Winter is here, and the holidays are coming to a close (ready for New Year’s). December always whirls through so fast I can barely keep up with everything, but I had to share our Yuletide chicken celebration because there’s nothing like spoiling your backyard birds on the first day of winter.
They’re good girls. They love the children and are sweet to us. They may pick on each other sometimes and make a mess, but they’re worth it.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe chickens are now officially feeling the holiday spirit!#chickenlife #YuletideCheer #TisTheSeason pic.twitter.com/ME4auZKqpc
— Jessica Marie Baumgartner (@jessmbaum) December 6, 2024
I made sure that chickens can eat cranberries and popcorn without issues, then my eldest and I sat down to test out that age-old tradition of making food garland. I’ve never sewn popcorn and berries before. I expected it to be much harder than it was, but it was really fun. I was thankful that we have hardwood floors because it was easier to work and clean there.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsDoes anyone still string popcorn and cranberries anymore?
— Jessica Marie Baumgartner (@jessmbaum) December 20, 2024
Tonight our chickens get some to welcome winter! pic.twitter.com/cJk8y3vkpZ
We put on a movie and worked while the little ones enjoyed a seasonal flick. It took some time, and I learned not to string too long a thread or the tangles are way worse than when sewing clothes. A few popcorn pieces exploded in my hand at the touch of a needle, and there were kernels and crumbs all over the floor by the time the garland was finished, but it was easily swept up.
We decorated a couple of leftover dollar store trees from one of the Christmas parties I helped plan this year, and prepared to give the chickens their treat during our Yule celebration at dusk.
I asked the kids to each bet how long it would take the chickens to descend upon the trees like vultures. My eldest guessed the longest: 5 mins. I said 30 seconds, but we were all wrong.
Our cautious and careful birds took about 15 minutes before they felt comfortable testing out the new tasty treats.
My husband, our children, and I stood there waiting and encouraging them. It was ridiculous. But finally they moved in.
They didn’t knock the trees over for another 10 or 15 minutes and they didn’t finished all the food until after we did our bonfire.
I was just happy to include our birdies in our festivities.
These chickens have become a big part of our family. Plus their eggs have kept us fed for a while now. It’s a great partnership. haha
Jessica Marie Baumgartner 
What a great way to feed the chickens a Yuletide meal. When my kids were younger and we strung popcorn, I learned the easiest way to string the popcorn is to let it sit overnight and get “stale”. It won’t make as much of a mess falling to pieces.
Oooo, we’ll have to use stale popcorn next year. What a great tip. Thank you so much!!!