Do These Hens Look Obese? Exactly! Backyard chickens bring endless rewards- from satisfaction of collecting fresh eggs to the joy of watching their unique personalities unfold. But just like any animal in our care, hens face certain health challenges that aren't always obvious until it's too late. One condition that can have devasting consequences is Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS). Often sudden and unexpected, FLHS can strike even seemingly healthy hens, leaving owne

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 often notice their hens developing bald spots-around the neck, breast, back or butt. While molting or pecking are usually the first suspects, one overlooked factor plays a huge role in feather regrowth: diet. If a laying hens nutritional needs aren't met, she may struggle to regrow feathers, leaving her with patchy or bald areas that never fully recover. Feathers Require High-Quality Nutrition Feathers are made of 85% protein (mainly keratin). For a hen to

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

Elector PSP is a trusted solution used by Canadian poultry keepers to help manage mites and lice in backyard flocks and small farms. When applied according to the label directions, it can be part of an effective parasite management plan that supports bird comfort and productivity. In this guide, we’ll cover how Elector PSP is used safely in Canada, how to correctly identify parasite issues and what flock owners should evaluate before treating birds. Also where poultry owners

Raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, not just for the fresh eggs but for the joy these feathered pets bring...

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

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.

A picture of my chickens and cat for fun. 2021 The practice of keeping backyard chickens is on the rise. An increasing number of individuals are exploring the idea of starting their own flocks for a fresh supply of eggs and of course, pets. Starting a poultry venture can be a thrilling experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Many new poultry keepers unknowingly fall into common traps that lead to disappointment and stress. A significant error that both novice

Backyard chicken keeping is more than just raising birds; it's about mastering the unique challenges and nuances that each flock presents. Whether you are just starting out or a veteran poultry keeper looking to help troubleshoot a particular issue, one-on-one poultry consultation can be a game changer for your backyard pets. Our exclusive services offer tailored guidance that aligns with your specific goals and challenges. The Importance of Personalized Consultation With so

Feather picking is a frustrating and distressing issue for many backyard chicken keepers. These feathered pets are not only delightful companions; they also provide fresh eggs and help maintain a healthy backyard ecosystem. However, when feather picking becomes a problem, it can lead to significant challenges for both chickens and their owners. Feather and skin picking is a serious behavior problem exhibited by chickens under stress. If the stress is not identified and allevi

Whether you're new to raising chickens or an experienced keeper, there's always something new to learn. If you are just starting out with keeping chickens this blog will be extremely beneficial to YOU! Creating a backyard chicken coop is more than just a project; it's a rewarding journey that can lead to fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a charming connection to nature. In fact, studies show that backyard chicken-keeping has increased by over 50% in recent years, as more

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

Chickens are unique creatures with intriguing behaviors and diverse appetites. As dedicated chicken keepers, we always strive to offer...

Let me introduce myself, my name is Donna Weekes, owner of Roslin Poultry Ranch and the author of these blogs. Having written numerous blogs, I've realized you might be curious about how or where I've acquired all my knowledge on raising backyard poultry and how my journey began with backyard chicken keeping. I am a former hairstylist with 37 years of experience, and I continue to work part-time in the field. My interest in raising chickens began in 2018 when we acquired a 30

When considering raising backyard chickens, many people discuss the benefits: fresh eggs, companionship, and a sustainable lifestyle. However, one crucial aspect often left out of the conversation is predator control. Chickens are deliciously tempting to various predators, from raccoons to hawks. That's why predator-proofing your backyard is essential if you want to keep your flock safe and flourishing. Understanding Your Local Predators Before diving into the protective meas

Raising baby chicks can be both rewarding and challenging. One significant issue many new chick owners encounter is pasty butt—a condition that can endanger day-old chicks if not handled promptly. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, treatment options, and effective prevention strategies for pasty butt. Let’s jump right in! What is Pasty Butt? Pasty butt, or pasty vent, occurs when droppings harden and stick to a chick's vent. This blockage can create serious health risks

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.