Chickens are unique creatures with intriguing behaviors and diverse appetites. As dedicated chicken keepers, we always strive to offer our feathered friends the finest nutrition possible. Oatmeal is a popular food option that many consider, praised for its health benefits in human diets. However, it may be a surprising fact that oatmeal could do more harm than good for chickens. Understanding Chicken Nutrition Chickens depend on a balanced diet to remain healthy and productiv

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 entertaining companions. But when the egg basket isn’t as full as it used to be, it can feel confusing and frustrating. The truth is, several factors can affect egg production, and understanding them is the first step to helping your flock. Understanding Egg Production A healthy laying hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year, depending on breed, age, health, diet, and environmental conditions. Chickens need the ri

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 requires both knowledge and proper nutrition. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a hen’s diet is crushed oyster shell . This simple supplement can have a significant impact on eggshell strength, egg production, and overall hen health , making it an essential addition for both farmers and backyard chicken keepers. One of the most common causes of thin or fragile eggshells in backyard flocks is not

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 are unsure when and why to transition pullets that have not yet begun laying to a layer feed , or why it is important not to make this switch too early. With chick season approaching, this information may be helpful for new chicken owners. One of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is, “When should I switch my chicks from starter feed to layer feed?” Switching too early c

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