As someone who has owned chickens in the past, I understand the anxiety that comes with having to protect your flock from predators. One of the biggest concerns that chicken owners face is the possibility of a hawk swooping in and taking off with one of their precious birds. It can be a heart-wrenching experience […]
Author Archives: Jade Polystead
15
Dec
Dec
I’ve heard a lot about the unpleasant odor of meat chickens. This led me to ask, what makes these meat chickens so smelly? Is it the breed or the feed they consume? After doing some research, I found that it’s a combination of both. In this article, I will explain why meat chickens produce such […]
I quickly learned that keeping chicks warm is crucial to their health and well-being. When we brought our chicks home, we set up a brooder with a heat lamp from Tractor Supply. However, despite our best efforts, our chicks refused to stay under the heat plate we provided. In this article, I’ll share my experience […]
I was excited to welcome my little flock of chicks to their new home. Everything seemed to be going well until I noticed one of my chicks had a problem with her eye. One eye looked completely normal, but the other one was swollen and had some discharge. I didn’t know what to do, and […]
It’s common to have questions about the best way to care for your feathered friends. One common question that arises is whether roosters can live with hens in the same coop. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with some helpful tips on how to keep your chickens happy […]
Keeping an inventory of your chickens might seem like an unnecessary task, but it can actually be very helpful for several reasons. I know firsthand the importance of tracking information about my birds. In this article, I’ll be sharing why and how I keep an inventory of my chickens. Why keep an inventory of your […]
I was recently asked by a friend if it’s safe to eat free-range eggs. She was concerned that the chickens eating bugs could lead to disease transmission. This got me thinking – is there any truth to this concern? In this article, I’ll explore the topic of free-range eggs and disease transmission and share my […]
29
Nov
Nov
I am always looking for natural ways to keep them healthy and happy. One thing that has come up in my research is the use of oregano. I have heard that adding just one drop of oregano oil to a gallon of water can be beneficial for chickens. But what about using oregano oil with […]
Bokashi composting caught my attention as an efficient and odor-free method of recycling organic waste. After researching various suggestions online, I decided to give it a try. In this article, I will share my personal experience and the process I followed to start a bokashi culture at home. So, if you’re curious about this fascinating […]
25
Nov
Nov
Have you ever looked at the price tag on a fancy chicken coop and thought to yourself, “I think some of y’all spent more on that coop than I did on my house”? Well, you’re not alone. As someone who has been keeping chickens for several years now, I’ve seen some pretty extravagant coops out […]
It’s not uncommon to encounter some interesting behaviors from your feathered friends. One behavior that may surprise you is when hens start crowing like a rooster. In this article, I’ll explore the question of whether hens can crow and whether it’s a cause for concern. Can Hens Crow? The short answer is yes, hens can […]
Meet bokashi, the Japanese term for fermented organic matter. This composting method relies on bacteria to break down waste into soil-enriching goodness, and it’s become increasingly popular with gardeners in recent years. Unlike traditional composting, which relies on oxygen-loving bacteria to break down material, bokashi fermentation is an anaerobic process that takes place inside an […]
13
Nov
Nov
As a chicken owner, it’s never a pleasant experience to see your feathered friends get sick. Unfortunately, respiratory issues are all too common in chickens, and it’s important to take quick action to help them recover. If you suspect that your bird may be coming down with CRD (chronic respiratory disease), it’s important to act […]
11
Nov
Nov
One of the most important things you can do for your chicks is to provide them with a safe and warm environment to grow up in. One popular option for achieving this is through the use of heating plates, which simulate the warmth of a mother hen and help regulate your chicks’ body temperature. However, […]
Composting, Gardening
Composting Kids’ Coloring Pages: A Colorful Addition to Your Sustainable Garden
10
Nov
Nov
Recently, my kids have become quite artists, and their collection of coloring pages keeps growing. It got me thinking, can I compost all these colorful creations? I decided to dive into the topic myself and find out if kids’ coloring pages can indeed be composted. Join me on this colorful journey as we explore the […]
09
Nov
Nov
I often find myself with surplus sourdough starter. It’s a common dilemma among sourdough enthusiasts: what should I do with the excess starter? While some bakers might think that tossing it in the compost bin is a convenient solution, there are concerns about whether sourdough starter is suitable for composting. In this article, I’ll delve […]
Now that we understand the wonders of Bokashi mix, let’s talk about why finding a reliable source for high-quality mix matters. When it comes to Bokashi composting, the quality of the mix directly impacts its efficacy. High-quality Bokashi mix ensures a healthy population of beneficial microbes, allowing for successful fermentation and rapid compost breakdown. On […]
