When people think about free ranging chickens, the first image that often comes to mind is hens happily scratching through grass, hunting for bugs, and supplementing their diet naturally. While that does happen, it’s not the main reason people often discuss the advantages of free ranging chickens. While many assume nutrition is the main advantage, the biggest benefit is actually exercise and movement , not food. Advantages of Free Ranging Chickens: More Than Just Foraging Ch

Quarantining new birds is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of your existing flock. Even chickens that appear perfectly healthy can carry disease, parasites, or infections without showing obvious symptoms right away. Introducing new birds too quickly can put your entire flock at risk. One of the biggest things many backyard chicken keepers do not realize is that moving chickens from one place to another is very stressful on them . That stress

Internal parasites, especially roundworms , can silently affect the health and productivity of backyard flocks. In Canada, deworming backyard chickens, options for egg-safe, over-the-counter dewormers are limited, so it’s critical to use them strategically and responsibly . For most small backyard flocks, Piperazine , available here at the Ranch, is a safe and effective option. This guide will help you understand when, why, and how to deworm , with practical tips, dosing gu

Dirty vent feathers are one of the most frequent questions in backyard poultry groups. Soiled feathers around the vent often signal that something in the flock’s diet or management needs adjusting. In most cases, the issue stems from excess treats, low-digestibility grains, or digestive upset . Parasites or cloacitis (vent gleet in backyard chickens) may contribute in some situations, but they are far less common than simple nutrition-related causes. Before jumping to medicat

Not all parasite treatments work the same way — and not all are safe for laying hens producing eggs for people. Understanding the differences is key to keeping your flock healthy and your eggs safe. Safe parasite control in laying hens requires understanding not just what works, but what is appropriate for food-producing birds and the eggs they produce. When you keep laying hens, you are managing food-producing animals . That makes treatment decisions different from pet birds

When buying chicks, you’ll often see “vaccinated for Marek’s” or “MG-clean / MG-vaccinated” listed as major selling points. While vaccinations absolutely have value, they are often misunderstood. Vaccines are tools for risk reduction , not magic shields—and they do not replace good management, biosecurity, or genetics. This article explains what Marek’s disease and MG actually are , how the vaccines work, why vaccination alone is not the end-all, be-all solution, and our a

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 available, and treatment options are often limited. That’s why

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 rest. When we start seeing eggs as a gift in

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

When keeping backyard chickens, it's important to understand that these birds are prey animals. This means they are hardwired to hide signs of pain, injury or illness. In the wild, a chicken showing weakness quickly becomes an easy target for predators. Even in a safe backyard environment, that instinct remains strong-and it often leads keepers to overlook early signs of trouble. Why Chickens Hide Their Pain Unlike dogs and cats, chickens won't limp dramatically or cry out w

When a chicken in your backyard flock start's showing signs of illness, it can be worrisome. Chickens are masters at hiding symptoms until they are quite unwell as they are prey animals and by nature, they mask their illness, so quick action can make all the difference. Whether it's due to stress, infection, parasites or nutritional imbalance, your first response should always be calm, careful and supportive. Here's how to help a sick chicken recover - starting with isolation

Flystrike is an extremely important topic for backyard chicken keepers. A hidden danger that can endanger your birds, resulting in death. What are its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options? With this information, you can better protect your chickens from this serious threat. What is Flystrike? Flystrike, also known as myiasis, occurs when certain flies, particularly the blowfly, lay their eggs on chickens. When the eggs hatch, maggots feed on the chicken's flesh

Many chicken owners notice their hens developing bald spots around the neck, breast, back, or vent. While molting or pecking are often the first suspects, one of the most overlooked contributing factors is diet. The biggest mistake backyard chicken keepers make is not usually failing to provide a nutritionally complete feed, but rather the additional foods, treats, and supplements offered alongside it. These extras can unintentionally dilute or disrupt the carefully balanced

Keeping chickens is incredibly rewarding, but flies can be a persistent challenge. Flies are more than just an annoyance—they spread disease, affect egg production, and make the coop unpleasant. The good news? With the right approach, fly control can be simple, natural, and effective. It’s an Overall Management System Fly populations in your yard are determined by your overall management system. No matter your setup or flock size, the key is a clean, dry environment for your

Raising healthy backyard chickens isn't just about feed, housing and fresh water- it also means protecting your birds from internal parasites. Worm infestations can impact egg production, body condition and overall flock health. While parasites are a normal part of poultry biology, unmanaged worm burdens can cause serious issues. That's why having a thoughtful deworming strategy in place is key for backyard chicken keepers. A healthy chicken can manage a reasonable worm load.

As the winter months linger, backyard flock owners face a unique set of challenges in protecting their chickens. Among these threats, frostbite; combs, wattles—specifically on the feet—poses a significant risk that often goes overlooked. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and prevention methods for frostbite in chickens can help ensure that your flock remains healthy and thriving throughout the colder months. Frostbite occurs when body tissue freezes due to prolonged exposure

Backyard chicken keeping has exploded in popularity across North America with it a wave of online advice, forums and social media groups dedicated to flock health. One topic that often pops up in these spaces is depluming mites- parasites that cause feather loss by burrowing into the shafts of feathers, leading to itching, irritation and broken plumage. While depluming mites are a real poultry parasite, it's important for backyard chicken owners to understand that they are no

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is often promoted as a natural solution for parasites and flock health. But “natural” does not automatically mean safe . Arsenic and mercury are natural too — yet clearly dangerous. Many chicken keepers unknowingly expose their birds (and themselves) to serious health risks by using diatomaceous earth in coops, dust baths, and even feed. What Is Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth? Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms c

Keeping chickens is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with challenges. One of the biggest is managing rodents in and around your yard. Rodents can steal feed, spread disease, and even harm your flock. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can minimize their presence and protect your chickens. Grampa's Feeder- The best and easiest way to deter rodents. Understanding the Rodent Problem Rodents are attracted to your chicken yard mainly because of food and shelter . Chick

Winter chicken care comes with unique challenges, and frostbite is one of the most serious risks during extreme cold. While chickens are cold-hardy, their combs, wattles, and feet are vulnerable — and common “quick fixes” like Vaseline can actually make things worse. Let’s break down what frostbite really is, why it happens, and how to prevent it properly. Understanding Frostbite in Chickens Frostbite - essentially a cold burn - happens when body tissues freeze, damaging the