Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor,

I just finished reading your response to a “new chicken keeper’s” question regarding molting. I am also new at this so now I know why my chicken coop also looks like a pillow fight broke out and my hens have all but quit laying. BUT, this brings me to a different question.

A friend of mine said that since my chickens are now 2 years old, their egg laying time is basically finished. I was so disappointed to hear that since I’ve grown pretty attached to those friendly critters… and those eggs! Store bought just doesn’t taste the same! Could you please tell me what the normal or average egg laying duration is?

I was happy to read that my chicks are already receiving the care that you recommend. Since there are only eight of them, they have plenty of room; they are free roaming any time they want on plenty of property; they live in a cute little barn, with plenty of room and are free to come and go as they please. Every day, once it starts getting dusk, they all head back to the barn to settle in for the night. Early every morning (weather permitting), they all come walking out to start their day, scratching for breakfast even though their food and water is always available.

Looking forward to your response and thank you in advance.

Dear JD,

Maybe those big production chicken houses kill their layers after two years of intense egg laying because not only are the girls worn out, they’re unhealthy to boot, but you don’t have to dump your backyard birds after two years. While it is true that the best years of egg production are about the first three, if you’re treating your birds with the respect they deserve, are feeding them and providing for them in best way possible, your birds will continue to provide you eggs, just not as many as they did in their prime.

The average lifespan of a chicken is about 5 years. Sure we have some Methuselahs wandering around, but I’m speaking on average. Take that into consideration and make plans to restock your flock accordingly.

The Editor

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Dear Editor,

I really enjoy your news letter. The bits of information keep me up to date. My question to you is in reference to an EMP event. From what I hear, basic wiring will be spared, but specifically, will the circuitry in a chain saw be spared? Living in Iowa with our cold winters, the thought of not being able to cut wood concerns me.

Could you recommend a book that best describes which circuitry would be affected during an EMP event?

Thanks,

Dear DS,

I have done all my research on EMPs online through multiple resources. The following two links are a good place to start. The first is the government’s own assessment of the threat of an EMP attack. The second one goes more in depth in regard to EMP and the repercussions. There are tons of links and information within the second link to get you going!

https://www.empcommission.org/index.php

https://www.futurescience.com/emp.html

This link (https://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=66595) is a message board. The reason I include it here is so you can read through the many posts, go to any links, or tap into any information these folks provide.

Lastly, there is one book that is getting excellent reviews in regard to it tackling the question of what to do in an EMP attack. Many books have titles that suggest they discuss EMP outcomes and solutions, but are really just disaster prep manuals without any specifics. Here is the Amazon link to it: https://www.amazon.com/Disaster-Preparedness-Attacks-Expanded-Edition/dp/1478376651/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351871967&sr=8-3&keywords=emp

The title of the book is Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms, written by Dr. Arthur T. Bradley.

Thank you for writing!

The Editor

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