Feeding chickens a nutritious and balanced diet is crucial for their health and happiness. Although most chicken keepers begin with chick feed, many supplement their flock’s diet with greens and other treats. In this article, I’ll share my experience with feeding my chickens greens and other goodies, as well as what I learned along the […]
When it comes to placing your Bokashi Bin, one of the first things you should consider is accessibility and convenience. After all, it’s all about making your life easier, right? You want that bin situated in a spot that’s easily accessible from your kitchen or food preparation area. Imagine slicing those juicy oranges or chopping […]
I’ve encountered various health issues with my flock over the years, from respiratory infections to egg binding to bumblefoot. However, one of the most perplexing problems I’ve faced is when my hen started walking around in circles. At first, I thought it might be a temporary glitch, but when it persisted for days, I began […]
As a chicken keeper, I’ve come to the conclusion that having a rooster in your flock is essential for the overall health and happiness of your hens. In my experience, a rooster can act as a protector, disciplinarian, and even a friend to your hens. However, I know that some people have had negative experiences […]
If you are an avid composter with limited space and an HOA to consider, finding suitable storage solutions for finished compost can be a challenge. While traditional compost piles in the yard may not be feasible, there are alternative options that allow for efficient compost storage without violating any regulations. In this article, I will […]
I have witnessed the abundance of weeds and spent plants that accumulate on a regular basis. It got me thinking about the possibility of composting these organic materials instead of simply discarding them. Additionally, we frequently receive a lot of wood chips, which could potentially be utilized in the composting process. In this article, I […]
I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to deal with predators such as foxes. It’s heartbreaking to lose a beloved bird to a fox attack, and it can be difficult to figure out how to keep these cunning creatures away from your flock. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks that have […]
19
Sep
Sep
I recently put some fertilized eggs under my broody hens in the hopes of hatching some adorable chicks. It’s been three weeks since I set the eggs and I’m anxiously waiting for them to hatch. I haven’t candled the eggs during this time, so I’m not sure if they are viable or not. I’m wondering […]
Composting, Gardening
Mushrooms in My Compost Bin: The Vital Role of Fungi and Mushrooms in Composting.
18
Sep
Sep
Recently I noticed something unusual in my compost bin – mushrooms! At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it and wondered if it was a cause for concern. After doing some research, I discovered that mushrooms in my compost bin are actually a positive sign. In this article, I’ll share my findings and […]
16
Sep
Sep
As a new owner of baby chicks, it’s important to consider what kind of feed to provide them with for optimal health and growth. When I first got my chicks, I was advised by the local feed store to get medicated feed. However, I’ve heard different opinions on this and wanted to explore the topic […]
I’ve often heard people say that keeping chickens can help to keep mice away. In this article, I’ll explore whether or not there’s any truth to this claim and share my own experiences with keeping chickens as a potential mouse deterrent. Do Chickens Keep Mice Away? The short answer is that chickens can help to […]
As a chicken owner, I’m always looking for ways to improve the health and productivity of my flock. Recently, I stumbled upon a video about fermented chicken feed and its potential benefits. I was intrigued by the claims of increased egg production and decided to do some research and experimentation of my own. What is […]
28
Aug
Aug
Recently, I’ve noticed that my compost bin has been maintaining mildly elevated temperatures between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit for about two weeks. This sustained heat has left me wondering about its effect on the helpful bacteria and overall composting progress. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on the topic, providing a […]
26
Aug
Aug
As an enthusiastic gardener and avid composter, I’ve often come across the topic of adding worms to the compost pile. Some swear by the benefits of introducing these wiggly creatures, while others question the necessity of buying them. Intrigued by the ongoing debate, I embarked on a journey to explore the role of worms in […]
25
Aug
Aug
I often find myself yearning for the sight of vibrant flowers, vegetables and lush greenery during the winter months. Many people assume that gardening is limited to the warmer seasons, but I’ve discovered that with the right strategies and techniques, it is indeed possible to continue gardening even in the winter. In this article, I […]
24
Aug
Aug
I always strive to find sustainable solutions for managing waste. Recently, I found myself wondering if the used bedding from my hamster’s cage could be used as compost material. After doing some research and experimenting, I discovered that hamster bedding, which is typically made of paper and rich in nitrogen, can indeed be a valuable […]
