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 form when a hen develops Salpingitis, an infection or inflammation of the oviduct. The hen’s immune system attempts to contain the infection by producing a waxy,

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.

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 entertaining companions. But when the egg basket isn’t as full as it used to be, it can feel confusing and frustrating. The truth is, several factors can affect egg production, and understanding them is the first step to helping your flock. Understanding Egg Production A healthy laying hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year, depending on breed, age, health, diet, and environmental conditions. Chickens need the ri

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

Raising baby chicks is an exciting experience, but it also comes with important decisions that can affect their long-term health. One of the first questions many new chicken keepers ask is: "Do my chicks need medicated starter feed?" The answer depends largely on whether your chicks have been vaccinated against coccidiosis. Understanding what medicated starter feed is, how it works, and when it should be used will help you make the best decision for your flock. Did You Know?

Backyard chicken keeping has grown tremendously across North America. With this growth has come a large online community of chicken owners sharing photos, experiences and advice through social media groups and forums. While these communities can be a wonderful source of support, they can also contribute to misinformation when symptoms are quickly diagnosed without understanding the many possible causes behind them. One of the most common examples is feather loss. A chicken wi

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 cal

Feeding Eggshells to Chickens: The Basics There’s a common belief among chicken keepers that feeding eggshells to chickens is a good idea. After all, shells are made of calcium carbonate, and chickens need calcium for strong bones and healthy eggs. It seems logical—but when your hens are already on a nutritionally complete layer feed, feeding eggshells to chickens can actually do more harm than good. Understanding Calcium Requirements Laying hens require significant amounts o

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 is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with challenges. One of the biggest is managing rodents in and around your yard. Rodents can steal feed, spread disease, and even harm your flock. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can minimize their presence and protect your chickens. Grampa's Feeder- The best and easiest way to deter rodents. Understanding the Rodent Problem Rodents are attracted to your chicken yard mainly because of food and shelter. Chicken

Ensuring the health and productivity of laying hens requires both knowledge and proper nutrition. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a hen’s diet is crushed oyster shell. (We offer high-quality crushed oyster shell in both 1 kg and 2 kg sizes — ideal for backyard flocks of all sizes.) This simple supplement can have a significant impact on eggshell strength, egg production, and overall hen health, making it an essential addition for both farmers an

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 right around the corner, and many backyard chicken keepers will soon be adding new birds to their flock. This is often when “Chicken Math” starts to happen — you begin with a few chickens and somehow end up with many more! Introducing new chickens doesn’t have to be stressful or chaotic. With careful preparation, observation, and patience, you can help your flock adjust smoothly while minimizing stress and aggression. Understanding Chicken Social Behavior Chic

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