one of the most distressing things to witness is your flock suffering from diarrhea. It can be alarming to see your chickens with watery stools, and you may be wondering if it’s even a thing. Unfortunately, chicken diarrhea is indeed a thing and can be a sign of various health issues. In this article, I’ll […]
Author Archives: Jade Polystead
11
Jun
Jun
I have always been fascinated by the Ameraucana breed. These beautiful birds are known for their striking blue eggs and their unique color patterns, making them a popular choice for chicken keepers worldwide. However, finding purebred Ameraucana chicks can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. In this article, I will share some tips on […]
I understand the importance of keeping our coop and run clean and healthy for our feathered friends. One method that many chicken keepers use is the deep litter method. It involves layering the floor of the coop with bedding material, such as shavings or pellets, and allowing it to build up over time. The decomposing […]
07
Jun
Jun
Have you ever heard of water glassing eggs? It’s a technique that has been around for centuries, and it involves preserving eggs in a solution made of water glass, also known as sodium silicate. Growing up on a farm, I remember my parents using this method to store eggs during the winter months when the […]
We’ve all heard about composting, the process of breaking down organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil. But have you ever heard of bokashi? This lesser-known, yet highly effective method of organic waste management is gaining popularity in sustainable living circles. What is Bokashi? Bokashi is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter.” It’s an […]
01
Jun
Jun
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that your feathered friends have enough food. For those of us who are serious about poultry keeping, making frequent trips to the feed store can be a hassle. Luckily, there are a variety of storage solutions available that allow us to stock up on feed and reduce the […]
29
May
May
I understand the excitement and questions that come with it. With a household consisting of just one person and a cat, my composting needs are relatively modest. I’ve been pondering the type of composter to choose, the ideal size for my needs, and reliable brands that I can trust. If you’re in a similar situation […]
23
May
May
As someone who raises meat birds and sells them to buyers, I understand the struggle of figuring out the right price point. Many people are interested in buying meat birds, but they don’t know how much they should be paying. In this article, I’ll share my experience with pricing and selling meat birds to help […]
19
May
May
As an enthusiastic composter, I’m always on the lookout for ways to speed up the decomposition process and transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Recently, I reached out for advice on how to effectively mulch up my leaves, and someone suggested using a lawnmower. Intrigued by this idea, I decided to give it a try. […]
03
May
May
As someone who has raised meat birds before, I can tell you that feeding them can be a significant expense. It’s important to have an idea of how much feed you’ll need to buy and how much it will cost. In this article, I’ll discuss how much feed a meat bird typically consumes in their […]
I was excited to try out the deep litter method for my coop. I had read about its benefits in terms of reducing odor, providing insulation, and producing compost for the garden. However, I quickly discovered that there was a downside that nobody had warned me about: the dust. In this article, I’ll share my […]
As someone who uses the deep litter method, I understand the frustration that comes with a coop that smells like ammonia. It’s not only unpleasant for you, but it can also be harmful to your chickens. So, what can you do to solve this problem? In this article, I’ll share some tips and methods for […]
If you are passionate about reducing food waste and have an interest in gardening, then bokashi composting is definitely something you should consider. Bokashi is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter.” It’s a simple process that uses microorganisms to break down food scraps and other organic materials into compost. Bokashi composting differs from […]
Are you tired of using chemical-laden fertilizers in your garden? Do you wish there was a more natural way to enrich your soil and produce healthier plants? Well, look no further than Bokashi! Bokashi is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter.” It’s an all-natural, anaerobic composting process that uses beneficial microorganisms to break […]
It’s common to come across poopy butts in your chicks. This can be a serious problem if left unattended as it can lead to health issues for your chicks. Fortunately, there are several ways to safely clean poopy butts without hurting your chicks. In this article, I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks that have […]
18
Apr
Apr
As a child, I always looked forward to visiting my grandmother’s farm during the summer. The highlight of my visits was collecting fresh eggs from the chickens. I vividly remember the excitement of opening the coop and carefully picking up each egg, marveling at their different shapes and sizes. But what always fascinated me the […]
12
Apr
Apr
One common item that often finds its way into my compost pile is cardboard. It’s a readily available source of carbon and helps create a well-balanced compost. However, a question that often arises is whether it matters if the cardboard has printing on it. In this article, I will share my experiences and insights on […]
05
Apr
Apr
As a soon-to-be chicken mama, I found myself in a dilemma: should I start with chicks or go for pullets? I had never raised chickens before, so I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. After doing some research and talking to other chicken owners, I came up with some insights that […]
29
Mar
Mar
Keeping a chicken coop clean is one of the most important tasks for any chicken owner. While there are many different types of bedding that can be used in a coop, sand is a popular choice for its natural absorbency and low cost. However, one challenge that comes with using sand as bedding material in […]
Are you considering raising chickens and turkeys together, but not sure if it’s a good idea? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping these birds together, as well as important factors to consider, such as disease prevention and nutrition. Discover how you can benefit from raising chickens and […]