22
Aug
Aug
I found myself asking the question, “what do you use to write on hatching eggs?” It may seem like a silly question, but it’s actually an important one. Whether you have a broody hen or an incubator, marking your eggs can help keep track of which ones you want to hatch and which ones you […]
Raising chicks can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’ve lost your checklist of things to get for them. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll share with you a comprehensive list of the essential items you’ll need for your chicks, so you can […]
It’s always an exciting milestone when your hens start laying eggs. However, it’s not uncommon to have questions and concerns when you start to notice inconsistencies in egg production. For example, you may be wondering why you’re only getting two eggs some days when you have three laying hens. In this article, I’ll explain why […]
Welcome to the world of Bokashi, a fascinating and mysterious method for composting that has been used for centuries in Japan and other parts of Asia. If you’re tired of traditional composting methods that take ages to break down organic matter, don’t work well in small spaces, smell terrible or attract pests, then you’re in […]
I know the importance of keeping my feathered friends healthy and happy. One of the ways I ensure their wellbeing is by providing them with a dust bath. Recently, I noticed that one of my chicks was playing in the bedding like a dust bath. In this article, I will share my experience with dust […]
It’s important to keep your birds happy and engaged. One way to do this is by providing them with interactive toys. Not only does it give them something to do, but it also helps to prevent boredom and aggression within the flock. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite interactive toy ideas for […]
13
Aug
Aug
I understand the importance of nutrient-rich soil for the success of my plants. Compost is often hailed as the “black gold” of gardening due to its ability to improve soil structure and fertility. However, what if you don’t have access to compost? Can you still garden successfully? In this article, I will share my personal […]
If you’re looking for a way to improve your garden’s soil health and plant growth, you might want to try using bokashi compost. But what is bokashi, exactly? What is Bokashi? Bokashi is a type of composting that uses beneficial microorganisms to break down organic matter. The term “bokashi” comes from the Japanese word for […]
I’m always looking for ways to make my chickens’ lives better. One thing that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful is using fake eggs in their nesting boxes. Fake eggs can be a great tool for encouraging your chickens to lay their eggs in the right place and can even help prevent egg-eating behaviors. In […]
08
Aug
Aug
If you’re looking to raise chickens for meat, then you’ve come to the right place. Cornish Cross chickens are a popular breed for meat production due to their rapid growth rate and high yield of meat. However, many commercial farms raise them in crowded and stressful environments with the use of medications and hormones. In […]
06
Aug
Aug
I’m always looking for ways to keep my feathered friends healthy and well-fed without breaking the bank. While commercial chicken feed provides all the necessary nutrients, it can also be quite expensive, especially if you have a large flock. That’s why I’ve been exploring different ways to supplement my chickens’ feed with low-cost alternatives. One […]
One of my biggest concerns is providing my feathered friends with a safe and secure place to roam. That’s why I decided to invest in a Gooding walk-in chicken run. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about this product, including its benefits, features, and how to set it up. What is […]
Traditional Bokashi composting is often accompanied by the faithful companion known as bran. Bran, my dear friends, is like the sidekick to your composting superhero. It plays a vital role in this organic adventure by providing a rich source of beneficial microorganisms that aid in breaking down organic waste through fermentation. Think of bran as […]
27
Jul
Jul
I’ve come across various techniques to preserve eggs for later use. One method that I tried last summer was storing my fresh eggs in jars with lime water to save them for the winter. However, when I recently cracked open some of these preserved eggs, I noticed that the white had a watery consistency. This […]
I had been dreaming of keeping chickens in my backyard for months, so I decided to build a beautiful coop. It took me an entire day to complete, but I was thrilled with the result. The next day, I excitedly went to the county office to get the necessary permits to keep my chickens. However, […]
02
Jul
Jul
As the price of eggs continues to soar, many people are considering getting chickens for their own supply of fresh eggs. However, for those who have never owned chickens before, getting started can be a daunting task. If you are one of those considering raising chickens, you have come to the right place! As someone […]
Are you thinking about raising chickens in Hamilton County, Ohio? Before you begin, it’s important to understand the local laws and regulations around suburban chicken keeping. In this article, we’ll explore the key rules and requirements set by the county for keeping chickens on residential properties. Purpose of Suburban Chicken Keeping The purpose of keeping […]
