beneficial situation. The bees don’t care about the chickens, and the chickens help control the pests.”
“They’re my little garden helpers”
Inside Meg’s chicken run sit three large compost bins. “The chickens love foraging through the compost. It gives them something to do, and it actually helps break everything down faster.”
Chicken manure goes straight into the system. Kitchen scraps do too – anything safe and non-toxic. “They’re amazing at breaking things down. I’ll throw woody plant matter in there without even chopping it up. Two weeks later, it’s in tiny pieces.” The compost moves through a three-bin system until it’s ready to return to the garden – closing the loop once again. “They’re my little garden helpers.”
Meg’s anti-waste mindset extends to how she treats the flock. Blackberries grow wild on her dad’s land, and she forages them every year, freezing the surplus. She also freezes homegrown blueberries.
“In the summer, when it gets really hot in North Carolina, I give the chickens frozen fruit as treats. It helps cool them down.” Nothing goes unused. Meg is super into preserving and canning, and shares a lot of tips and advice in her content.
The Future: more chickens
At one point, Meg kept 14 chickens – but scaled back due to space. “In the future, though? I could definitely see myself with 50 plus chickens.” She dreams of separate coops for silkies and bantams, and eventually adding a rooster. “I’d love to breed my own crosses. I’m a science girlie – I think chicken genetics and egg colors are so cool.”
Last year, Meg gave her broody hen, Mavia, a chance at motherhood by slipping chicks under her. “She accepted them. One didn’t make it, but the other one did – that’s Pippi. So now I have a mom and daughter in my flock.”
What’s clear is that the chickens are more than just egg producers. They’re companions, compost workers, pest controllers and part of a living, breathing system.
“It just reminds you of what humans are supposed to do,” she says. “Grow food. Share it. Swap with neighbors. Work with nature instead of against it.”
What’s clear is that the chickens are more than just egg producers. They’re companions, compost workers, pest controllers and part of a living, breathing system.
Thanks to Meg for her time and the really interesting interview. You can find tips, recipes and more from Meg via her website: https://meg-grows-plants.myshopify.com/
For Sean Pessarra, founder of The Mindful Farmer, chickens weren’t part of some grand plan – they were simply the beginning. “I was in grad school for environmental science,” he says. “And I got really interested in regenerative agriculture. It felt like a way to actually heal the land. Chickens were the gateway.”
That first flock, back in 2012, quietly changed everything. “It just opened the door,” he says. “We expanded the garden, started composting… then it was quail, catfish – we did everything.” What began as a side project quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, Sean runs a farm supply business supporting regenerative growers across the southeastern United States – a career shift rooted in that original flock.
Before launching his company, he worked in environmental consulting and later with Heifer International, helping small-scale farmers build sustainable livelihoods. But he saw a clear gap. “There weren’t many suppliers for organic or regenerative farmers,” he explains. “So that’s what we’re trying to fix – making it more accessible and affordable.”
Back in his own garden, chickens remain at the center of everything.
His system is compact but highly productive – around 1,000 square feet yielding nearly 2,000 pounds of food a year. And the chickens are doing much of the work. “They’re my garden laborers,” he says. “They clear weeds, turn the soil, add nutrients – and then of course, we get eggs.”
It’s regenerative farming in its most practical form. Rather than removing animals from the equation, Sean integrates them into it. “It’s about good impact,” he says. “You let them work an area, then move them on. That’s how you build soil.”
That same thinking shapes the breeds he advocates for. While modern farming has prioritized high-output chickens, Sean points to the growing importance of heritage breeds – many of which are now under threat. Organizations like the Livestock Conservancy are working to protect them.
“They might not lay quite as many eggs,” he says, “but they’re hardy, disease-resistant, and great foragers.” In other words, perfectly suited to regenerative systems. “They don’t need as much intervention – they just work with the land.”
But perhaps the most powerful example of that philosophy isn’t in his garden – it’s in a classroom.
Sean recently helped set up a flock at his son’s school, where children now take responsibility for caring for the chickens.“They move the coop, the fencing – everything,” he says.“They’re learning about rotation and regenerative agriculture from a really young age.”
It’s messy, hands-on, and completely engaging. “We talk about the whole life cycle – eggs, hatching, all of it,” he says. “They get it straight away.”
In many ways, it’s a reflection of his own journey: start small, stay curious and let the chickens lead. “You start with a few,” he says, “and then suddenly, you’re thinking about the whole system.”
Thanks to Sean for his time and the chat! Find out more about his work and The Mindful Farmer via the website.
At the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in February, we met Andrew Tuttle of Edge Perma, a regenerative farm design business, (though the list of projects he’s involved with spans much wider) and chatted all things chicken and how vital they are for regenerative farming and healing land.
Through his work with Edge Perma, Andrew designs farm systems where chickens are central: building soil fertility, managing weeds and helping perennial crops thrive. “Chickens are the number one tool for regenerative success in orchards and food forests,” he says.
He’s seen it at scale too. During a farm mapping project, he visited Alexandre Family Farms in Crescent City, California. This 9,000-acre regenerative farm is doing some of the most impressive ecosystem restoration work in the country. Running mobile coops through newly planted trees, the chickens help clear grass, fertilize soil, and manage weeds, giving young trees and shrubs the best chance to grow. The farm integrates chickens alongside rotationally grazed cattle to restore habitats, protect salmon passageways and build long-term soil fertility.
“For future generations, if done right, livestock and especially chickens could be the solution to the future of food.”
The farm has even been highlighted in a White House briefing, and with the towering redwoods nearby – some of the biggest trees in the world – it’s a landscape as awe-inspiring as it is productive.
Back on his own farm, Andrew keeps a smaller flock – four hens and counting – but even at home, their impact is clear. They scratch through the orchard floor, naturally controlling grass and weeds, fertilizing the soil as they go, and helping maintain his hyper-diversified agroforestry system, which combines alley cropping (growing crops in the “lanes” between rows of trees) and silvopasture (grazing livestock in a managed forest or orchard). In the grassy rows between fruit trees and shrubs, chickens help manage competing plants and support the growth of young trees and shrubs, reducing the need for fossil-fuel-powered tractors.
“Once we nail the predator-proof coop system we’re looking to design, we’ll be running them up and down the grassy rows, building fertility and managing competition with weeds and grasses,” he says. “Chickens can be integrated earlier on into tree-based systems in ways that sheep or goats just can’t.”
Andrew’s vision extends beyond the land itself. Edge Perma aims to fast-track the healing of the planet by showing people what’s possible, inspiring change and training others to do the same. From mapping massive farms to running small-scale projects with different farms to boost biodiversity and support local communities – he’s proving that chickens can make a difference at every scale.
At home or on a massive farm, chickens are more than egg layers – they’re ecosystem engineers.
Andrew’s work shows that when we let them, these clever birds can build soil, shape ecosystems and transform landscapes – teaching us that the smallest members of a farm can have the biggest effect.
Thanks to Andrew for his time and the really insightful conversation. You can find out more about Edge Perma on their website.
At the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle, Jeremy and Staci from Gooseberry Bridge Farm shared stories as colorful as their homestead. Nestled on twelve acres in Rogersville, Missouri, their farm blends flower fields, vegetables and a menagerie of animals with humor, heart and a dash of chaos.
Chickens: The Gateway to Farm Life
Jeremy jokes that “chickens are the gateway to everything else.” For the couple, that gateway arrived in 2016, when they brought home chickens, sheep and rabbits. Today, the farm hosts around 70 egg-laying chickens, 20 silkies, goats, pigs, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and a Highland cow or two.
These animals aren’t just cute, they’re part of a carefully orchestrated system.
Chickens help control bugs, stir compost and even scatter flower seeds, creating a sustainable “circle of life” that keeps the farm flourishing.
Meet Alex: The Shoulder-Riding Silkie
“We originally thought Alex was a rooster… then she laid an egg on a visitor’s lap.”
Of all the animals at Gooseberry Bridge, Alex the Silkie chicken seems to bring main character energy. Known for hopping onto visitors’ shoulders, Alex earned her pirate nickname for her fearless perching habits. And in true farm-life fashion, she once laid an egg… directly on a visitor’s lap, revealing that the assumed rooster was, in fact, a hen.
