During hot summer weather, many chicken keepers notice a change in their flock’s droppings. They may appear larger, wetter, or much looser than usual. This often causes concern, and many people immediately assume their chickens have diarrhea or a digestive problem. However, during periods of high temperatures, looser droppings can be a completely normal response as chickens work to regulate their body temperature. Before reaching for a supplement or treatment, it is important

Finding a soft-shelled or thin-shelled egg in the nest box during a summer heat wave can be alarming. Many backyard chicken keepers immediately assume their hens need more calcium, but that isn't always the case. While calcium is essential for building strong eggshells, hens also require another important ingredient that is often overlooked—carbon dioxide. During periods of extreme heat, laying hens cool themselves by panting. Although panting is necessary to prevent overheat

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

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

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

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

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

This is a very controversial topic among backyard chicken keepers—and for good reason. As a general rule, we do not heat our chicken coop during the winter. However, there are occasional exceptions during periods of extreme cold. When I say extreme cold, I’m referring to overnight lows of -15°C to -20°C, especially when combined with windchill. Those are the kinds of nights where some additional support may be considered. Chickens Are Built for the Cold Most winter nights, ad

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!" Why Winter Boredom Matters When temperatures drop, boredom can creep into the chicken coop. Snow and mud cover scratching areas, bugs disappear, and daylight hours shorten—all of which limit your flock’s natural foraging behaviors. Boredom isn’t just a mood issue: it can lead to feather picking, stress, and even reduced egg product

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, backyard chicken keepers know it’s time to shift gears. Winter brings new challenges—freezing water, frostbite risk, reduced egg production, and limited outdoor activity. With proper preparation and management, chickens can thrive throughout winter. Their needs are simple. When those needs are consistently met, winter care becomes straightforward and highly manageable. The Four Essentials of Winter Chicken Care There ar

As the seasons shift and days grow shorter, your chickens face challenges that can quietly affect their health, egg production, and overall well-being. Autumn is the perfect time to prepare your coop and flock so they remain healthy, comfortable, and productive through winter. Evaluate Your Coop Before the first frost, inspect your coop for drafts, leaks, or areas where moisture could enter. Chickens tolerate cold well, but dampness and wind increase the risk of frostbite and

If you keep backyard laying hens, you've probably noticed that egg production naturally drops as the days grow shorter in fall and winter. This happens because hens are sensitive to day length-fewer daylight hours signal their bodies to slow down egg production. Many chicken keepers turn to supplemental lighting to help maintain a steady supply of eggs through the darker months. But does it really work, and is it healthy for your flock? Let's break it down. Why Light Matters

Healthy Feathers Start from the Inside Out This is my molting Welsummer. If you've kept chickens for any length of time, you've likely noticed a period each year when your chickens suddenly look a little ragged. Feathers drop, egg production slows- or even stops- and your once glossy, well-dressed flock looks like it's been through a windstorm. This natural process is called the annual molt, and while it may seem alarming, it's an essential part of your chickens' health and w

Chickens are often seen as hardy, adaptable animals, but when it comes to high temperatures, they are actually at a disadvantage. While many backyard keepers worry most about winter, hot weather can be far more dangerous to a flock than cold. Chickens are not built to handle extreme hot weather. They have no sweat glands, wear a natural insulating layer of feathers year-round, and maintain a body temperature around 107°F (41.7°C). Once temperatures rise, especially with humid