I know firsthand how important it is to have proper flooring in your chicken run. Not only does it provide a clean and healthy environment for your birds, but it can also make cleaning and maintenance much easier. In this article, I will be sharing some chicken run flooring ideas that can help you create […]
23
Mar
Mar
It can be frustrating to find that ravens are stealing your eggs. You wake up early in the morning, excited to collect fresh eggs from your beloved chickens, only to discover that ravens have once again stolen your precious bounty. The disappointment and annoyance are palpable as you contemplate the seemingly relentless battle against these […]
22
Mar
Mar
As a chicken enthusiast and a proud owner of several flocks, I’ve come across numerous hatcheries both online and in-store. However, one of the most common questions I get asked by fellow chicken lovers is, “What is the best mail-order hatchery to buy chicks from?” Well, after years of trial and error, I can confidently […]
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to provide your birds with a run. A run is an enclosed outdoor area where chickens can exercise, forage for food, and generally enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of providing a run for […]
As a new chicken owner, one of the challenges that you may encounter is getting your baby chicks to be comfortable around you. It can be frustrating to see adorable pictures of chicks cuddled up with their owners, while your own chicks are still terrified of you. However, with patience and persistence, you can help […]
I have had my fair share of broody hens. A broody hen is one that has decided to sit on her eggs in the hopes of hatching them. This behavior can be adorable to watch, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t have a rooster to fertilize your eggs. So, the question arises […]
07
Mar
Mar
Raising chickens can be a very rewarding experience, and many people view them as pets rather than simply as livestock. As such, it’s not uncommon for chicken owners to consider adding other types of poultry to their flocks. One bird that often comes to mind is quail, which are small, relatively easy to raise, and […]
One of the ways I preserve my eggs is through water glassing. Water glassing is an age-old method of preserving eggs that involve storing them in a mixture of water glass (sodium silicate) and water. The solution creates a protective layer around the egg, keeping air and bacteria out, and prolonging the shelf life of […]
28
Feb
Feb
I have discovered a remarkable secret that brings joy to both my morning routine and my garden’s thriving greenery – composting coffee grounds. In this article, I will share my journey and insights into the world of composting coffee grounds, providing you with a comprehensive guide to harnessing their power for sustainable gardening. Join me […]
Bokashi composting, my dear reader, is a fascinating method of breaking down organic waste using a specialized fermentation process. Derived from the Japanese word “bokashi,” meaning “fermented organic matter,” this technique involves the use of airtight containers and beneficial microorganisms to transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike traditional composting that relies on aerobic […]
16
Feb
Feb
If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you’ve probably found yourself with an abundance of eggs at some point. While it’s great to have fresh eggs on hand for your family, you might also be interested in selling your extra eggs to your neighbors or others in your community. One option for doing this is setting […]
It can be devastating to find that a predator has taken one of your beloved birds. Coyotes are a common predator that can wreak havoc on a backyard flock. If you’ve had a coyote attack your chickens, it’s essential to take action to protect the rest of your birds. Here are some tips for deterring […]
I often find myself faced with the challenge of needing to store worm castings when I can’t use them immediately but still need to free up a tray. Over time, I have discovered various storage methods that help preserve the quality and potency of these valuable worm-produced fertilizers. In this article, I will share my […]
To cover or not to cover? As someone who grew up in a small town in the Midwest, I understand the importance of finding the right balance between shelter and openness when it comes to raising animals on a homestead. Recently, I received a question from a fellow homesteader who was unsure whether to cover […]
27
Jan
Jan
It’s easy to get attached to your birds. They provide eggs, company, and can even be considered pets. Unfortunately, theft is a reality that many chicken farmers have to face. The thought of someone stealing your birds in the middle of the night is scary and distressing, but it’s not uncommon. Many chicken farmers have […]
I know how devastating it can be to lose a beloved feathered friend. Recently, I’ve experienced a string of losses that have left me puzzled and concerned. Three of my hens and one rooster have been killed in the past week, and all of them have had their heads bitten off. At first, I thought […]
I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find someone to look after my feathered friends when I need to leave town. Whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, it’s important to ensure that your chickens are properly cared for while you’re away. In this article, I’ll share some of […]
I woke up this morning and decided to make a special breakfast for my feathered friends. I gathered some eggs, shells, quick oats, and birdseed, and whipped up a delicious meal that my hens absolutely loved. In this article, I’ll share with you why this breakfast is so nutritious for chickens and how you can […]
Building a hoop coop is an exciting project for any chicken owner, but figuring out the best way to provide shade and shelter can be a bit challenging. While tarps are a popular option, they may not be the most durable or effective choice. In this article, I’ll share some alternative options for providing shade […]
01
Jan
Jan
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to raising healthy and happy chicks. In this article, we will cover the best practices for ensuring your chicks grow up healthy and strong, as well as some things to look out for along the way. Stick to Chick Crumble for Nutritional Balance Raising […]