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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do These Hens Look Obese? Exactly! Backyard chickens bring endless rewards- from satisfaction of collecting fresh eggs to the joy of watching their unique personalities unfold. But just like any animal in our care, hens face certain health challenges that aren't always obvious until it's too late. One condition that can have devasting consequences is Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS). Often sudden and unexpected, FLHS can strike even seemingly healthy hens, leaving owne

Many chicken owners often notice their hens developing bald spots-around the neck, breast, back or butt. While molting or pecking are usually the first suspects, one overlooked factor plays a huge role in feather regrowth: diet. If a laying hens nutritional needs aren't met, she may struggle to regrow feathers, leaving her with patchy or bald areas that never fully recover. Feathers Require High-Quality Nutrition Feathers are made of 85% protein (mainly keratin). For a hen to

Elector PSP is a trusted solution used by Canadian poultry keepers to help manage mites and lice in backyard flocks and small farms. When applied according to the label directions, it can be part of an effective parasite management plan that supports bird comfort and productivity. In this guide, we’ll cover how Elector PSP is used safely in Canada, how to correctly identify parasite issues and what flock owners should evaluate before treating birds. Also where poultry owners

Raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, not just for the fresh eggs but for the joy these feathered pets bring...

Raising healthy backyard chickens isn't just about feed, housing and fresh water- it also means protecting your birds from internal parasites. Worm infestations can impact egg production, body condition and overall flock health. While parasites are a normal part of poultry biology, unmanaged worm burdens can cause serious issues. That's why having a thoughtful deworming strategy in place is key for backyard chicken keepers. A healthy chicken can manage a reasonable worm load.

A picture of my chickens and cat for fun. 2021 The practice of keeping backyard chickens is on the rise. An increasing number of individuals are exploring the idea of starting their own flocks for a fresh supply of eggs and of course, pets. Starting a poultry venture can be a thrilling experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Many new poultry keepers unknowingly fall into common traps that lead to disappointment and stress. A significant error that both novice

As the winter months linger, backyard flock owners face a unique set of challenges in protecting their chickens. Among these threats, frostbite; combs, wattles—specifically on the feet—poses a significant risk that often goes overlooked. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and prevention methods for frostbite in chickens can help ensure that your flock remains healthy and thriving throughout the colder months. Frostbite occurs when body tissue freezes due to prolonged exposure

A broody hen can be a captivating sight—nestled comfortably in her nesting box, feathers fluffed up, determined to hatch the next generation of chicks. However, not all hens display this behavior with the intention of nurturing eggs, making it essential for chicken keepers to take action. Breaking up a broody hen that isn't truly setting on eggs benefits both her health and the stability of your flock. Understanding Broody Behavior Broody behavior in hens is a natural instinc

Backyard chicken keeping has exploded in popularity across North America with it a wave of online advice, forums and social media groups dedicated to flock health. One topic that often pops up in these spaces is depluming mites- parasites that cause feather loss by burrowing into the shafts of feathers, leading to itching, irritation and broken plumage. While depluming mites are a real poultry parasite, it's important for backyard chicken owners to understand that they are no

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is often promoted as a natural  solution for parasites and flock health. But “natural” does not automatically mean safe . Arsenic and mercury are natural too — yet clearly dangerous. Many chicken keepers unknowingly expose their birds (and themselves) to serious health risks by using diatomaceous earth in coops, dust baths, and even feed. What Is Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth? Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms c

In the world of chicken keeping, there's a misconception that feeding chickens their own egg shells is a good practice. After all, those shells are made of calcium carbonate, and chickens need calcium for strong bones and healthy eggs. It seems logical to recycle what they produce, but this approach may not be as beneficial as it appears. Notably, if your hens are already on a nutritionally complete layer feed, the dynamics change completely. Understanding Calcium Requirement

Backyard chicken keepers are always looking for natural ways to boost their flock's health, and over the years, garlic and herbs have become popular "ad-ins" to poultry diets. Social media is filled with claims that sprinkling herbs in the coop or adding garlic to drinking water can prevent parasites, improve immunity or even replace veterinary medicine. While the ideas sound appealing, the reality is that herbs and garlic offer no proven advantage to poultry health. The Myth