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

Raising baby chicks is exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities. One of the first decisions new chicken keepers face is whether to feed medicated starter feed. Many people are unsure what medicated feed actually is, how it works, and whether their chicks truly need it. Understanding the purpose of medicated starter feed can help you make informed decisions that support the health and development of your young flock. This article explains what medicated star

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

Keeping chickens is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with challenges. One of the biggest is managing rodents  in and around your yard. Rodents can steal feed, spread disease, and even harm your flock. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can minimize their presence and protect your chickens. Grampa's Feeder- The best and easiest way to deter rodents. Understanding the Rodent Problem Rodents are attracted to your chicken yard mainly because of food and shelter . Chick

Winter chicken care comes with unique challenges, and frostbite is one of the most serious risks during extreme cold. While chickens are cold-hardy, their combs, wattles, and feet are vulnerable — and common “quick fixes” like Vaseline can actually make things worse. Let’s break down what frostbite really is, why it happens, and how to prevent it properly. Understanding Frostbite in Chickens Frostbite - essentially a cold burn - happens when body tissues freeze, damaging the

Are you a chicken keeper worried about scaly leg mites? These tiny pests can lead to serious issues for your flock, causing discomfort and affecting their mobility. Recognizing the signs early and taking action can make a huge difference in your chickens’ health. This post will empower you with essential knowledge about scaly leg mites, how to identify them, and effective treatment options, including some lesser-known approaches that are worth considering. Understanding Scaly

Our Welsummer Rooster What Is Biosecurity? - and Why Does It Matter? Biosecurity is the set of preventative practices designed to reduce the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. In backyard poultry, biosecurity is your first — and often only — line of defense. In Canada, access to poultry veterinarians and medications is limited. That means prevention carries far more weight than treatment. Proper biosecurity reduces the risk of devastating diseases such as: Avian

As the seasons shift and days grow shorter, your chickens face challenges that can quietly affect their health, egg production, and overall well-being. Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your coop and flock so they remain healthy, comfortable, and productive through winter. Evaluate Your Coop Before the first frost, inspect your coop for drafts, leaks, or areas where moisture could enter. Chickens tolerate cold well, but dampness and wind increase the risk of frostbite and

Don't let a chicken emergency catch you off guard! Owning chickens means you never know when an emergency might arise. Injuries, illness, or sudden health issues can appear without warning, and quick action can make all the difference. Having a well-stocked chicken first aid kit  ensures you can care for your birds immediately, without wasting time searching for supplies. Here’s a complete guide to the items I personally keep on hand, organized around the most common chicken

DIY Poultry Nipple Drinker Backyard poultry keepers constantly seek ways to enhance the health and productivity of their flocks. One of the most effective innovations in poultry care is the use of nipple drinkers, which are quickly replacing traditional open drinkers in backyards. IMPROVED HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS One of the standout benefits of nipple drinkers is the significant boost in hygiene. Open drinkers can easily gather contamination from droppings, dirt and spilled w