Alex has even starred in a children’s book, Farm Animals, by Kizzy Roberts, a former circus vet tech who has a knack for capturing animals’ personalities in print.
Gardens, Greenhouses, and a Circle of Life
The farm combines charm with practicality. Their 1880s farmhouse sits amid a 4,000-square-foot vegetable garden, a half-acre flower field, and rotating pastures. Ducks follow the cows, chickens scratch through compost, and leftover flowers become feed, all contributing to the farm’s anti-waste philosophy.
Eggs that aren’t eaten right away are preserved using traditional methods like water glassing (where fresh, clean eggs are stored in a solution of water and pickling lime) ensuring nothing goes to waste while allowing the family. and visiting guests, to enjoy fresh eggs year-round.
Preserving the Harvest
Jeremy and Staci’s recent book, The Preserver’s Garden, guides readers in growing and preserving their own vegetables. The advice is simple: start small, freeze or can your first harvest, then gradually expand. Tomatoes and green beans are the couple’s specialties, but they encourage beginners to find one crop and one preservation method to begin.
“Even if you don’t grow everything yourself, you can still top up your diet with fresh eggs, veggies and homemade preserves.”
With storage solutions ranging from repurposed dining rooms to under-bed spaces, Gooseberry Bridge Farm demonstrates that preservation is possible anywhere.
The farm is also an educational haven. Seasonal visits allow guests to experience farm life firsthand – snuggling baby animals, picking flowers, and learning about sustainable farming practices. From watching chickens scratch through compost to seeing the ducks follow the cows, visitors get a window into the careful balance that keeps the farm thriving. Guests can also see firsthand how produce from the garden is transformed into jams, pickles and more, giving a glimpse of the “circle of life” that defines the farm.
Gooseberry Bridge Farm offers a mix of fun, education, and inspiration. As Staci says, “Even a little bit at a time, and you’ll get better at it.”
Thanks so much to Staci and Jeremy for their time. To find out more about the farm and their book, check out the Gooseberry Bridge Farm website.
Chickens are naturally curious foragers, and their diet plays a significant role in their health, happiness, and productivity. At the heart of a balanced chicken diet is a high-quality layer pellet, which provides a carefully formulated mix of grains, protein, and essential vitamins. While chickens can enjoy a variety of treats such as grapes, bananas, tomatoes, and apples, it is important to ensure these extras are given in moderation. Overindulging in treats can disrupt the nutritional balance they need. Additionally, chickens require grit in their diet to help them digest food properly, supporting their overall well-being.
What to feed chickens?
Feeding chickens starts with understanding their basic nutritional needs. The primary food for laying hens should be layer pellets, which are designed to meet the daily requirements for protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining energy, supporting immune function, and ensuring consistent egg production. If you’re interested in making your own chicken feed, we have some advice on our guide to help you with this.
Layer pellets and chicken feed
Layer pellets are the gold standard for laying hens. As a guideline, each chicken should receive about 4.2 oz of pellets per day. These pellets contain a balanced blend of grains, proteins, and essential nutrients, ensuring your flock gets everything they need for optimal health and egg laying. If you are interested in maximizing your hens’ egg production, you may want to read our article on 8 ways to make your chickens lay more eggs.
Generic chicken feed, which often includes a variety of grains such as corn, wheat, and barley, can also be used. These feeds provide a good source of energy and can be alternated with layer pellets. However, always ensure that the feed you choose is appropriate for the age and purpose of your chickens, as chicks, growers, and layers have different nutritional needs.
The importance of grit
Chickens do not have teeth, so they rely on grit, small stones or insoluble particles, to help grind down food in their gizzard. Without grit, chickens may struggle to digest their food properly, which can lead to digestive issues and poor nutrient absorption. Grit should be made available at all times, especially if your chickens are not free-ranging on soil where they can naturally find it.
Feeding equipment
Investing in a reliable chicken feeder is an effective way to manage your flock’s diet. A well-designed feeder, such as the Omlet No Waste Feeders, helps you easily monitor feed levels, minimizes waste, and keeps food clean and dry. Choosing the right feeder can make daily care simpler and more efficient for both you and your chickens.
Can chickens eat grapes?
Grapes are a popular treat among backyard chickens, but they should only be offered in moderation. Grapes are high in sugar, which can lead to health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, whole grapes can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller birds.
To safely feed grapes to your chickens, chop them into small pieces or crush them into a mash. This not only makes them easier to eat but also helps prevent blockages and reduces the risk of sour crop, a digestive condition that can occur when food gets stuck in the crop.
Grapes are rich in vitamins C and K, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious occasional treat. Always wash grapes thoroughly to remove any pesticides or chemicals, and never feed mouldy grapes, as these can be toxic.
Can chickens eat bananas?
Bananas, including their peels, are safe for chickens when given in moderation. Bananas are packed with nutrients such as potassium, vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, iron, and magnesium. However, their high sugar content means they should only be an occasional treat.
You can serve bananas whole, sliced, or mashed. Hanging a whole banana in the run can provide entertainment as well as nutrition, encouraging natural pecking behavior. For a standard chicken, a golf-ball sized serving is sufficient.
Banana peels are also edible for chickens, though some may be less interested in them. If you choose to offer peels, make sure they are clean and free from pesticides.
For distributing treats evenly among your flock, consider using a Caddi Treat Holder, which can help prevent squabbles and ensure all your chickens get a fair share.
Can chickens eat tomatoes?
Tomatoes are another treat that chickens enjoy, but some precautions are necessary. Only feed ripe, red tomatoes, and always remove the green parts, including stems and leaves. These green parts contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to poultry. Green tomatoes should also be avoided for the same reason.
Ripe tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Wash tomatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides, and chop them into small pieces to make them easier for chickens to eat.
If you grow tomatoes or other potentially harmful plants in your garden, use chicken fencing to keep your flock away from these areas. This helps protect both your chickens and your plants.
Can chickens eat apples?
Apples are a sweet and crunchy treat that most chickens love. However, always remove the seeds and core before feeding apples to your flock, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful to chickens. Chop apples into small, manageable pieces to aid digestion and reduce the risk of choking.
Due to their high sugar and fiber content, apples should be offered in moderation. Avoid giving chickens any rotten or moldy fruit, as this can cause digestive upset or illness.
Can chickens eat mealworms?
Mealworms are a favorite treat for chickens, and are valued for their high protein content. Protein is essential for feather growth, particularly after a molt, and supports healthy egg production. If you are looking for guidance around supporting your chickens during molting, you may find our article on how to help your chickens through a molt useful.
Mealworms are also high in fat, so moderation is important. Too many mealworms can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Mealworms can be used as a training tool, as chickens are highly motivated by this treat. Scattering mealworms in the run encourages natural foraging and digging behavior, which is both mentally and physically stimulating for your flock.
Our peck toys are perfect for mealworms as they make eating fun, as well as slowing down how quickly they are dispensed which reduces mess on the ground.
Can chickens eat hay?
Hay, especially nutrient-rich types like alfalfa, can be a beneficial addition to your chickens’ diet. Hay provides fiber, minerals, and entertainment, as chickens enjoy scratching at hay bales in search of bugs and seeds. A hay bale is also a fantastic source of enrichment, giving your flock the opportunity to rip it apart, forage, and stay busy throughout the day. It can also help insulate the coop during colder months.
Hay should be offered as an occasional treat or to encourage foraging. Too much Timothy hay can lead to impacted crop, a condition where food becomes stuck and cannot pass through the digestive system. If you notice signs of impacted crop, stop offering hay and consult a poultry expert. Always ensure hay is clean and dust-free to prevent respiratory issues.
How to serve treats safely
When offering treats to your chickens, preparation is key. Always chop treats into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and make them easier to digest. Remove any parts that could be harmful, such as apple seeds or tomato stems. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt.
Treats should never make up more than ten percent of your chickens’ overall diet. The majority of their nutrition should come from a balanced layer feed, which is formulated to meet all their dietary needs.
