A broody hen can be a captivating sight—nestled comfortably in her nesting box, feathers fluffed up, determined to hatch the next generation of chicks. However, not all hens display this behavior with the intention of nurturing eggs, making it essential for chicken keepers to take action. Breaking up a broody hen that isn't truly setting on eggs benefits both her health and the stability of your flock. Understanding Broody Behavior Broody behavior in hens is a natural instinc

Backyard chickens bring so much more than fresh eggs- they're companions and entertainers. But what happens when the egg basket suddenly isn't as full as it used to be? For many chicken keepers, a drop in egg production feels mysterious and frustrating, especially when you're doing everything "right". The truth is, there are several reasons your hens may slow down or stop-laying-and knowing what they are is the first step to turning things around. Understanding Egg Production

Raising baby chicks can be an exciting venture, to both new and experienced poultry enthusiasts. However, one crucial aspect of caring for these delicate creatures is providing the right source of heat. While heat lamps have long been the preferred choice, brooder plates are now changing the game. This blog post explores the many benefits of using a brooder plate, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the way we rear poultry. Understanding Brooder Plates A brooder plat

Feeding baby chicks is an exciting venture and one filled with responsibility. As you embark on raising your flock, you are likely to come across medicated starter feed and wonder if it’s truly necessary or beneficial. This blog post will explain the advantages of incorporating this specialized feed into your chicks’ diet, ensuring they grow healthy and strong. Understanding Medicated Starter Feed Medicated starter feed is a type of poultry feed specifically formulated for yo

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

In the world of chicken keeping, there's a misconception that feeding chickens their own egg shells is a good practice. After all, those shells are made of calcium carbonate, and chickens need calcium for strong bones and healthy eggs. It seems logical to recycle what they produce, but this approach may not be as beneficial as it appears. Notably, if your hens are already on a nutritionally complete layer feed, the dynamics change completely. Understanding Calcium Requirement

Backyard chicken keepers are always looking for natural ways to boost their flock's health, and over the years, garlic and herbs have become popular "ad-ins" to poultry diets. Social media is filled with claims that sprinkling herbs in the coop or adding garlic to drinking water can prevent parasites, improve immunity or even replace veterinary medicine. While the ideas sound appealing, the reality is that herbs and garlic offer no proven advantage to poultry health. The Myth

Backyard chickens bring joy and fresh eggs to any homestead, but offering the right diet is crucial for their health. Many owners mistakenly believe that wild bird food, like suet, is safe for chickens. This post highlights the serious risks of feeding wild bird suet to your backyard chickens. Understanding Suet and Its Ingredients Suet is primarily rendered animal fat enhanced with seeds, dried fruits, and other additives to lure wild birds. While it can be an energy booster

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

Ensuring the health and productivity of laying hens is a critical aspect of chicken keeping that requires both knowledge and proper resources. One of the most vital yet often overlooked components of a hen's diet is oyster shell. This powerhouse supplement can significantly impact egg production and overall hen health, making it a secret weapon for farmers and backyard chicken keepers. What Are Oyster Shells? Oyster shells are the hardened outer layer of oysters that are foun

Chickens are a familiar sight across the country, from thriving farms to peaceful backyards. Yet, there’s an intriguing question that chicken lovers and casual observers often ask: Why do wild chickens appear to be healthier than their domesticated counterparts? My sister recently took a trip to Key West. Wild chickens are quite common there. While she was in Key West she was admiring how shiny the feathers were and how healthy the wild chickens looked. She took this picture

Chick season is coming up soon. I thought this might be some useful information for some of the newer chicken owners because "Chicken Math!" It's real!! Introducing new chickens into your existing flock can feel like a recipe for chaos, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're expanding your backyard flock or adding to a small farm, knowing how to smoothly bring in new members is key for creating a peaceful environment. With the right approach, you'll find that building a un

Understanding the social behavior of chickens may not top many people’s lists of priorities, but those curious about these fascinating birds are in for a treat. Chickens are much more than just farm animals; they are complex creatures with intricate social structures. From understanding their pecking order to their communication methods. The Pecking Order: Nature's Hierarchy One of the most notable aspects of chicken social behavior is the "pecking order." This hierarchy dict

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

Are you a chicken keeper worried about scaly leg mites? These tiny pests can lead to serious issues for your flock, causing discomfort and affecting their mobility. Recognizing the signs early and taking action can make a huge difference in your chickens’ health. This post will empower you with essential knowledge about scaly leg mites, how to identify them, and effective treatment options, including some lesser-known approaches that are worth considering. Understanding Scaly

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

Chickens at different stages of development require different feed formulations. Many people don't know when and why we transition younger pullets, who haven't begun laying, to a layer feed, or why it's crucial not to make this switch too soon. With chick season approaching, I believe this information could be beneficial for new chicken owners. Starter Feed- Day 1 to 18 weeks (Chicks) Starter feed contains the highest percentage of protein (20%) a layer will ever consume, whi

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