Strong Bones. Strong Eggs. Strong Hens. As winter shortens the days and sunlight becomes scarce, your laying hens need extra support to stay strong and healthy. Reduced light means less vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption-the mineral your hens rely on for strong bones and eggshells. Chick' N Calcium provides the perfect combination of calcium and vitamin D3 to keep your flock healthy through the darker months and prepare their bodies for the upcoming layi

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

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

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

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

For many backyard chicken keepers, collecting clean eggs is a primary goal. However, many factors influence the the cleanliness of your...