Monitoring your chickens’ diet
Keeping an eye on what your chickens eat is essential for their health. Too many treats can lead to obesity, reduced egg production, and other health issues. Using a smart chicken feeder can help you track how much your flock is eating and ensure they always have access to fresh, clean food.
If you notice changes in your chickens’ behavior, appetite, or egg production, review their diet and make adjustments as needed. Sometimes, a simple change in feeding routine or treat frequency can make a big difference.
Enrichment and feeding products
Providing enrichment is just as important as nutrition. Products like the Treat Caddi, Peck Toys, and Smart Feeder not only make feeding easier but also keep your chickens entertained and engaged, as well keeping the floor clean which in turn prevents pests. These tools help distribute treats evenly, reduce food waste, and encourage natural behaviors like pecking and foraging.
For example, the Treat Caddi can be filled with fruits or vegetables and hung in the run, encouraging chickens to peck and explore. Peck Toys dispense small amounts of food as chickens interact with them, providing both mental and physical stimulation. The Smart Feeder allows you to monitor feed levels and reduce spillage, ensuring your flock always has access to the nutrition they need.
Key takeaways
Chickens need a diet consisting mainly of layer feed to get essential vitamins and minerals
Occasional treats can include grapes, bananas, tomatoes, apples, mealworms, and hay
All treats should be served in moderation to maintain a balanced diet
Chop treats into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking and aid digestion
Remove any harmful parts, such as apple seeds or tomato stems, before feeding
Grit is essential for proper digestion, especially if chickens are not free-ranging
Use feeding and enrichment products to make feeding easier and more enjoyable for your flock
Omlet and your flock
At Omlet, we understand that keeping chickens is about more than just providing food. It is about creating a happy, healthy environment where your flock can thrive. Our range of products, from smart feeders to enrichment toys, is designed to support you in caring for your chickens every step of the way.
We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and expertise, helping you make informed decisions about your flock’s diet and well-being. Whether you are a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, you can count on Omlet for advice, support, and innovative products that make chicken keeping a joy.
For more tips and information, explore our other articles and guides, and discover how Omlet can help you and your flock live your best lives together.
Meet Brittany, the latest chicken keeper featured in our series “How Chickens Changed My Life.” Brittany’s journey into chicken keeping began in 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. She had started a garden and, fueled by a lifelong love of animals, realised chickens were the perfect addition to her backyard homestead. Her hens – Ginny, Nora, Essie, and Millie – are named after her grandmothers, a tribute to family roots and the spirit of nurturing that runs in her family.
“Ginny and Essie are spirited, Nora is skittish, and Millie falls somewhere in between.”
Life with chickens quickly reshaped Brittany’s daily routine. Without an automatic coop door, she rises with the sun to let the flock out, a commitment that has brought unexpected rewards. “I HAVE to get up, and as a result, I’ve caught some beautiful sunrises because of them.”
One of the first milestones that truly captured Brittany’s heart was finding her very first egg. “Finding that first little sage green egg was unforgettable,” she says. The tiny egg was the culmination of patience, care and observation, and it remains one of her favourite memories from the past year.
The hens have also provided lessons in patience and mindfulness. Waiting for eggs, tending to their needs and observing their personalities has been a gentle reminder that good things take time – and that nature has its own schedule. “They’ve been a reminder that great things are worth waiting for and to just enjoy the process, no matter how it looks or how long it seems to take.”
Brittany has discovered that her chickens are more than pets, they’re a bridge to community. Sharing knowledge, stories and sometimes eggs with neighbours and friends has fostered new connections, both online and in her neighbourhood. “Being able to expose people to a world they otherwise may not have known about is one of the best parts.”
Her flock has also influenced her approach to gardening, cooking and sustainability. Between composting, growing her own food and considering the impact of her choices on the environment, Brittany has become more thoughtful and deliberate in her daily habits. “Both my chickens and my garden have made me more conscious about what I put on and into my body.”
Brittany’s advice to anyone considering their first flock is simple but profound: do your research, prioritise the health and safety of your chickens and embrace the learning process along the way.
Ultimately, Brittany sees her backyard flock as more than just a hobby – they are a source of joy, connection and self-discovery.
We asked Brittany to finish this sentence: “My life is better #BecauseOfTheChicken… “They’ve brought me closer to myself and my purpose in this world.”
Meet Vivian, the first chicken keeper in our new series “How chickens changed my life”. Vivian and her husband always dreamed about keeping chickens and at the end of 2024 timings aligned and they decided to take the leap. From getting better sleep to becoming physically healthier, see how Vivian’s life has been transformed by her chickens or as she would say “it’s nothing less than magical”.
After saying goodbye to their beloved Labrador Lucy in 2023, Vivian and her husband found healing in tending to chickens. “I’d been dreaming about keeping chickens for years,” Vivian says, and when she revisited the idea with her husband at the end of 2024, he was ready too.
Vivian explained that having chickens changed how they move through a day. “My daily routine has changed more than I expected,” Vivian notes.“I used to miss early flights because I wouldn’t hear the alarm. Now I wake with the sun to care for the flock, and I tuck them in at dusk.” The result is a fresh sense of time and better sleep.
Health followed the new rhythm. “Since bringing chickens into our lives, I have become physically much healthier,” she says, adding that chores keep her active, outdoor time increases, and herb-picking for the flock is meditative.
A moment with her favourite chicken Norah Jones deepened Vivian’s view of animals: “There was a moment with her that shifted how I perceive the world. The hen rested on my forearm, eyes closed, a quiet sign of love and trust.”
The flock built community online and offline. Vivian runs @soulbeautifulbirds alongside her fruit-growing @contadinak and connected with others who share the passion. That network helped them rescue two roosters and a hen for a forever home.
Vivian’s practical tip for newcomers: plan the basics. “We underestimated the time projects would take,” she says, “always make sure you have the foundations established before bringing chickens home.”
We asked her to finish this sentence: “My life is better #BecauseOfTheChicken…” because there is now that priceless experience of wonderment.
We’ll be back with more ‘how chickens changed my life’ interviews in the coming weeks, so watch this space.
Cleaning your chicken coop is essential for keeping your flock healthy, happy, and productive. A clean coop prevents the spread of disease, keeps pests like red mites at bay, and reduces stress on your chickens. Regular cleaning also helps protect your flock from respiratory issues and can even improve egg production. Neglecting coop hygiene can quickly lead to health problems and a drop in egg yield, so it’s important to stay on top of your cleaning routine.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Coop?
Keeps your chickens healthy by cutting down on bacteria and disease
Stops red mites and other pesky parasites from taking over the coop
Shields your flock from respiratory issues caused by ammonia and dust
Boosts egg production by keeping your hens relaxed and happy
Prevents unnecessary stress so your chickens can thrive
How Often to Clean a Chicken Coop
Sticking to a regular cleaning routine is the secret to a happy, healthy flock, especially if you have a wooden coop. With a few simple daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, you’ll keep your coop sparkling and your chickens loving their home. For wooden coops, pay extra attention to corners and crevices where mites and moisture can hide, and check regularly for signs of rot or damage. Giving wooden surfaces a good scrub and letting them dry out fully helps prevent mold and keeps your coop sturdy for years to come.
Daily Tasks
Gather up those fresh eggs
Scoop out any droppings you spot
Give the roosting bars a quick wipe-down
Toss out any soiled bedding
Weekly Tasks
Swap in fresh bedding for the nesting boxes and coop floor
Give waterers and feeders a good clean and disinfect
Sweep out any stray feathers or leftover debris
Monthly Tasks
Take out all the bedding for a proper deep clean
Scrape off every bit of droppings and stubborn dirt
Scrub down every surface with a chicken-safe cleaner
Let the coop dry out completely before adding fresh bedding
If you have a plastic chicken coop, wipe the panels down with a towel to speed up the drying process
Cleaning Chicken Accessories
Keeping your chickens’ accessories sparkling clean is just as important as tidying up the coop itself. Give waterers and feeders a good scrub inside and out on a regular basis, this helps stop bacteria and mold from sneaking in and making your flock sick. Grab a brush to tackle any stubborn bits, and rinse everything well so no cleaning residue is left behind. Covered waterers and enclosed chicken feeders are a smart choice, since they keep dirt, droppings, and bedding from getting into your chickens’ food and water, reducing how often you need to clean them. By keeping feeding and watering gear fresh and clean, you’ll make sure your chickens always have safe, uncontaminated food and water.
