Chicken eggs. Which came first? The chicken or the egg or the feed? I got sent down a bit of a rabbit hole (or perhaps more accurately out on a chicken run!) this morning by my wife who sent me some TikTok videos from keeleys.coladas. In the series of 4 videos she was sharing about the rabbit hole she went down herself looking into why her own chickens stopped producing eggs and the suggestions and reasons that others in the BYC (Back Yard Chickens) community were sharing. If you’re on Facebook at all, or do the grocery shopping for your family, you can’t help but notice the memes flying around about the price of eggs these days.

I’m sharing this post here as it’s probably most likely to connect with more of my readers here than the audiences on any of my other websites. This is much more of a personal post, but if you raise chickens as part of your own homeschooling education and homesteading journey, hopefully you’ll be interested and enjoy.

My wife and I are new to taking care of owning and taking care of chickens. Yup! I’m a chicken tender! We kind of inherited our flock of 15 hens and one rooster from friends who were moving and in-between houses and didn’t have a place for their chickens and coop anymore. We were getting ready to purchase our next home (a multi-generational home we were getting to combine households with my aging parents, but that’s a post for a different time) that had some land so I setup a chicken run and adopted our 16 chickens into the family for the sole purpose of egg production. Maybe at some point I’ll learn how to appropriately kill and process them for the kitchen table as we do eat a lot of chicken.

Well, our chickens were giving us about an average of 10-12 eggs a day or so. They’re already 2-3 years old, so I think that’s probably about normal. Well, as the weather started cooling down we noticed a pretty significant drop in production. Nothing had really changed on our end except for the weather and from my initial research and talking to my other chicken tender friends, this was “normal”. As I just read and will now use, some people even call it “henopause”. This has gone on now for months with production dropping further to what we’re getting now is about 1 egg out of 15 hens every other day.

As I said, my wife has been looking into issues and has discovered some theories about the food we use possibly contributing to the issue and thus, take a look at this series of videos on the subject from keeley.coladas on TikTok that I mentioned earlier. Bit of a warning, there is some language. If you get offended, learn not to let yourself be offended (offense is taken, not given) so much, or just don’t watch them. I’ll try to provide a general summary at the end.

Chicken Feed Rabbit Hole Part 1

@keeleys.coladas #part1 #chickenfeed #stopfeedingpurina ♬ original sound – KeeleysColadas

Chicken Feed Rabbit Hole Part 2

 

@keeleys.coladas #stopfeedingpurina #part2 #chickenfeed ♬ original sound – KeeleysColadas

 

Chicken Feed Rabbit Hole Part 3

@keeleys.coladas #stopfeedingpurina #part ♬ original sound – KeeleysColadas

Chicken Feed Rabbit Hole Part 4

 

@keeleys.coladas #part4 #finale #stopfeedingpurina ♬ original sound – KeeleysColadas

 

As you can tell, this lady has done some pretty good research! As a conservative radio host I admired and greatly miss, Phil Valentine, used to say frequently, she seems to be a professional dot connector! In summary:

• Many BYC’ers noticed their chickens enter “henopause” in early fall and still haven’t recovered
• Many use chicken feed from Tractor Supply Company for DuMOR or Producer’s Pride
• Dumor & Producer’s Pride is produced by Purina (which is owned by Nestle)
• Purina is owned by Land O’ Lakes
• Land O’ Lakes sells eggs under their own brand
• Land O’ Lakes also owns Moark LLC, one of the largest egg producers in America under parent organization Southern California Egg Cooperative, Inc.
• Most eggs appear to be packaged by Cal-Maine Foods (Land O’ Lakes, Eggland’s Best, etc.)
• Land O’ Lakes and Cal-Maine Foods in joint partnership
• Cal-Maine Foods 2022 financial report announces several new capital projects estimated cost of $105M cage-free egg production
  • 210,000 pullet house done in May 2022
  • 400,000 layer house done in September 2022
  • 2nd house of layers to be done January 2023

Now, I’m generally not a conspiracy theorist. But I do support and encourage capitalism (over other economic systems). Companies are in the business of making money. If more people start raising their own chickens and not needing to buy eggs, that’s going to impact some bottom lines. Specifically, more people interested in healthier “cage-free” eggs, thus the announcement and push to increase that production area. I also support the idea of a constitutional republic as a government structure. NOT a pure democracy! I would say our current political leaders support the idea of freedom, as long as they’re in control of it. So, I don’t believe they truly support the idea of citizens being able to support themselves with as minimal government involvement and oversight as possible. Thus, I don’t believe the government is interested in most of its citizens growing their own food, collecting their own water, to use at home, being cold or hot, so for this learning the average cost of water heater replacement is important.

You know the last question I have here? I wonder what feed that new 400,000 layer house is using to feed all those chickens? You think it’s the same bag of stuff we’ve been getting off the racks at Tractor Supply Company?

I stumbled across these resources quite awhile back and wanted to grab them for my kids but life got busy, classes moved along, the kids grew up and now these books are not a fit for my kids. However, I really would like to promote them as from what I’ve seen they appear like they’d be very helpful for parents to build up and expand understanding in these different topics of education. 

