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

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

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

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

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

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, pecking or parasites 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). F

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

Backyard chicken keeping has become a thrilling hobby for many people. From the joy of collecting fresh eggs to the satisfaction of raising happy hens, there’s plenty to appreciate. One fun surprise for chicken lovers is the appearance of double-yolked eggs. While these eggs are exciting, they may indicate important health considerations for your hens. Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and what it means for your flock. The Mystery of Double-Yolked Eggs Double-y

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

Chickens are unique creatures with intriguing behaviors and diverse appetites. As dedicated chicken keepers, we always strive to offer...

Laying hens are cherished for their contributions to our farms and households. They provide consistent egg production, and understanding every aspect of their health and reproductive systems is vital. One interesting phenomenon that can occur in laying hens is the formation of lash eggs. What are Lash Eggs? Lash eggs result from an infection (bacterial or viral) that causes inflammation of a hen's oviduct. That inflammation is referred to as Salpingitis. The hen's immune syst

Raising backyard chickens has become a cherished hobby across North America, but with this growth in popularity has come a wave of confusion- especially when it comes to diagnosing a sick hen. One of the most common scenarios? A hen becomes quiet, lethargic or often off her feed and the owner immediately suspects she is "egg bound." While egg binding is a real condition that can be threatening if not addressed quickly, it is far less common than most backyard keepers believe.

Backyard chickens bring so much more than fresh eggs- they're companions and entertainers. But what happens when the egg basket suddenly isn't as full as it used to be? For many chicken keepers, a drop in egg production feels mysterious and frustrating, especially when you're doing everything "right". The truth is, there are several reasons your hens may slow down or stop-laying-and knowing what they are is the first step to turning things around. Understanding Egg Production

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

Backyard chickens bring joy and fresh eggs to any homestead, but offering the right diet is crucial for their health. Many owners mistakenly believe that wild bird food, like suet, is safe for chickens. This post highlights the serious risks of feeding wild bird suet to your backyard chickens. Understanding Suet and Its Ingredients Suet is primarily rendered animal fat enhanced with seeds, dried fruits, and other additives to lure wild birds. While it can be an energy booster

Ensuring the health and productivity of laying hens is a critical aspect of chicken keeping that requires both knowledge and proper resources. One of the most vital yet often overlooked components of a hen's diet is oyster shell. This powerhouse supplement can significantly impact egg production and overall hen health, making it a secret weapon for farmers and backyard chicken keepers. What Are Oyster Shells? Oyster shells are the hardened outer layer of oysters that are foun

Chickens are a familiar sight across the country, from thriving farms to peaceful backyards. Yet, there’s an intriguing question that chicken lovers and casual observers often ask: Why do wild chickens appear to be healthier than their domesticated counterparts? My sister recently took a trip to Key West. Wild chickens are quite common there. While she was in Key West she was admiring how shiny the feathers were and how healthy the wild chickens looked. She took this picture

Chickens at different stages of development require different feed formulations. Many people don't know when and why we transition younger pullets, who haven't begun laying, to a layer feed, or why it's crucial not to make this switch too soon. With chick season approaching, I believe this information could be beneficial for new chicken owners. Starter Feed- Day 1 to 18 weeks (Chicks) Starter feed contains the highest percentage of protein (20%) a layer will ever consume, whi