Best Way to Clean a Chicken Coop
The best way to keep your chicken coop clean is to mix a little daily spot cleaning with a weekly tidy-up and a good, deep scrub once a month. Each day, spot clean droppings in the nest box, gather up those fresh eggs, and brush off roosting bars, this keeps things easy and stops mess from piling up. Once a week, give the coop a refresh by swapping in clean bedding, emptying droppings trays, and giving waterers and feeders a thorough wash. When it’s time for your monthly deep clean, take out all the bedding, scrape off any stubborn droppings, and give every surface a scrub with your favorite chicken-safe cleaner.
Don’t forget to pay extra attention to corners, roosting bars and nesting boxes; those sneaky spots love to hide bacteria and pests. After you’ve scrubbed everything down, disinfect well and let the coop dry out completely before adding in fresh bedding. Letting it dry is super important, since leftover moisture can lead to mold and bacteria. If you have a plastic chicken coop, you can easily wipe down the panels with a towel to speed up the drying process. For a little extra peace of mind, sprinkle some diatomaceous earth in the bedding of your wooden coop to help keep mites and other pests away before your chickens move back in.
What to Clean a Chicken Coop With
When it comes to cleaning your wooden chicken coop, choosing the right cleaning products is important for both the health of your flock and the longevity of your coop. Natural cleaners are a popular choice, with a simple 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water being both safe and effective for most cleaning tasks. Vinegar naturally cuts through grime and helps neutralize odors without leaving behind harmful residues. For tougher jobs, especially during your monthly deep clean, you might opt for a commercial disinfectant designed specifically for animal housing, just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and rinse thoroughly. Scrub brushes are essential for loosening dried droppings and dirt, while a hose can help rinse away debris and cleaner from surfaces. For a fresh-smelling coop, consider adding citrus peels to your cleaning solution; they not only help mask odors but can also provide a mild antibacterial effect.
Key Takeaways
Clean your chicken coop regularly to keep your flock healthy and productive.
Follow a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule for best results.
Use natural cleaners like vinegar and water for safe, effective cleaning.
Deep clean monthly and allow the coop to dry before adding new bedding.
Clean accessories regularly and use covered feeders and waterers to prevent contamination.
Omlet and Your Flock
Keeping your chicken coop clean is one of the best ways to help your flock truly thrive. With a regular cleaning routine and the right tools, you’ll give your chickens a safe, comfy home, which means happier hens and plenty of tasty eggs. A tidy coop doesn’t just keep your flock healthy and stress-free; it also makes your daily chores quicker and a whole lot more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing you’re giving your chickens the best life possible to roost, play, and lay. Stick with your cleaning routine, and you’ll have a lively, productive flock and a coop you can be proud of.
As part of our No Waste Series, we’re looking into how we can make small but impactful changes to waste less at home and make the most of what we already have in the kitchen and garden.
One thing we wanted to learn more about is composting, so we reached out to Michael, founder of Compost Club, who gave us some top tips for starting out in the compost world.
Composting doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming
The trick is using the right system for the right job. I use several composting methods side by side, and together they let me compost almost everything with very little effort. That includes garden waste, food scraps and even materials from keeping chickens and pets. Here are five composting tips to help you get started this year:
1. DON’T FORCE ONE BIN TO DO EVERYTHING
Different waste breaks down in different ways, so one compost bin rarely works for everything. I use Bokashi (more on this later) for food waste, a wormery for fruit and veg scraps, compost tumblers for mixed material and open bays for garden waste. Each system does what it’s best at and composting becomes much easier. Chicken bedding, pet-safe garden waste and high-nitrogen materials all benefit from having the right system rather than being squeezed into one bin.
Quick tip: If something keeps causing smells or flies, it probably needs a different system. In composting we say, “If you smell it, you’re losing it” and the “it” is nitrogen.
2. USE OPEN BAYS FOR BULKY GARDEN WASTE
For grass cuttings, prunings, leaves and larger volumes of material, open compost bays or circular heaps are hard to beat. They handle large volumes, allow good airflow and quietly turn garden waste into compost over time with very little intervention. They’re especially useful if you keep chickens. Used bedding, straw, wood shavings and manure are rich in nitrogen and compost brilliantly when mixed well with carbon materials and can generate heat for faster breakdown.
Quick tip: Mix materials well for better structure and aim to maintain around 50% moisture, good aeration and the right balance of greens to browns. A compost aeration tool makes turning much easier. You could introduce a hollow channel from top to bottom, like a chimney, to act as a lung for passive aeration.
3. LET WORMS HANDLE THE SMALL STUFF
Wormeries are brilliant for raw fruit and vegetable waste. They’re compact, low-maintenance and produce incredibly rich compost. They’re ideal if you generate small amounts of food waste regularly and want fast results without much effort. Avoid adding meat, dairy or pet waste to wormeries, but they’re perfect for plant-based kitchen scraps from busy households. However much you love soil, worms love it more – they have five hearts!
Quick tip: Always top food with a bedding of leaf litter and add around 10% browns to keep flies away and keep your worms happy.
4. Compost tumblers work best when they’re kept moving
Regular turning adds oxygen and speeds up decomposition. I use tumblers to mix food waste (especially Bokashi) with dry materials like wood chips. Shredded cardboard, paper or autumn leaves can work well too. This creates compost far faster than a static bin. Tumblers are also ideal for mixing in small amounts of soiled chicken bedding once it’s been balanced with plenty of carbon. I aim to mix greens and browns 50:50 by volume. In composting, “greens” refer to nitrogen-rich materials (like food scraps, fresh grass clippings and coffee grounds), while “browns” are carbon-rich materials (like dried leaves, straw, shredded cardboard and paper). A balanced mix of greens and browns helps compost break down faster and keeps your pile healthy.
Quick tip: A quick spin every day or two makes a big difference. Fill to about ¾ full, and choose a unit of at least 245 litres capacity.
5. BOKASHI – WHAT IS IT?
Bokashi is a unique composting method that involves fermenting food waste using beneficial microbes. It’s perfect for breaking down materials that traditional compost bins struggle with, like meat, dairy and cooked food. Bokashi works indoors, is mess-free and helps speed up the composting process. Once the food has fermented, you can add it to your garden or another compost system to finish breaking down.
Quick tip: Press food down firmly and keep the lid airtight to avoid smells.
CHICKEN KEEPER BONUS TIP: BOKASHI BEYOND THE BIN
Bokashi isn’t just useful for composting food waste, it can also play a helpful role for chicken keepers. Used correctly, Bokashi bran can act as a gut-supporting feed additive, helping introduce beneficial microbes into a chicken’s diet (I even feed a bit to my cat). It can also be sprinkled lightly into bedding as an odour suppressant, reducing ammonia smells and improving conditions in the coop.
When Bokashi-treated bedding and manure are added to compost, the fermented microbes help accelerate decomposition, resulting in a more balanced, biologically active compost. That means better soil structure, healthier plants and a stronger soil food web.
Quick tip: Use Bokashi sparingly with chickens. Small amounts go a long way, and it works best as part of a wider composting and soil-building system.
Composting doesn’t have to be perfect – just practical
By using a few simple systems together, you can compost more waste, including food scraps and chicken bedding, faster, with fewer problems. Start small, keep it simple and let nature do the rest. Compost made well will be far superior to anything you can buy commercially, thanks to all those living microbes that power the process. If there’s one thing the soil has taught me, it’s that diversity is resilience. Whether that’s your compost inputs and process, your plants, your animals and even our human communities.
Thanks so much to Michael Kennard, Founder of Compost Club, for these tips. We’re looking forward to trying them out ourselves and hope you do too. You can find out more about composting, as well as details about upcoming workshops and courses at compostclub.online.You can also get 15% off compost on their site with code OMLET15.