Have you already used these books? I’d love to get your feedback on them in the comments on this post. Have you found other resources that you feel like are a better fit for your kids and your family? Let me know about those as well. 

A father used to say to his children when they were young: —When you all reach the age of 12 I will tell you the secret of life. One day when the oldest turned 12. he anxiously asked his father what was the secret of life. The father replied that he was going to tell him, but that he should not reveal it to his brothers.

The secret of life is this: The cow does not give milk.

“What are you saying?” Asked the boy incredulously.

As you hear it, son: The cow does not give milk, you have to milk it. You have to get up at 4 in the morning, go to the field, walk through the corral full of manure, tie the tail, hobble the legs of the cow, sit on the stool, place the bucket and do the work yourself.

That is the secret of life, the cow does not give milk. You milk her or you don’t get milk. There is this generation that thinks that cows GIVE milk. That things are automatic and free: their mentality is that if “I wish, I ask I obtain.”

‘They have been accustomed to get whatever they want the easy way…But no, life is not a matter of wishing, asking and obtaining. The things that one receives are the effort of what one does. Happiness is the result of effort. Lack of effort creates frustration.”

So, share with your children from a young age the secret of life, so they don’t grow up with the mentality that the government, their parents, or their cute little faces is going to give them everything they need in life.

Remember

“Cows don’t give milk; you have to work for it.”

~ Author Unknown ~

Photo by John Holden on Unsplash

 

A child’s teenage years can be extremely difficult for parents to navigate. It’s a time when your relationship with your child undergoes a fundamental shift that may cause mistrust, frustration, sadness, and anger.

Listening is important, but it often proves difficult and is easily undermined by strong emotions and entrenched opinions. However, it’s important because these are the years of experimentation, a time when teens push against parental restraints and test their boundaries. Young people are exposed to sex and tempted with illicit substances.

Establishing a common ground for conversation and a meaningful dialogue may be difficult, but with openness and understanding, you can encourage your teen to listen with an open mind and make informed decisions that encourage healthiness without spending a lot of money in the process.

We know how challenging the journey of parenthood can be. To help you through this phase, read on!

Listening

As a parent, you’re used to having an authoritative relationship with your child. You may have found that relying on authority to get a teen to listen doesn’t work very well. Try to develop a more open and collaborative form of communication.

The Child Mind Institute suggests listening attentively to what your teen says. Don’t ignore or dismiss his feelings, even if it sounds irrational. Remember, now that he’s a teen, your primary role as a parent is to help steer him toward healthy decisions, not adopt a punitive stance that will only encourage rebellion. 

Set a Good Example

Being a good role model is never more important than when your children are teenagers. Don’t use tobacco or drugs, prepare healthy foods without spending a lot of money, put your seatbelt on every time you get in the car, don’t overindulge in alcohol, and never drive when you’ve had alcohol. If you need one, use a designated driver or call a rideshare service. If your teen is uninspired about school and you never finished  your degree, apply to an online program.

Also, if you don’t spend a lot of time exercising, chances are your child will pick up on that habit. So, make an effort to get moving for at least 30 minutes per day. This could ultimately encourage your child to get more active and take up a sport. If your child develops an interest in soccer, for example, get them the gear they need and show them you’re in their corner as they grow and learn the sport.

A Frank Discussion

If you haven’t discussed the dangers of drugs and alcohol, now’s the time to have that conversation with your teen. Reinforce the physical and psychological dangers, and remind him that drug use is illegal. Talk about why it’s important to eat healthily and get regular exercise, even if he’s not into athletics. Spend time with him. Go for walks together or do something he enjoys, like bowling or playing laser tag. If you both enjoy cycling, grab some new gear and hit the road.

Sex is usually the most difficult conversation any parent has with a child. It’s an uncomfortable subject for both parties. Parents are encouraged to broach the subject by adolescence, but it doesn’t always happen that way. Many parents dislike even bringing it up for fear it’ll somehow encourage a child to engage in dangerous behavior. Yet in many cases, having an open and frank conversation about the birds and the bees can strengthen your relationship and build a bridge of trust between you.

Teens sometimes appreciate a parent being candid with them and trusting that they’re mature enough to handle the subject. For teens, it’s a necessary conversation that can have a tremendous impact on their ability to make good decisions about intimacy.

The teen years are a challenge for most parents. Rely on logic and reason when talking with your child. Listen to what he’s telling you. Above all, stay consistent in your behavior toward him. And do what you can to support his sense of self-worth through the teen years, when self-confidence may be at a low ebb.

Remember to turn to Homeschool Daddy for more tips and ideas to help your child thrive!

Image courtesy of Pexels

Let’s just get something out of the way from the start: You’re not going to be the perfect parent. No one is or ever has been the perfect mother or father, and you’re not being fair to yourself if that’s what your expectations are.

With that said, of course, you want to be the very best parent you can possibly be, and one way to achieve that is to research and learn from other parents who have been there before. Here are some tips and resources that can help you get going in the right direction and/or help you along the journey of parenting:

Engage Your Child

Being involved in your child’s everyday life and helping them to stay physically, mentally and socially active is critical to their development.

