Fowl pox is a viral disease that can be alarming to see in a backyard flock, particularly when the first signs appear as dark, crusty or wart-like lesions on a chicken's comb or face. The good news is that most cases of dry fowl pox are self-limiting, meaning affected chickens can recover without specific antiviral treatment. However, fowl pox can become more serious when lesions develop inside the mouth or throat, and an outbreak can spread through a flock. Understanding wha

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

When it comes to backyard chicken keeping, there's no shortage of advice online—some helpful, some outdated, and some simply misunderstood. One of the biggest misconceptions is that ventilation alone determines whether a coop is healthy. While fresh air is certainly important, cleanliness, manure management, moisture control, and proper husbandry play a far greater role in maintaining healthy air quality and supporting your flock's respiratory health. Throughout this article,

Flystrike is an important concern for backyard chicken keepers, particularly during warm weather. What may begin as a small wound, irritated skin, or a dirty vent can quickly become a serious problem when flies are attracted to the area. Understanding what flystrike is, what makes a chicken vulnerable, and what warning signs to watch for can help you recognize a problem before it becomes more severe. What Is Flystrike? Flystrike, also known as myiasis, occurs when certain fli

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 common concerns during periods of extreme cold. Chickens are surprisingly cold-hardy, but their combs, wattles, and feet can be vulnerable when cold temperatures are combined with moisture, humidity, wind, and prolonged exposure. The good news is that much of the risk can be reduced with proper coop management and keeping your flock dry. What Is Frostbite? Frostbite occurs when body tissue beco

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 heard the claim that adding lights to a chicken coop forces hens to lay eggs, eventually wearing them out or causing them to "run out of eggs." So, is it myth or fact? The answer is myth. Supplemental lighting does not force a hen to lay eggs if her body isn't physically ready. Instead, it simply extends the amount of daylight she experiences, encouraging her natural reproductive system to continue functioning through the shor

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