Before you bring home your first flock of chicks, brush up on the lingo and learn commonly used chicken terms. It will be helpful to know what supplies are called at the store or hatchery before purchasing them for a backyard chicken raising adventure. Knowing basic bird types such as bantams, layers (standard), etc., is …
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If we’re buying good quality, complete chicken feed and shipping in specialty feeds from across the country to provide our chickens with a healthy diet as well as forages such as bugs and weeds, why do we choose to offer free choice supplements of calcium and grit? Good quality feeds are available so if you …
A common question asked by first time chicken owners is how difficult it is to set up a brooder. There are many easy options for creating an ideal environment, but the best choice depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some of my favorite ideas!A common question among newbie-chicken keepers is “how hard/easy does …
There were a few problems during the recent hatch. Two days into it, I had to revive one weak chick and then another! The chicks hatched sporadically without any schedule from me – since I was out of town. While away, new eggs gathered by eight broody hens who wouldn’t let me move them elsewhere …
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I had a reader ask me recently, “How much food does a chicken need to eat per day?” This is a very valid question and it will differ depending on where you get your information. If she asked for example, the manager of meat bird facility could tell her how each chicken eats almost down …
Broody hen season arises because of the warm spring weather. Spring brings on an urge for hens to set eggs and hatch out chicks, but if fertilized by a rooster it takes 21 days before cute new ones appear!I specifically bought bantam Cochin chickens due to their brooding behavior- I thought they were serious brooders. …
Raising Ducks – My Best Tips to Guide You Toward Successfully Raising Ducks Raising ducks and chickens is different than raising only one or the other. Although you can be successful by doing both, there are some modifications that need to happen when mixing them together in your barnyard.Here’s a few of my best tips …
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Ascites in chickens and ducks is a life-threatening condition that causes fluid build up to the abdomen. This issue isn’t common among backyard flocks, though it does appear most prevalently in meat birds such as broiler chickens or duck breeds raised for their meat . It’s crucial poultry owners are aware of these signs so …
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People often ask when chicks can go outside. This all depends on providing warmth, safety, food and water to the growing chick no matter where you are housing them in a brooder environment. The first weeks of life you are dealing with rather fragile beings. They require a very warm environment. Even if you have …
If your chicken coop makes you hold your breath when you go in to collect eggs, think about how the chickens feel! It’s not too hard to keep it clean and fresh if we do a little bit of cleaning every few days. Here are five quick tips that will help us with this process: …
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