You may not find a class on how to raise chickens at your local college – which is why we’re here to help you get started on your chicken-raising journey. Lots of information about chicken care for beginners can be found online, but it can all be a bit overwhelming. The surest way to succeed is to stick to the basics, opt for a high-quality, long-lasting set up, and to keep things simple. Omlet has the knowledge and the products to help you succeed when getting chickens for the first time.
Reasons to start raising chickens
If you’re new to poultry, getting chickens for the first time can seem daunting. Hens are often viewed as farm-specific animals whose main purpose is to lay eggs. But chickens actually make wonderful backyard pets that are full of personality and character.
There are so many benefits of raising chickens. These include, but are not limited to:
Other family pets that may pose a risk to your hens
Zoning laws and city ordinances if applicable
Selecting your chicken coop and run
Chickens don’t require as much hands-on care as other pets do, but will still need to be looked after daily. Make sure you have adequate space for the number of chickens you want to keep – giving them as much space as possible. Secure your chickens’ area to prevent other pets or predators from reaching them.
The best beginner chicken breeds
It’s a good idea to research and decide whichbreeds of chickens you want to keep before bringing any hens home. Different breeds have different qualities and temperaments, but here are some that are known for being great hens for first-time chicken keepers:
Consider your climate, available space, and egg-laying expectations when selecting which breeds you want to keep. Keeping a “mixed flock” is common among chicken keepers, as it adds variety to your egg basket. You may also find “barnyard mix” hens, which are a mixture of several different breeds. These hens are often bred to be excellent egg layers, be cold or heat-hardy, or to have a specific ornamental appearance.
If you’re getting full-grown chickens, select your hens based on temperament and appearance. As with other pets, hens have unique personalities and some may be more in sync with your own personality.
Getting started with chicks vs mature hens
If you want to start your flock from baby chicks, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the breeds you want to keep. Once you’ve decided on which breeds you want, you’ll need to knowwhere to find and buy your chicks. Common options include local feed stores, breeders, or even online hatcheries, like Meyer Hatchery, Murray McMurray Hatchery, or Cackle Hatchery. No matter where you purchase your chicks from, be sure they are reputable establishments or breeders for the types of chicks you’ve chosen.
Raising chicks can be a very rewarding experience for any flock-keeper – beginner or experienced. Chicks grow fairly quickly, but do require extra care and equipment until they’re old enough to be more self-sufficient. To raise baby chicks, you’ll need:
A secure brooder pen
A heat lamp or brooder plate
Chick-specific feeders and waterers
Chick-feed and grit
With each newstage of raising chicks comes different necessities. Newly hatched chicks will need a special enclosure called a “brooder” for the first several weeks of life. A brooder should be predator-resistant and kept somewhere out of the elements. Garages or barns are ideal places to keep brooder pens. Baby chicks will also need a heat source (which mother hens would ordinarily provide) that is adjusted weekly to help them adjust to life outside. You can expect to house and care for your chicks in their brooder until they are around 12 weeks old.
One of the greatest benefits of raising chicks is being able to handle them from a young age. Handling your chicks daily will help to make them more docile as adult hens. After a short while of being handled and housed in the brooder, your chicks will be ready to be moved to their permanent home.
Best chicken coops for beginners
Aside from the chickens themselves, achicken coop is the most important aspect of keeping chickens. And, as a beginner, you’ll want a coop that works with you, not against you. For example, DIY chicken coop plans may look appealing, but they often lack fundamental provisions for your flock. It’s important to have a safe, easy-to-clean, comfortable coop for your hens to support their health and well-being.
Think of your yard’s space, and how large of a flock you intend to keep. If you want to keep more than four hens, you’ll need alarge chicken coop.
Determine how much time you want to dedicate to cleaning and maintaining your chicken coop and run. It’s important to remember that wooden chicken coops all require routine maintenance, updating, and take several hours to clean thoroughly.
Plastic chicken coops don’t rot, peel, or succumb to the elements – so they require zero maintenance. Omlet chicken coops are also incredibly easy to clean: simply remove the droppings tray and roosting rack, dump the bedding, spray or wipe clean, add fresh bedding, and place the components back in the coop. Our coops take all of the guesswork out of chicken care for beginners, and allow you to spend more time enjoying your flock, and less time cleaning and maintaining their coop.
How much space does a chicken need?
Chickens crave space – and lots of it. Chickens are much happier when allowed as much space as possible to explore.Chicken runs give your flock a safe space outside of their coop to peck at grass and insects, stretch their legs and wings, and soak in fresh air and sunshine.
A great option for first-time chicken owners is awalk in chicken run. These runs not only give your hens more aerial space forchicken perches, but also allow you to easily spend time with your flock. Our chicken coop attached runs can be easily integrated with a walk in run, or you can simply place your chickens’ coop right inside of the walk in run.
We’ve also made it possible toextend your walk in run as your flock grows. Both the length and width can be extended at any time, giving your hens maximum space. You can also addwalk in chicken run partitions to create different areas of your walk in run. This is helpful for keeping hens separated if needed or when introducing new flock members.
If free-ranging is more in line with your lifestyle, considerchicken fencing to keep your hens close to home. Chicken fencing can be used to prevent your flock from getting into flower beds, wandering off of your property, and straying too far from home. Configure a pen of any shape with posts that can be repositioned at any time, or anchor the fence to a structure with a wall mount. An easy-access gate allows you to enter and spend time with your hens while they explore their surroundings.
How much to feed a chicken per day?
Each chicken needs just over 4oz (about 120g) of quality feed per day to stay healthy, happy, and laying their best. Chickens are fairly self-sufficient and prefer their feed to be left out during the day so they can snack as needed. To keep your flock fed, simply keep theirchicken feeders full of quality feed.
What type of feed should I give my chickens?
If your hens are laying age (16 weeks or older), they’ll need to be fed laying pellets or crumble. Both varieties offer the same nutrients, so it comes down to what your flock prefers. Some hens, especially smaller breeds or older chicks transitioning from chick crumble, may do better with crumble, but either option will keep your hens healthy and productive.
How can I keep feeding time clean and easy?
Chickens can make quite a mess of their feed, which can attract pests to your chicken run unless you clean up and bring the feeder in every night. To save yourself time and keep things tidy, consider investing in a feeder like theOmlet Smart No Waste Chicken Feeder. Its clever no-spill design keeps your run pristine, and the automatic daylight sensor closes the feeder at night so you never have to bring it in away from twilight pests. It holds enough feed for six hens for a whole week and even sends refill alerts to your phone, so you’re always one step ahead. Try offering treats in aCaddi Chicken Treat Holder or aChicken Peck Toy to keep your flock entertained while keeping food off the ground and your run clean.
How much water does a chicken drink per day?
A healthy chicken drinks about half a pint (around 500ml) of water each day, but this can double in hot weather or if your hens are laying eggs regularly. Just like you, chickens thrive when they have constant access to fresh, clean water – so keeping their drink topped up is one of the most important factors to ensure happy, productive hens.
How long can a chicken go without water?
Chickens can’t go long without water – just 24 hours without fresh water can seriously impact their health and egg-laying. In hot weather, they can become dehydrated even faster. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your flock always has access to clean, cool water. A reliable waterer takes the guesswork out of hydration and keeps your chickens happy, healthy, and laying their best.
What is the best chicken waterer?
When it comes to choosing the best chicken waterer for your flock, you want something that keeps water clean, flowing and is easy to refill. The Omlet Insulated Chicken Waterer keeps the water inside fluid and at a comfortable drinking temperature even when it’s freezing cold or boiling hot outside. The enclosed design also keeps out debris and algae, so your hens always have access to the freshest water possible.
Caring for your backyard chickens
Getting into a routine will come naturally after you’ve tended to your chickens for a few weeks. Coop cleaning, feeding, watering, and egg collecting are all part of the daily task list for chicken keepers. If you’re unsure about what your routine should look like, here are some things you should be doing daily and weekly to keep your coop clean and fresh:
Chickens thrive on routine, and will help you establish one that works for both of you. Most chickens are ready to go out of the coop at sunrise, and will naturally go in to roost around sunset. Hens will usually lay eggs in the late morning or early afternoon, but the timing will vary between chickens and seasons. It’s not common for hens to lay eggs overnight, but it’s good practice to check the nesting boxes each time you visit the coop.
