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Chicken Topics
Prolapsed Vent in Laying Hens: Why Diet Matters More Than Most People Realize
A prolapsed vent is one of the most alarming conditions a chicken keeper can face. It appears suddenly, looks dramatic, and often leads people to believe it was unavoidable or simply “bad luck.” In reality, a prolapsed vent is rarely random . In backyard flocks, it is most often the result of long-term nutritional imbalance , even when the foods being offered are considered “healthy.” Understanding why this happens is key to prevention. What Is a Prolapsed Vent? A prolapsed
4 days ago
How To Keep Your Chickens Immune System Strong
My Whiting True Blue went through s hard molt this past Fall. A strong immune system is your flock’s first and most important defense against illness. Chickens are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses, parasites, and environmental stressors. While we can’t prevent every pathogen from entering their environment, we can ensure their bodies are strong enough to fight back. For backyard chicken keepers especially, prevention is critical. Poultry veterinarians are not readily
Jan 18
The Truth About GMOs in Poultry Feed: Safe, Nutritious and Misunderstood
When it comes to raising healthy chickens, many poultry keepers and consumers alike are quick to shy away from anything labeled “GMO” (genetically modified organism). The word often carries negative connotations, conjuring images of unnatural science experiments or potentially harmful chemicals. But when it comes to poultry feed, this widespread fear is largely based on misconception rather than fact. Understanding GMOs in Poultry Feed Most commercial poultry feed contains in
Jan 11
Barred Whiting True Blue Chickens: Barring Gene & Sex-Link Guide
ATTENTION BREEDERS!! 2026 **Add Power to Your Breeding Program** Whiting True Blue WTB) chickens are known for laying blue eggs. Some WTB's also carry the barring gene, which creates the striped on "cuckoo" look on their feathers. Our Whiting True Blue line carries the dominant blue egg gene and the barring feather pattern that makes them ideal for producing sex-linked hybrids. Important point: Even though barring is a sex-linked gene, Whiting True Blues do NOT hatch
Jan 10
Why DIY Chicken Feed and "Pop-Up Brands Put Flocks at Risk
POULTRY NUTRITION IS A SCIENCE, NOT A RECIPE!! When it comes to raising backyard chickens, the excitement often leads poultry enthusiasts down the path of DIY chicken feed. After all, if you can make your own bread or brew your own beer, why not craft the perfect feed for your clucking companions? However, this booming trend is not without its pitfalls. Understanding the science behind chicken nutrition is paramount, and herein lies the reason to leave this task to the expert
Jan 4
Nature's Schedule: Understanding When and Why Hens Stop Laying
Why Hens Are Not Pez Dispensers-or Egg Machines It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking of our backyard hens as little breakfast makers-drop an egg, repeat daily. But here's the truth: your hens are not Pez dispensers, egg machines or tiny omelet factories. They're living, breathing animals with complex bodies, natural rhythms and individual needs. Every egg your hen lays isn't a "product." It's ovulation-a natural reproductive process that takes energy, nutrients and
Dec 28, 2025
From Livestock to Loved Pets
Understanding how Modern Chicken Keeping Differs From the Past Historically, chickens were raised for utility , not companionship. A typical farm flock was kept in the barn with the livestock and scavenging for most of its food. Hens were often left to find insects, seeds and scraps around barns or fields, with very little supplemental feeding. Because chickens were viewed as livestock: Diets were often unbalanced, consisting of table scraps, grains or whatever else was avai
Dec 21, 2025
Why Chickens Don't have a Protein Requirement- They Have an Amino Acid Requirement
Many backyard chicken keepers believe that simply feeding their flock extra protein- like mealworms and other high-protein treats- will make their chickens healthier, lay more eggs or grow feathers faster. While it sounds logical, this is actually a misconception. Chickens don't have a protein requirement- they have an amino acid requirement, and understanding this difference is key to keeping your flock healthy. Protein vs. Amino Acids: What's the Difference? Protein is mad
Dec 14, 2025
The Apple Cider Vinegar Myth: Why Your Chickens Aren't Benefiting
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained a reputation in backyard chicken circles as a supposed cure-all for poultry health. Many keepers add it to their flock's drinking water believing it will improve digestion, support gut health or even act as a natural dewormer. But when we look at the science behind poultry nutrition and health, the truth is much simpler: apple cider vinegar does not benefit your chickens' gut health. The Myth vs. The Reality The Myth: Apple cider vinegar
Dec 7, 2025
The Truth About Cracked Corn and Scratch Grains in Winter: What Your Chickens Really Need
As the cold weather rolls in, many backyard chicken keepers start adding cracked corn or scratch grains to their flocks diet, believing it helps keep their birds warm through the winter. It's a long-standing practice - but also one of the biggest misconceptions in poultry care. While it's true that chickens generate body heat through digestion, what they actually need to stay warm and healthy is balanced nutrition not a high-carb snack. The Myth: "Corn Keeps Chickens Warm" C
Nov 30, 2025
