Wyoming Coop and Cluck
Wyoming Coop and Cluck
Kim
Welcome to Wyoming Coop & Cluck! As a lifelong educator and new Wyoming resident, I’m diving into the adventure of raising chickens and sharing what I learn along the way. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just getting started, join me for practical tips, funny stories, and insights into backyard poultry life in Wyoming’s unique climate. Let’s navigate the joys and challenges of chicken keeping together—one egg at a time!
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.
Aug 11, 2025
28 min
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.
Jul 25, 2025
24 min
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!
Jun 26, 2025
25 min
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!
Jun 12, 2025
29 min
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.
Jun 5, 2025
20 min
Episode 6: Hen or Rooster? The Great Guessing Game
In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, it’s time to play detective! I’m sharing the latest updates on my eight growing chicks as I try to figure out: hen or rooster? Listen in as I describe each chick’s looks, behaviors, and clues—and see if you can guess who’s who!Plus, I’ll give you an update on building the new coop (spoiler: it’s coming along… slowly but surely). Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just along for the fun, you won’t want to miss this interactive episode.
May 16, 2025
19 min
Episode 5: Brooder Blues and Brave Chicks
In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, Kim shares the excitement and challenges of moving her fast-growing chicks into a brand-new, larger brooder. She talks about the unexpected stress the move caused, how quickly the chicks adjusted, and the hilarious sight of tiny wings trying to navigate a much bigger world.Kim also dives into the realities of raising skittish chicks — offering simple strategies for building trust through patience, quiet interaction, and a few well-timed treats. With the chicks entering their awkward "teenage" phase, rapid growth means rapid changes in care, space, and supplies.Plus, don't miss this week's Chicken Scratch Notes packed with practical tips, and the Feather Forecast looking ahead to cold snaps and what’s next for the flock. Whether you're a first-time chicken keeper or just love a good homesteading story, this episode is full of warmth, humor, and lessons from the coop.Growing Chicks, Skittish Flaps, and One Brave Chick-Sitter!
May 7, 2025
24 min
Episode 4: Movin' On Up: The Great Chick Migration
The chicks are growing fast, and it’s time for a big move! In this episode, I share how we transitioned our little fluffballs from their first brooder in the kitchen to a larger, warmer space in the garage. You’ll hear practical tips for managing the move, keeping chicks safe during Wyoming’s chilly spring, and what to expect as they enter their next growth phase. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Chicken Scratch Notes and Feather Forecast!
Apr 21, 2025
18 min
Episode 3: Loss, Lessons, and a New Beginning
This week, I share the heartbreak of losing a few chicks, the lessons learned in the process, and the joy of welcoming new ones to the flock. From rebuilding the brooder to investing in grit, a playpen, and an owl decoy, it’s been a week of growth and gratitude. Tune in for real talk, helpful tips, and a fresh start on the homesteading journey.
Apr 14, 2025
21 min
Episode 2: The Chicks have Landed
The chicks have arrived! In this episode, I take you along as I pick up my seven new feathered friends and settle them into their new home. From the peeping box in the car to their first curious pecks in the brooder, I share the highs, the little hiccups, and the lessons learned in the first 24 hours of chick parenthood. Plus, you'll get a peek (and maybe a peep!) at how our four dogs are reacting to the tiny new additions. It’s fluffy, funny, and full of firsts!
Apr 6, 2025
19 min
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