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

Keeping your backyard flock healthy means paying attention to more than just feed and water. External parasites like mites and lice can sneak up on even the most well-maintained coops. Knowing how to identify them early and use the right products for the right purpose will save your chickens discomfort-and save you unnecessary effort or expense. How to Identify Mites and Lice on Chickens Mites and lice are tiny parasites that feed on your chickens, but they behave different

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

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 older hens lay fewer eggs as they age will help you manage expectations and care for your flock with confid

Pumpkin and Chickens: Why It's Overrated and Ineffective as a Dewormer Pumpkins are everywhere in the Fall, and many backyard chicken keepers love tossing a split pumpkin into the run for their flock. Social media is full of claims that pumpkin seeds act as a "natural dewormer" or that feeding pumpkin provides major health benefits for poultry. The truth? Pumpkin is not a dewormer and it's not a miracle food for chickens. The Myth of Pumpkin as a Dewormer Pumpkin seeds contai

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 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

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.

Keeping backyard chickens is rewarding, but even experienced poultry keepers can fall into common traps. Avoiding these mistakes will save you stress, protect your flock, and ensure clean eggs and happy birds. Mistake #1: Relying on Social Media for Guidance While online groups can be fun, they’re often filled with misinformation . Not every “tip” is safe or effective. Always check advice against poultry scientists, nutritionists, or trusted bloggers . Correct information kee

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 is 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 stronger connection to nature. In fact, studies show that backyard chicken keeping has increased by over 50% in recent years , as m

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