If you're anything like me, you constantly have your cell phone with you. Even while tending the backyard chickens! According to Forbes, more than 82% of adults in the USA own a smartphone. Even farmers. (That was 2013, imagine the number now!) It's like a minicomputer in your pocket, and if you think you can use it to help organize your everyday life, imagine how you can use it in chicken care!
Of course we all know the usual things: take pictures of the chickens, post to Instagram, FB, Tweet about that new hatch, text hubby to pick up shavings or feed, answer email about the eggs you have for sale etc etc. All the usual suspects. Did you know you can use your phone in other ways? I have a few ways you probably never even thought of...
Raising backyard chickens: 5 ways to use your smartphone
1) Candling eggs with your phone.
The flashlight app on your phone works by turning on your cameras flash. The app is free on both Android and Iphones. Did you know that this light is strong enough to candle an egg? I use it constantly, and it works like a charm! No more running in the house for a flashlight, just whip out your phone and you're good to go.
2) Taking notes in the coop.
Smartphones have apps that allow you to take notes. Many of them allow you to jot down 'voice notes' so you don't even have to type. Make feed store lists, repair lists, wish lists etc. No more getting to the feed store and thinking "Now, what was it that I needed?" You have a list in your phone...easy peasy!
3) Keep track of dates with chicken pictures.
Did you know that every picture you take automatically records the date it was taken? When you notice that hen has gone broody, snap a picture right away. There's no guessing when her eggs are due, just check the photo data and count forward 3 weeks for an exact date!
Take pictures of anything you want to keep track of....the phone will keep the date for you. Also, if your Android phone automatically stores your pictures to google photos, they are stored under the date they were created so it's super simple to look up!