Zoning laws, predators, & protection from seasons
You’ll need to make a few adjustments to your flock’s setup depending on where you live. Luckily, Omlet makes it easy to adapt and overcome obstacles as a new chicken keeper.
Chicken zoning laws
Before heading out and purchasing your chickens, be sure to check with your local city or county office to make sure that you can keep chickens where you live. Most states leave it up to individual cities or governing authorities such as homeowners associations (HOA) to create and enforcelaws about keeping chickens.
Many cities allow chickens to be kept in backyards, but will have restrictions or requirements. These may include:
Flock size
Coop type and location
Prohibiting roosters
If you’re part of an HOA, they may have additional regulations apart from the city you live in. Once you’ve obtained permission with the city, check your HOA bylaws or contact a board member to see if you can keep chickens.
Omlet has achicken coop for every size flock to accommodate size regulations. And, with optional wheels and handles for every coop and attached run, you can move your Omlet chicken coop around your yard to comply with guidelines. Since our coops aren’t permanent structures, it’s unlikely that you’ll need a permit or a cement pad to place one in your backyard.
Chicken predators
Chicken predators are an unavoidable part of keeping a flock. No matter where you live you’ll encounter predators that will try to take advantage of hens that aren’t fully protected. From coyotes, foxes, and bears in the country, to racoons, hawks, and even neighborhood dogs and cats inside of city limits, you’ll need to fortify your flock’s home. Some common predators you may encounter include:
Coyotes
Raccoons
Hawks or other birds of prey
Foxes
Cats and dogs
Snakes (mainly in search of eggs, but some species will go after hens)
Make sure your chicken coop doors are secure and have mechanisms that can’t be pried open by pesky paws. Installing anautomatic chicken coop door adds an extra layer of protection between your hens and predators trying to get in a closed-up coop. The horizontal open and closing mechanism helps prevent the door being pried open – unlike vertical opening doors.
Omlet has also taken protective measures against racoons. Raccoons are known to use their hand-like paws to turn knobs and levers, or reach through wire to get to their prey. The tightly spaced wire across the bottom of ourchicken runs prevents them from reaching your hens. TheEglu Cube and Eglu Pro also have raccoon-resistant access door handles that also double as child-safety locks.
Seasonal protection
As outdoor pets, your chickens need different care during different times of the year. Most chicken keepers elect to cover their chickens’ runs to protect them from the elements. Omlet’s line ofheavy-duty chicken run covers offers protection from rain, snow, wind, and harmful UV rays. Our dark green tarps are perfect for providing shade on a hot summer day, while our clear tarps allow sunlight to filter through to warm your hens during the chilly winter months.
The temperate weather of spring and fall is favorable for hens, depending on your location. And while most breeds of chicken tolerate both high and low temperatures, if your area experiences extreme temperatures you’ll need to take additional measures to keep your hens comfortable.
During extreme cold temperatures in the winter, consider adding anextreme temperature jacket to your chickens’ coop. While ourEglu chicken coops are designed to keep the inside temperature at a comfortable level, your hens will appreciate the extra layer of insulation during the bitterly cold months, especially if you opt for a small flock or small breeds. Be sure to also offer your hens plenty of perching space as reprieve from the frozen ground. Offerwarming chicken treats to keep their metabolisms up and to promote egg laying.
How many eggs do chickens lay per year?
Egg-layingbreeds of chickens will produce approximately one egg every day and a half. That means that during peak laying age (around two years old), high-producing egg layers can produce between 250-300 eggs per year. But do they need your help to accomplish this?
Many first-time chicken owners wonder what they can do toencourage hens to lay eggs. The main components to help keep hens happily laying are:
Chickens can make wonderful, entertaining pets that offer enjoyment to any family – so long as expectations are realistic and preparations are made. Before diving into the world of chickens, remember:
Don’t expect chickens to be cuddly, hands-on pets, they’re friendly, but usually prefer a little space.
Avoid buying cheap, flimsy coops or runs that might rot or fall apart; invest in quality from the start.
Don’t forget that chickens live outdoors all year; make sure their setup can handle changing weather.
Don’t try raising chicks unless you have a safe brooder, can manage the hatching process, and have time to care for them for 2–3 months before they move outside.
Never skip checking with your local authorities about keeping chickens or setting up a coop.
Don’t bring home chickens without researching the breeds that best fit your lifestyle and space.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience!
Begin keeping chickens with Omlet
Starting your chicken-keeping adventure should feel exciting, not overwhelming—and that’s where Omlet comes in. We’re here to make every step easy, fun, and full of possibilities. With our clever products, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your flock’s antics and unique personalities. Add a little extra joy to your coop with ourChicken Swing or let your hens explore with theCustomizable PoleTree Chicken Perch. With Omlet by your side, you’ll have everything you need to create a happy, healthy, and endlessly entertaining home for your chickens right from the very first day.
In a world that’s increasingly instant, filtered and endlessly scrollable, we wanted to slow things right down with our latest content series: Capture It.
We sent disposable cameras to a group of chicken keepers and asked them to capture the every day moments of chicken keeping. No retakes. No instant previews. Just a limited roll of film and a flock.
We checked in with a few keepers after developing their photos, to see how the experience was for them. Several keepers told us how freeing it felt using a camera with a photo limit, and not being able to see each photo immediately afterwards.
“It makes you really think about the photograph, the experience becomes more mindful.” James
Everyone captured more of the small, often-overlooked moments: feeding hens by hand, frosty mornings at the coop, or simply watching the flock chatter their way into the day.
Again and again, keepers spoke about how chickens naturally pull you away from phones and into the moment. They teach rhythm: waking with the light, bedding down at dusk. They create routine and responsibility and they bring people together – whether it’s children racing to check for eggs first thing, or family members being greeted by the flock each morning.
“All the moments with hens beat scrolling. It’s grounding. It’s real.” Gemma
“It allowed me to be more present and in the moment.” Gemma
One keeper captured spending time with an older hen in her final days which is so special, and a reminder of how important it is to savor the little moments while you can.
We hope you enjoy these snaps, and thank you so much to all the lovely chicken keepers for getting involved in the Capture It series.
What will you do this season to stay more present and grounded?
When it comes to raising happy, healthy chickens, ensuring proper chicken hydration by providing clean, fresh water is one of the most important things you can do. But with so many chicken waterer options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your flock? At Omlet, we believe that every backyard chicken keeper deserves a waterer that’s not only reliable and hygienic, but also makes life easier for you and your hens. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular chicken waterer types and highlight their pros and cons.
Traditional Gravity-Fed Waterers
Overview: Gravity-fed waterers are a staple in many backyard coops. These typically consist of a reservoir that sits atop a shallow tray. As chickens drink, gravity pulls more water into the tray, keeping it filled.
Pros:
Simple to use and set up
Inexpensive and widely available
Cons:
Water is exposed to dirt, bedding, and droppings, making it prone to contamination
Algae can quickly build up in the tray, especially in warm, sunny weather
Can be easily tipped over by enthusiastic hens
In winter, water in the tray freezes quickly
In summer, water in the tray warms up above optimal drinking temperature fast
Our Take: Gravity-fed waterers are a budget-friendly option, but they require frequent cleaning, checking and refilling. For busy chicken keepers or those with larger flocks, the maintenance can become a daily chore.
Nipple Waterers
Overview: Nipple waterers deliver water through small valves that release droplets when pecked by a chicken. These are typically attached to buckets, pipes, or large reservoirs, offering a more enclosed system than open trays.
Pros:
Keeps water clean and free from debris and droppings
Reduces spillage and waste
Suitable for larger flocks with less frequent refilling
Cons:
Chickens may need time to learn how to use the nipples
Some models may drip or leak, leading to damp spots in the coop
Our Take: Nipple waterers are a step up in hygiene and efficiency, making them a popular choice for many chicken keepers. By keeping water enclosed and only dispensing it when pecked, these systems help reduce contamination and keep your flock’s water fresher for longer.