Understanding Bumblefoot: A Guide for Backyard Chicken Keepers
Bumblefoot is one of the most common foot problems that backyard chicken keepers face. While it may sound harmless, untreated bumblefoot can become painful and even life-threatening for your bird. The good news is that if caught early, it can be treated at home with proper care. What is Bumblefoot? Bumblefoot, also called pododermatitis , is a bacterial infection that develops in a chicken's foot pad. It usually starts when a small cut, scrape, or pressure sore allows bacteri
Nov 16, 2025
Winter Flock Support: Prepare Your Hens for Spring Laying
Strong Bones. Strong Eggs. Strong Hens. As winter shortens the days and sunlight becomes scarce, your laying hens need extra support to stay strong and healthy. Reduced light means less vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption-the mineral your hens rely on for strong bones and eggshells. Chick' N Calcium provides the perfect combination of calcium and vitamin D3 to keep your flock healthy through the darker months and prepare their bodies for the upcoming layi
Nov 9, 2025
Understanding Chicken Pain: Why Backyard Chickens Don't Show when They're Hurting
When keeping backyard chickens, it's important to understand that these birds are prey animals. This means they are hardwired to hide signs of pain, injury or illness. In the wild, a chicken showing weakness quickly becomes an easy target for predators. Even in a safe backyard environment, that instinct remains strong-and it often leads keepers to overlook early signs of trouble. Why Chickens Hide Their Pain Unlike dogs and cats, chickens won't limp dramatically or cry out w
Nov 2, 2025
Understanding Rooster Behavior: The Key to a Harmonious Flock
Roosters often get a bad reputation in backyard flocks. From surprise attacks to constant posturing, their behavior can feel intimidating or confusing. But before labeling the rooster as simply "mean," it's important to understand what drives his actions. Much of a rooster's personality is a combination of instinct, hormones, genetics, and disposition, all deeply tied to his natural purpose within the flock. The Rooster's True Job in the Flock A rooster's main role isn't just
Oct 26, 2025
Coccidiosis: The Invisible Threat in Every Backyard Flock
When new chicken keepers hear the word coccidiosis, it often sparks worry, Many assume it's something that only appears if you make a mistake in your flock's care. The truth is much simpler- and more surprising. Coccidia, the tiny parasites that cause coccidiosis, are already present in every backyard chicken environment and it's just not an issue with baby chicks alone. Adult chickens are also susceptible as well. What Exactly is Coccidiosis? Coccidiosis is caused by microsc
Oct 26, 2025
Identifying Mites and Lice in Your Backyard-and Why Prevention with Elector PSP Isn't the Right Approach
Keeping your backyard flock healthy means paying attention to more than just feed and water. External parasites like mites and lice can sneak up on even the most well-maintained coops. Knowing how to identify them early and use the right products for the right purpose will save your chickens discomfort-and save you unnecessary effort or expense. How to Identify Mites and Lice on Chickens Mites and lice are tiny parasites that feed on your chickens, but they behave different
Oct 22, 2025
How To Help a Sick Chicken - Isolate, Hydrate and Support Digestion
When a chicken in your backyard flock start's showing signs of illness, it can be worrisome. Chickens are masters at hiding symptoms until they are quite unwell as they are prey animals and by nature, they mask their illness, so quick action can make all the difference. Whether it's due to stress, infection, parasites or nutritional imbalance, your first response should always be calm, careful and supportive. Here's how to help a sick chicken recover - starting with isolation
Oct 19, 2025
The Science of Egg Production: What Commercial Poultry Research Reveals for Backyard Flocks
This blog could contain the most important information you could ever read regarding backyard chickens. Discover how decades of commercial poultry research reveal the key nutritional strategies for healthy hens and consistent, high-quality egg production-lessons every backyard chicken keeper can apply. When it comes to raising healthy, productive hens, no one has studied poultry nutrition more extensively than the commercial egg industry. While backyard flocks are smaller and
Oct 12, 2025
Aging Hens, Fewer Eggs: "Understanding Egg Decline in Older Hens"
My 5 1/2 year old Cochin, still gifting me with eggs. Picture taken August 29th, 2025. Backyard chicken keepers often notice that their flock's egg baskets aren't as full as they once were. A pullet (young hen) that once laid consistently may begin producing fewer eggs as the years go by. While this decline can be frustrating, it's completely natural. Understanding why egg production slows down as hens age will help you manage expectations and care for your flock with confid
Oct 5, 2025
Pumpkin Won't Protect Your Birds: Worms Are Winning While You Wait
Pumpkin and Chickens: Why It's Overrated and Ineffective as a Dewormer Pumpkins are everywhere in the Fall, and many backyard chicken keepers love tossing a split pumpkin into the run for their flock. Social media is full of claims that pumpkin seeds act as a "natural dewormer" or that feeding pumpkin provides major health benefits for poultry. The truth? Pumpkin is not a dewormer and it's not a miracle food for chickens. The Myth of Pumpkin as a Dewormer Pumpkin seeds contai
Sep 28, 2025
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