Episode 9: Cleaning, Building, and Rooster Surprises

Finishing the Chicken Coop and creating a Rooster Village

Life on the Wyoming homestead is never dull, especially when your livestock guardian dog decides to test its herding instincts - on the wrong animal. In this lively episode, we recount the hilarious (and slightly chaotic) moment when our fluffy Great Pyrenees locked eyes on the rooster and the chase was on. You’ll hear about the quick thinking it took to restore order, how the rest of the flock reacted, and the lessons learned about introducing big dogs to small but feisty poultry. Plus, in Chicken Scratch Notes, we share practical tips for keeping both birds and dogs safe, and in Feather Forecast, we look ahead to the challenges of managing barnyard personalities as everyone settles in.

Episode 10: Feathers, Freedom, and the Free-Range Frontier

In this milestone episode, Kim shares exciting updates from the homestead! The new coop is coming together—walls framed, roof secured, and nesting boxes taking shape—just in time for the four newest chicks who are growing up fast and full of personality. But the big news? It’s free-range season! Tune in as we dive into the joys and challenges of teaching chickens to free range. Learn why free-ranging is great for your flock’s health, behavior, and egg quality—and what risks to watch for, from predators to porch pooping. With practical tips, real-life lessons, and a peek into the flock’s daily life, this episode is perfect for backyard chicken keepers considering the free-range leap. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Chicken Scratch Notes and the Feather Forecast—because every chicken keeper needs a little guidance and a lot of grit.

Episode 9: Cleaning, Building, and Rooster Surprises

In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, I roll up my sleeves for a deep clean of the temporary coop and share the exciting start of our permanent coop build! I talk about the importance of coop hygiene—not just for the flock, but for us humans, too. Tune in as I cover common zoonotic illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli, and how to prevent them with a few simple habits and a helpful checklist. We’ll also chat about the possibility of having more than one rooster (spoiler: the early morning crowing has begun 😬), and why I’ve added First Saturday Lime to my weekly coop routine. Whether you're just getting started or deep in the backyard chicken life, this episode brings you one step closer to a healthier, happier flock. 🎧 Plus: An audio-friendly checklist for Salmonella safety you won’t want to miss!

Episode 8: Cock-a-Doodle-DON'T? And Farmers' Market Feasts

One of the eight young chickens might actually be a rooster—and it’s starting to show! In this episode, I share the early signs of rooster behavior we’re seeing in the flock and what that could mean for our backyard setup. Plus, the girls (and maybe a guy?) are getting a menu upgrade as we begin introducing fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. I’ll walk you through which foods are safe, which to avoid, and the best way to get started with kitchen scraps. From surprise crows to snack-time chaos, it's all part of the learning curve in our Wyoming chicken adventure!

Episode 7: Feathers on the Move: Reinventing the Kennel

In this episode, the chicks are ready to spread their wings—and it's time to move them outside! But with the permanent coop still in the planning phase and a prefab coop blown halfway to Nebraska, things get creative fast. Join me as I share how we transformed an old dog kennel into a temporary chicken run and “Frankensteined” the brooder pieces into a makeshift shelter that’s keeping the girls safe and secure. It’s a story of wind, wire, and a whole lot of zip ties. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be safe, sturdy, and full of love.