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

If you want strong, productive laying hens that reward you with beautiful, nutrient-rich eggs day after day, it’s simple: feed a high-quality, nutritionally complete layer feed—and nothing else. With over seven years of poultry-keeping experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful proper nutrition is. When hens receive exactly what their bodies require, they thrive. When their diets are diluted with scraps, treats, or “extras”—even well-intended ones—egg production drops, heal

Healthy Feathers Start from the Inside Out This is my molting Welsummer. If you've kept chickens for any length of time, you've likely noticed a period each year when your chickens suddenly look a little ragged. Feathers drop, egg production slows- or even stops- and your once glossy, well-dressed flock looks like it's been through a windstorm. This natural process is called the annual molt, and while it may seem alarming, it's an essential part of your chickens' health and w