Cup Waterers
Overview: Cup waterers feature small cups that fill with water when chickens peck at a trigger or automatically refill when the water level drops as they drink. Like nipple waterers, they’re often attached to buckets or pipes.
Pros:
Water stays somewhat cleaner than in open trays
Chickens can drink easily from the cup
Less spillage compared to open waterers
Cons:
Cups can still collect dirt, droppings and bedding
Cups with triggers can clog and break over time
Water in cups freezes in winter, and warms up in summer
Our Take: Cup waterers offer an easy drinking experience for poultry, with reduced waste from spill, but they still require regular cleaning and can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
DIY and Open Bowl Waterers
Overview: Some chicken keepers opt for simple bowls, buckets, or even repurposed containers as poultry waterers.
Pros:
Extremely affordable
Easy to clean and refill
Cons:
Water gets dirty very quickly
Bowls can be tipped over or stepped in frequently
No protection from freezing or contamination
Our Take: While DIY solutions can work in a pinch, they’re not ideal for long-term use. Your flock deserves better than muddy, contaminated water.
Why the Omlet Waterer is the Best Choice for Your Flock
At Omlet, we set out to solve the common problems faced by chicken keepers everywhere. The result? The Omlet Insulated Stay Clean Chicken Waterer, a game-changer for backyard flocks.
We listened to real chicken keepers and designed a waterer that tackles freezing temperatures, contaminated water, daily refreshes and bullying at the water source. Every feature is crafted with your flock’s comfort and your convenience in mind, so you can spend more time enjoying your chickens and less time worrying about their water. With the Omlet Waterer, you’re giving your hens the best in hydration, hygiene, and health.
Key Features That Set Us Apart
Insulated Design: Our insulated waterer helps stop water from freezing, ensuring your chickens have access to fresh water even in the coldest months. No more breaking ice or hauling warm water to the coop on frosty mornings.
Clean Water, Always: The Omlet Insulated Stay Clean Chicken Waterer is designed to keep water clean from debris and algae. With a fully enclosed system, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your flock.
Nipples and Cups Included: We know every flock is different, so we include both nipples and cups. Whether your hens prefer pecking or sipping, you can choose which to use to suit them best.
Anti-Bully 360° Design: Our unique 360-degree layout features five founts, so multiple chickens can drink at once, without crowding or bullying. Every hen gets her fair share, even during the morning rush.
Anti-Roost Lid: Tired of chickens perching on your waterer and making a mess? Our anti-roost lid keeps your water clean and poop-free, and your hens feet on the ground.
Omlet Waterer vs. The Rest: A Quick Comparison
Omlet and Your Flock
Choosing the right waterer isn’t just about convenience – it’s about the health and happiness of your flock. With the Omlet Insulated Waterer, you get peace of mind knowing your chickens have access to clean, fresh water year-round. Less work for you and a better life for your hens. You’ll notice your flock is more content and productive when their basic needs are met with ease. Plus, the durable construction and easy-to-clean design ensure your investment lasts season after season. Give your chickens the gift of reliable hydration and watch your coop thrive with Omlet by your side.
There’s nothing quite like seeing our products out in the real world, doing what they do best. So for this instalment of ‘in the wild with…’, we caught up with the wonderful Katherine Salom and her flock in Texas. You can follow Katherine’s chicken-keeping journey at @gulfcoastcluckers, where she shares content of her flock (including lots of Malaysian Serama bantams which are the smallest chicken breed in the world!) as well as top chicken-keeping tips, and updates to her coop setup.
Living in a mostly hot climate, her hens are thirsty for cleaner sips, and cooler, fresher water all year round, here’s how it’s transformed her daily chicken-keeping routine.
Describe the new Omlet Waterer in 3 words:
Sturdy, innovative, and functional.
How has it impacted your daily chicken routine?
It’s made watering my flock so much easier! I don’t have to worry about constantly refilling or cleaning out nasty waterers anymore. I have experienced no algae growth which is a problem I often face here in the Texas heat. It keeps the water clean, cool, and off the ground, which means it stays clean. The ability to see how much water is left without having to open it up makes chicken chores easy! If I do notice a dirty cup, you can flush it with a quick spray of the hose and it’s clean!
How does it fit in with your other Omlet products?
Perfectly! It matches the sleek, practical design of my Eglu and Walk-In Run setups. The colors are cohesive and look so nice together. Everything from Omlet just works together so well, it makes my whole chicken coop look tidy and intentional!
How have the chickens taken to it? Did it take them long to get used to it? Is there anything you did that made them warm to it more quickly?
They figured it out fast! Chickens are curious, so once they saw me set down the new Waterer, they were all over it. I gave it a little tap to show them where the water came from, and within minutes they were drinking like pros.
Would you recommend the Waterer to other chicken keepers?
Absolutely! It’s one of those upgrades that you don’t realize how much you’ll love until you have it. I haven’t ever found a chicken waterer that I love, until now, and this one checks all the boxes! I was refilling waterers from a different brand a few weeks back before I left town and the plastic snapped on two of them, making them trash. It left me in a bit of a predicament, but the Omlet Waterer is built so strongly, that would never happen; it’s worth the money for a quality product that will last for years. It keeps things cleaner, saves time, and makes caring for my flock a whole lot easier. Plus, like all Omlet products, it’s built to last.
Katherine’s experience shows exactly what the Insulated Stay Clean Chicken Waterer was designed for: cleaner water, fewer chores, and reliable performance in every season. Whether it’s paired with an Omlet setup or added to a more traditional coop, it’s built to handle the demands of real backyard flocks. A small upgrade that makes a big difference, are you ready to make watering effortless, all year long?
Switching your flock to a chicken nipple waterer is one of the best upgrades you can make for your backyard coop. It keeps water completely clean and stops the chore of ditching dirty water everyday. If you’re new to this system, you might wonder how to train your hens to use a chicken nipple waterer. The good news is that with a little patience and the right approach, your hens will adapt quickly and confidently.
Why Choose a Chicken Nipple Waterer?
Traditional waterers can get dirty fast, especially when curious hens scratch bedding into them or perch on the rim. A chicken nipple waterer delivers water only when a hen pecks at the small metal nipple, keeping the supply clean from inside the waterer straight to your hens’ beak. It’s a simple change that ensures your hens have access to clean water all the time.
Getting Started: Preparation is Key
Before introducing the new waterer, make sure it’s installed at the right height – in line with your hens’ beaks, so they have to reach up slightly to peck at the nipple. Fill it with fresh, cool water. If possible, set up the nipple waterer alongside your hens’ usual water source for a day or two, so they can get used to seeing it.
Step-by-Step Training
Remove other water sources: Once you’re ready to train, take away all other poultry waterers. This encourages your hens to investigate the nipples when they get thirsty.
Demonstrate the nipple: Gently tap the nipple with your finger until water drips out; this helps your hens associate the nipples with their water source. Curious hens will often come over to investigate. You can also guide a hen’s beak to the nipple and gently press it so she sees water appear.
Encourage exploration: Some hens catch on immediately, while others need a little more encouragement. If your flock seems hesitant, try adding a small amount of a treat on the nipple to encourage your chickens to peck and discover the release of water.
Monitor closely: For the first few hours, keep a close eye on your flock. Make sure each hen discovers how the nipple works before you remove other water sources. If you have a large flock, check that the more timid birds aren’t being crowded out by dominant hens.
Be patient: Most hens learn within a day. If you have older birds or a particularly cautious flock, it might take a bit longer. Stay patient and keep demonstrating as needed.
Troubleshooting Tips
Double-check that the nipples are working smoothly and the waterer is at the right height for all your hens. If you have a mixed size flock, you may need a couple of waterers at different heights to suit everyone.
For chicks, wait until they’re at least a week old before introducing nipple waterers, and always supervise closely.
