My Whiting True Blue went through s hard molt this past Fall. 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

Why Hens Are Not Pez Dispensers-or Egg Machines 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

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

Keeping chickens can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with some challenges, especially when it comes to fly control. Flies do more than annoy, they pose health risks to your chickens and make the coop an unpleasant place. Thankfully there's an easy solution. IT'S AN OVERALL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM! The system you implement will determine the number of chickens you have or don't have in your yard. No matter the number of chickens or your setup, it's essential to manage wit

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 can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest issues many chicken owners face is managing the rodent population that can invade their yard. These pesky creatures pose risks, from stealing food to spreading diseases among your flock. But fear not! With the right strategies in place, you can effectively keep the rodent population under control in your chicken yard. Understanding the Rodent Problem To tackle the

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

What is the Deep Litter Method? It is a method of chicken waste management that involves droppings and bedding material to compost inside...

This is a very controversial topic. We personally do not heat my coop through the winter as a rule. BUT once in a while there can be exceptions when there are some really cold nights...... When I say really cold nights, I refer to -15/-20 lows plus windchills overnight. Most nights in the winter, it is not necessary to add heat as chickens are built completely different than us. Their body temperature is 107 degrees Fahrenheit and they are wearing down jackets. They keep them

Chickens stuck inside their chicken run because of cold, snowy weather? I have a few enrichment activities to keep them out of each others "hair!" When temperature drops, boredom can creep into the chicken coop. Snow and mud can cover scratching spots, bugs disappear and daylight hours shorten- all of which limit your flock's foraging behaviors. Boredom in chickens isn't just a mood issue: it can lead to feather picking, stress and even reduced egg production. But here's the

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, backyard chicken keepers know it's time to shift gears. Winter brings new challenges- freezing waters, frostbite, reduced egg production and the ever-present battle against boredom. But with the right preparation and care, your chickens can thrive even in the coldest months. There are only a few things that are critical to a backyard flock in cold temperatures: access to water a nutritionally complete chicken feed a dry, draft fr

As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter, your chickens face new challenges that can quietly impact their health, egg production...

If you keep backyard laying hens, you've probably noticed that egg production naturally drops as the days grow shorter in fall and winter....

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