Many backyard chicken keepers eventually find themselves managing a mixed flock with both laying hens and roosters. One of the most common questions that comes up is: “Can roosters eat layer feed?” There is a lot of conflicting information surrounding this topic. Some people believe roosters should never consume layer feed because it contains more calcium, while others feed their entire flock the same ration. The answer requires looking beyond a single ingredient and understa

The Mite Myth: Why Chickens Are Really Losing Their Feathers Introduction Scroll through social media and you’ll quickly find countless posts of bald or patchy chickens, often paired with confident advice pointing to mites—especially “depluming mites”—as the cause. This explanation gets repeated so often that it’s become the default assumption. But in most cases, that simply isn’t what’s going on. With ongoing conversations I have daily about poultry health and nutrition, one

Backyard chicken enthusiasts are often tempted to supplement their flock’s diet with insects. After all, chickens are natural foragers, and the idea of feeding them mealworms, grubs, or black fly larvae seems both natural and beneficial. But while these creepy-crawlies might seem like a protein-packed treat, the truth is that they offer little to no nutritional benefit and can actually undermine the carefully balanced diet your chickens receive from their feed. In this blog,

Just as babies need complete nutrition from breast milk or formula, chickens thrive on a complete feed - no extras required. A helpful way to understand poultry nutrition is to compare it to infant nutrition. Breast milk and infant formula are considered nutritionally complete foods. They are carefully designed to provide everything an infant requires for growth, development, and survival—in precise amounts and ratios. Because of this, no one would consider diluting breast mi

A prolapsed vent in laying hens is one of the most alarming conditions a chicken keeper can face. It appears suddenly, looks dramatic, and often leads people to believe it was unavoidable or simply “bad luck.” In reality, a prolapsed vent is rarely random. In backyard flocks, it is most often the result of long-term nutritional imbalance, even when the foods being offered are considered “healthy.” Understanding why this happens is key to prevention — and in some cases, early

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 available, and treatment options are often limited. That’s why

The term GMO (genetically modified organism) often sparks strong opinions. Some poultry keepers actively seek out non-GMO feed, while others wonder whether GMO ingredients make any difference to the health of their chickens or the quality of the eggs they produce. With so much conflicting information available, it's easy to become confused. Understanding what GMOs are—and what they are not—can help poultry keepers make informed decisions based on science rather than misconcep

POULTRY NUTRITION IS A SCIENCE, NOT A RECIPE!! When it comes to raising backyard chickens, the excitement often leads poultry enthusiasts down the path of DIY chicken feed. After all, if you can make your own bread or brew your own beer, why not craft the perfect feed for your clucking companions? However, this booming trend is not without its pitfalls. Understanding the science behind chicken nutrition is paramount, and herein lies the reason to leave this task to the expert

Understanding how Modern Chicken Keeping Differs From the Past For generations, chickens were primarily viewed as farm animals raised for practical purposes: eggs, meat, and reproduction. Their care focused on productivity and survival rather than individual health or longevity. Today, backyard chicken keeping looks very different. Many chicken owners consider their hens beloved members of the family, recognizing their personalities, behaviours, and individual needs. Because

Many backyard chicken keepers believe that simply feeding their flock extra protein- like mealworms and other high-protein treats- will make their chickens healthier, lay more eggs or grow feathers faster. While it sounds logical, this is actually a misconception. Chickens don't have a protein requirement- they have an amino acid requirement, and understanding this difference is key to keeping your flock healthy. Protein vs. Amino Acids: What's the Difference? Protein is made

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained a reputation in backyard chicken circles as a supposed cure-all for poultry health. Many keepers add it to their flock's drinking water believing it will improve digestion, support gut health or even act as a natural dewormer. But when we look at the science behind poultry nutrition and health, the truth is much simpler: apple cider vinegar does not benefit your chickens' gut health. The Myth vs. The Reality The Myth: Apple cider vinegar "

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" Cr

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

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

Chickens are unique creatures with intriguing behaviors and diverse appetites. As dedicated chicken keepers, we always strive to offer our feathered friends the finest nutrition possible. Oatmeal is a popular food option that many consider, praised for its health benefits in human diets. However, it may be a surprising fact that oatmeal could do more harm than good for chickens. Understanding Chicken Nutrition Chickens depend on a balanced diet to remain healthy and productiv

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 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

One of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is, "When should I switch my chicks from starter feed to layer feed?" The simple answer is around 18 weeks of age, but understanding why chickens require different feed at different stages of life is just as important as knowing when to make the switch. Commercial poultry feeds are carefully formulated to meet a chicken's changing nutritional needs. As chicks grow into pullets and eventually become laying hens, their req

If you want strong, productive laying hens that reward you with beautiful, nutrient-rich eggs day after day, it’s simple: feed a high-quality, nutritionally complete layer feed—and nothing else. With over seven years of poultry-keeping experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful proper nutrition is. When hens receive exactly what their bodies require, they thrive. When their diets are diluted with scraps, treats, or “extras”—even well-intended ones—egg production drops, heal