Omlet and your flock
The OmletInsulated Chicken Nipple Waterer not only ensures water remains completely clean from dirt and poo from inside the sealed source to your chickens’ beak, but the light blocking body also stops algae build up inside before it starts. Other nipple waterers freeze in winter, but the innovative insulation of the Omlet Waterer keeps water fluid for 10 hours at -5F.
Choosing the right waterer for your chickens is essential for their health and happiness. Understanding when to use cups or nipples can help you get the most out of your setup and ensure your flock always has access to clean, fresh water. By selecting the right attachment for your chickens’ needs and adjusting as they grow or as the seasons change, you can support their wellbeing and make daily care more efficient.
How to choose the right waterer for your flock
Choosing the right waterer for your flock means considering the specific needs of your chickens at every stage and in every season. Young chicks often do best with cup waterers, as the open design makes it easy for them to drink and for you to keep an eye on their water intake. As your flock matures, nipple waterers become a practical option for keeping water cleaner and reducing waste, especially in larger groups or in environments where hygiene is a top priority. The ideal waterer is one that doesn’t force you to pick just one method. The OmletInsulated Stay Clean Waterer gives you both options in a single, easy-to-use system. You can start with cups for your pullets, then switch to nipples as your birds grow or as your needs change. By choosing a waterer that adapts to your flock, you ensure that your chickens always have access to fresh, clean water, making daily care simpler.
When to use cups on the Omlet chicken waterer
Cups are a great choice for certain situations and stages of your flock’s life. They provide an open, familiar drinking experience that many chickens, especially young chicks, find easy to use. The open design allows chickens to drink freely, without any training, however in winter the water in the cups will freeze and will need to be checked and any ice broken everyday.
When to use nipples on the Omlet chicken waterer
Nipple attachments are ideal for keeping water clean and flowing all year. Nipples dispense water only when a chicken pecks at them, meaning the clean water is delivered from inside the closed source straight to your chicken’s beak. This keeps every drop crystal clean and free from dirt and debris. This makes nipples a smart option to reduce water waste and frequency of cleaning. However, nipples take some training for chickens who haven’t used them before and need to be placed at the perfect height to make it easy for your hens to drink. As well as being best for keeping water clean, using nipples with the Omlet Chicken Waterer is best for use in extreme temperatures as the water remains inside the insulated waterer where it keeps a consistent temperature until the moment the chicken pecks it, preventing water warming up in summer and freezing in winter.
Tips for switching between cups and nipples
One of many benefits of the Omlet Insulated Chicken Waterer is the ability to easily switch between cups and nipples. However, it’s best to use one type at a time rather than mixing both as nipples and cups require the waterer to be positioned at different heights for your chickens to be able to drink from them. If you’re transitioning from cups to nipples, give your flock a little time to adjust and make sure everyone understands how to use the new attachment. You can encourage them by gently tapping the nipple so they see water being released and placing their favorite treat on the nipple. Ensure chickens still have access to an open, cup source of water so they don’t go without while learning. Always monitor your chickens when you make a change to ensure everyone is drinking and staying hydrated. If you have a mixed-age flock, consider having multiple waterers so young chickens can access cups while learning to use nipples like their elders.
Why the Omlet insulated stay clean waterer is the smart choice
The Omlet Insulated Stay Clean Waterer is designed to adapt to your flock’s changing needs. Its insulated construction keeps water cool in summer and prevents freezing in winter, so your chickens always have access to fresh flowing water. The stay-clean features reduce the time you spend on cleaning and replacing water, and the flexible design means you can quickly switch between cups and nipples as desired. With the ability to choose the right attachment for your flock and the peace of mind that comes from a well-designed, insulated waterer, you can focus more on enjoying your chickens and less on daily chores.
Quick reference: when to use each attachment
Plastic Cups:
Best for chicks or hens who haven’t used nipples before
Best for immediate drinking, no training required
Nipples:
Keeps water cleaner
Keeps water at the right temperature in extreme weather
Omlet and your flock
With the Omlet Insulated Stay Clean Waterer, you have the flexibility to provide the best hydration solution for your chickens at every stage. By understanding when to use cups and when to switch to nipples, you can keep your flock healthy, your run cleaner, and your daily routine simpler. The Omlet waterer is designed to make chicken keeping straightforward, reliable, and adaptable – so you can always feel confident you’re giving your flock the care they deserve.
While out in Austin, Texas for the 8th annual Whole Home Showcase, we got to explore the beautiful spaces, each designed by a different creative, and each with its own independent style.
We couldn’t leave without letting our hens have a tour of their own, so we paired the different chicken breeds, and their classic traits, with the beautifully styled spaces of the home. What do you think?
White Leghorn in the Bathroom, designed by @jointhebandd
The most independent breed wasn’t following the flock to the plushier rooms, she booked herself straight into the ensuite. Always alert, she’s the kind of guest who appreciates good lighting and a bit of privacy.
Black Copper Maran in the Upper Living Room, designed by @rteriorstudio
This hen was immediately drawn to a calm, collected perch away from chaos. The cosy tones and relaxed textures made it perfect for the quieter type who prefers a chilled evening in.
Rhode Island Red in the Guest Suite, designed by @leahoconnelldesign
Obviously, we matched our boldest hen to the boldest room. Loud patterns and layered prints? Right up her alley. This confident queen strutted straight in like she owned the place – and honestly, she kind of did.
Welsummer on the Primary Deck, designed by @caitlincreerinteriors
This beautiful social space was made for the chatty chicken. With its airy seating and soft tones, it invited both conversation and comfort. Long evening of girly goss and snacks on the sofa, pending.
Welsummer on the Balcony, designed by @amberinteriors
The hen who also loves the freedom to explore called dibs on the balcony. Surrounded by leafy greens and open skies, she was in her element. Fresh air and room to roam, just how she likes it.
These hens certainly held their own at the 2025 Whole Home Showcase, but let’s be honest, nothing beats a space designed just for them. With our Eglu coops, every chicken gets their dream home: safe, stylish, and perfectly suited to all personalities.
While out in Austin for House Beautiful’s 2025 Whole Home Showcase, we hosted a chicken keeping workshop for a group of chicken novices. As part of the workshop, we covered all the joys that come with chicken keeping, including the daily fresh eggs. Chef Colter Peck taught the group how to make Japanese style fluffy egg pancakes using fresh eggs from the coop.
Here’s the recipe in case you fancy giving it a go (trust us, you do.)
Japanese Pancake Recipe
For the pancake batter:
30g all-purpose flour
2g baking powder
4g cornstarch
60 grams whole milk
80 grams egg yolks
4g vanilla paste
2g (Pinch) salt
For the meringue
4 large (120 grams) egg whites
40g caster white sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Grease a nonstick pan or electric flat top lightly with melted butter or neutral oil.
Combine all the pancake batter ingredients together in a mixing bowl, then whisk until combined and smooth.
Make the meringue in a medium separate bowl or utilize a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whip the egg whites on medium/high until frothy. Then add in the sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form, at least 10 minutes by hand, and about 6 to 8 minutes using a stand mixer.
Add a third of the meringue to the pancake batter and gently fold, using a rubber spatula, until combined. Be careful not to beat the meringue and do not use a whisk for this stage of the process.
Fold in the rest of the meringue into the batter. The final batter should be fluffy, airy, and smooth, but very soft.
Heat the pan to low to medium-low heat. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. If a piping bag isn’t available, you can use a cookie scoop or large spoon to scoop the batter onto the pan.
Pipe three even pancakes, about 3-inches each in diameter and pipe the batter high but lower than your pan lid. Space them apart as they’ll spread when cooking. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of water onto the pan, surrounding the pancakes to steam. Cover the pan with a high top lid and cook for five to seven minutes. The pancakes are ready to flip when the bottom edges are less glossy and bottoms are slightly browned.
Remove the lid slowly and carefully but quickly flip the pancakes. Using a thin spatula is key! Drizzle the rest of the water around the pancakes and cook for another five to seven minutes until both sides are golden brown.
Remove pancakes from the pan. Plate and drizzle with fresh, local honey, or any toppings you fancy!
Let us know if you give it a go by tagging us in your pictures!
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