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 p

Backyard poultry keepers are always looking for ways to improve the health and productivity of their flocks. One of the best innovations in poultry care is the use of nipple drinkers, which are quickly replacing traditional open waterers in many backyard coops. At Roslin Poultry Ranch, we also handcraft our own poultry nipple drinkers for our in-person retail store. We build them using black food-grade buckets, which help block light and reduce algae growth by limiting the am