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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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