If you've spent any time in backyard chicken groups on social media, you've probably seen ivermectin recommended as a quick fix for mites, lice, or worms. Comments like "I've used it for years with no problems" or "Just throw away the eggs for two weeks and you'll be fine" are common. Unfortunately, these statements are often repeated without scientific evidence to support them. So, is ivermectin an effective parasite treatment? In many cases, yes. But is it the best choice f

During hot summer weather, many chicken keepers notice a change in their flock’s droppings. They may appear larger, wetter, or much looser than usual. This often causes concern, and many people immediately assume their chickens have diarrhea or a digestive problem. However, during periods of high temperatures, looser droppings can be a completely normal response as chickens work to regulate their body temperature. Before reaching for a supplement or treatment, it is important

If you've noticed your chicken has a swollen crop that feels soft or squishy, or you've detected a foul smell coming from her beak, she may be experiencing sour crop. Sour crop is a condition that occurs when food and liquid remain in the crop for too long, allowing yeast and other microorganisms to multiply and cause fermentation. It is not a disease itself but rather a sign that the crop is not emptying normally. Early recognition and appropriate care can make a significant

If you've ever picked up one of your chickens first thing in the morning and noticed her crop still feels large, hard, or full, she may be dealing with an impacted crop. An impacted crop is a common condition in backyard flocks, but it is often misunderstood. While many cases can be managed if caught early, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including starvation, dehydration, or secondary infections. What Is the Crop? The crop is a pouch located at the base

The Mite Myth: Why Chickens Are Really Losing Their Feathers Introduction Scroll through social media and you’ll quickly find countless posts of bald or patchy chickens, often paired with confident advice pointing to mites—especially “depluming mites”—as the cause. This explanation gets repeated so often that it’s become the default assumption. But in most cases, that simply isn’t what’s going on. With ongoing conversations I have daily about poultry health and nutrition, one

Spring is when chickens naturally become more active with breeding behaviors. As daylight hours increase, roosters begin mating more frequently, and this is often when hens start showing signs of feather wear across their backs and wings. If you keep roosters with your hens, you may notice some of your girls looking a little ruffled. Missing feathers, irritated skin or even small wounds are common signs that your hens are being over-mated. The good news? There's an easy way t

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 Chic

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 a

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 guidance

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 medicati

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 approa

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 instea

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" Cr

Bumblefoot is one of the most common foot problems that backyard chicken keepers face. While it may sound harmless, untreated bumblefoot can become painful and even life-threatening for your bird. The good news is that if caught early, it can be treated at home with proper care. What is Bumblefoot? Bumblefoot, also called pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection that develops in a chicken's foot pad. It usually starts when a small cut, scrape, or pressure sore allows bacteria

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 wh

When new chicken keepers hear the word coccidiosis, it often sparks worry, Many assume it's something that only appears if you make a mistake in your flock's care. The truth is much simpler- and more surprising. Coccidia, the tiny parasites that cause coccidiosis, are already present in every backyard chicken environment and it's just not an issue with baby chicks alone. Adult chickens are also susceptible as well. What Exactly is Coccidiosis? Coccidiosis is caused by microsc

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