• How to Engage Children in Play Time for Groups and Individuals
• How To Engage Your Child Meaningfully At Home [The Essential Guide]
• 4 Ways to Connect Better With Your Teen

Make Your Home as Safe Possible

Keeping your child’s living environment physically and emotionally safe is also a key aspect of good parenting.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Childproofing Your Home
• Home and Family: Tips for a Healthy Home Environment
• How to Make Your Home a Safe Haven in This Scary World

Balance Fun and Discipline

Fun and discipline are both essential in the household, so try to implement a healthy balance between the two.

• Balancing Being a Fun and a Strict Mom
• Top Books to Read to Encourage Listening Behavior
• Positive Discipline for Toddlers
• How to Safely Observe Wildlife from Your Home
• 7 Educational and Entertaining Activities for Young Kids
• 10 Fun Things To Do With Teens To Create An Everlasting Bond

Moderate Screen Time Really Is Okay

It might seem counterintuitive, but allowing screen time in moderation can help kids blow off steam and even learn a thing or two. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to set them up.

• Active Screen Time Has Real Benefits for Kids, Says New Study
• Look for Ways to Enhance Your Young Gamer’s Experience
• Consider Gaming Consoles The Whole Family Can Enjoy
• A Zippy Internet Connection Helps Eliminate Low Latency for Everyone

Prioritize Your Kid’s Self-Esteem

In order to raise a confident, caring, and successful child, fostering their self-esteem through every stage must be a priority.

• The Importance of Developing Healthy Self-Esteem in Children and Young People
• 25 Phrases to Inspire Confidence in Your Child
• Teens And Transitions: How To Help Your Adolescent Navigate Change

While you shouldn’t expect yourself to be the perfect parent, you should strive to be the best you can be. Engaging your child, creating a safe living environment, striking a balance between fun and discipline, and focusing on your child’s self-esteem are all ways to help you get there. Also, remember that no one parenting style is king. It will take time to find your flow and you will have to make adjustments along the way.

We’re actually more than halfway through this “homeschooling” journey we’ve been in with our family the last 8+ years. Our son has graduated high school and has grown into an amazing young adult. He’s going the non-traditional route and has decided to jump right into the real world of business and marketing to learn the ropes instead of going the college route to learn potentially the same thing (that’s another blog post) and get into serious amounts of debt to get started in the real world in 4 more years.

So, he’s still living at home as a young almost 19 year old and there are some obvious growing pains and challenges with transitioning into this new entry stage of adulthood and still living at home with your parents.

He’s a great kid but he’s stretching his wings in areas and we’re learning to do our best to try and trust him more that perhaps we’re comfortable and trust ourselves in the ways we’ve raised him and what we believe we’ve instilled in him. I watched the video below and it was an encouragement to me because I believe I would have a similar conversation with my son.

What do you think? Are you raising kids under “control” or are you raising kids into an autonomous life in more agreement with you than you may realize and less resistance than you may have expected?

As is frequently felt in my own skin, society continues to push and pressure this concept of no rules, absolute freedom. Do anything you want. Make yourself happy. Who cares if it upsets or bothers anyone else. But that’s not the way it should be should it? I’d love to hear your comments below and have a conversation about these issues.

Here’s a copy of the review for this book I just posted on my GoodReads.com profile. If you’re married, planning to be or anywhere in between on that spectrum, you should plan on picking up this book and reading it for your benefit. Hope you enjoy.

Your Money, Your Marriage: The Secrets to Smart Finance, Spicy Romance, and Their Intimate Connection by Brian Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve still got a few more chapters to read to finish up this book but I could have told you after the Introduction and Chapter 1 that if you’re married, or ever planning to be you should pick up this book and read it. It’s loaded with not just good information on managing money and your marriage but just insights on life and relationships in general.

I’m blessed to say that I know Brian and Cherie personally as we’ve attended the same church and Brian and Cherie have also both been involved in mentoring our two children. (Hmmmm, parenting book in the future?!)

When you combine their personalities and senses of humor with the faith-based, Bible supported and real-life experienced insights they share with the reader, you really can’t go wrong with this book. The other thing I enjoyed with this book is the questions and challenges they present for you to do some “homework” as you read the book. It really helps to solidify the lessons being learned and the content that’s being shared so you’ll remember it and apply it to your own life and marriage more effectively.

In each of the 10 chapters in the book, the Lowe’s weave together a tapestry of engaging storytelling with guidance that really will work. As is the theme I’ve found in a few sections, what’s presented isn’t necessarily complicated, but it’s not easy. You’ve got to work at these things to improve them in your relationship and they give you not just the tools and tactics, but also the encouragement to get you through the tasks at hand.

Whether you’re single, engaged, in the honeymoon stage, or at your whit’s end and contemplating divorce (or anywhere in between in that spectrum), do yourself, your marriage and your bank account a favor and pick up this book and apply it to your life. I can almost guarantee you won’t turn the last page without having been changed by what you’ve read between the covers.

View all my reviews