I recently purchased 20 chicks from Tractor Supply Company (TSC). I was excited to raise them for meat, but I quickly noticed that their feathers were coming in brown instead of the expected white. This left me wondering if I had gotten a different breed of meat bird. In this article, I’ll share my experience […]
I believe in utilizing every part of the animal when it comes to processing livestock. So, when my 2-year-old rooster reached the end of his natural life, I decided to dispatch him and cook him up for meals. Now that I have my rooster all butchered and packaged, the question arises: what is the best […]
I understand the importance of knowing how many of my birds might not make it to maturity. When it comes to raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens, there seems to be a lot of uncertainty about how many of them will die during the raising process. In this article, I’ll explore some of the experiences of […]
It’s important to provide your baby chicks with the best possible care to ensure their health and well-being. One aspect of this care is making sure they are getting the necessary vitamins and electrolytes in their water. In this article, I will discuss the different types of vitamins and electrolytes you can add to your […]
It is not uncommon to find one of your hens panting and refusing to drink water, especially during hot weather conditions. However, if this behavior persists even during colder temperatures, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed immediately. In this article, we will explore the possible causes […]
I understand the excitement and anticipation of receiving new chicks. However, it can be devastating when one of those chicks unexpectedly dies, leaving you feeling sad and frustrated. It’s understandable to wonder what happens next and how the company will handle the situation, especially if all the chicks are sold out through the summer. Reimbursement […]
Are you searching for tiny chickens to keep in your backyard or urban space? Bantam chickens may be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we will discuss the different breeds of bantam chickens available and where you can locate them. So whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or a novice looking to start […]
It’s always a thrilling experience when one of your hens goes broody and decides to hatch her eggs. In my case, my Wyandotte hen, Mildred, recently hatched two adorable chicks in her little maternity ward just outside the main coop. However, as a responsible chicken owner, I needed to ensure the safety and well-being of […]
It can be distressing to notice changes in your flock’s behavior. While chickens can’t communicate their feelings with words, there are certain cues that owners can look for. One of the biggest indicators that something may be wrong is a chicken’s lack of energy and unusual behavior. This article aims to shed some light on […]
I can understand the confusion and uncertainty that comes with getting a new incubator and being unsure of what steps to take. Recently, I received a question about whether or not eggs need to be washed before being placed in an incubator. In this article, I will delve into this question and provide some insights […]
I know the importance of having efficient and effective tools for processing chickens. One tool that I have found particularly helpful is the chicken plucker drill attachment. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience using this attachment, the benefits it offers, and why you should consider adding it to your collection of chicken processing […]
When keeping chickens in a chicken tractor that you plan to move daily or more, it is crucial to consider the potential for predators to dig underneath the tractor. In this article, I will discuss the risks of predators digging under the tractor, the measures you can take to prevent it and share some examples […]
How do I know if my chicken has water belly? It can be concerning to see your feathered friend not acting like herself. If your chicken is not eating or drinking much and seems to be sleeping more than usual, you may be wondering if she has water belly. Here’s what you need to know. […]
I understand how distressing it can be to find little bugs crawling on your skin. In my experience, these bugs are usually mites or chicken lice, and they can be quite common in chicken coops. In this article, I’ll share my experience with mites on my chickens, and some of the ways I’ve found to […]
It can be overwhelming to deal with health issues in your feathered friends. One common ailment is bumblefoot, a bacterial infection that affects a chicken’s foot. If left untreated, it can lead to limping, pain, and even death. In this article, I’ll share my experience with treating bumblefoot and answer the question: should you soak […]
I know how important it is to give each of our feathered friends a name that suits their personality. Chickens are not just farm animals, they have unique traits and quirks that make them stand out from the rest. So, in this article, I will be sharing some of the best chicken names I have […]
Incubating eggs is an exciting experience, especially for first-time breeders. Watching the eggs hatch and the chicks emerge is a fascinating process that requires utmost care and attention. However, it can be overwhelming when an unforeseen circumstance like a power outage occurs. This happened to me, and I found myself asking the question, “How long […]
As a chicken owner, it’s important to understand the nutritional needs of your feathered friends. One question that often comes up is when to start providing grit to baby chicks. While the label on the package may suggest waiting until two weeks of age, some chicks may start exhibiting signs of needing grit sooner. In […]
I often worry about the health and well-being of my flock. Recently, I noticed that my Cornish Cross (CC) chicks were exhibiting rapid respiration and heartbeat, and it seemed like they were panting. I wondered if this was normal or if my chicks were too hot. In this article, I will share my experience and […]
I know how important it is to protect my hens from harm. One of the ways I do this is by using chicken saddles. These protective garments are designed to cover the back of the hen and prevent injury from the rooster’s spurs. In this article, I will explain how chicken saddles work and why […]
I know how challenging it can be when your roosters are tearing up the backs of your hens. It’s a common problem that many poultry keepers face, and it can be distressing to watch your birds suffer. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent this behavior and protect your hens from further […]
When I decided to get chickens, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was excited to have fresh eggs and the idea of raising my own animals, but there were so many things that I wish I had known before starting this journey. In this article, I’ll share some of the […]
One of the things that caught my attention is the smell of the poop of week old chicks. It is so pungent to the point that I have to clean their bedding thoroughly every day. But why do their poops stink so bad? In this article, I will share some insights into why week old […]
I have observed my hens scratching in their nesting boxes for a prolonged period of time. I have often wondered why they do this and if it is normal behavior for when they are about to lay an egg. In this article, I will discuss why hens scratch in their nesting boxes and what it […]
As someone who has only done chicken butchering once before, I was looking for suggestions on how to improve the process. Specifically, I was concerned about not having enough space to chill the birds for a day or two before freezing them. After doing some research and receiving advice from others who have more experience […]
I am often asked about the right time to switch off from baby chick crumbles. While there isn’t a definitive answer, it’s essential to understand the dietary requirements of your chicks at different stages of growth. In this article, I will share my personal experience and the advice of poultry experts on when to switch […]
You’re probably familiar with the struggle of keeping their water supply clean and fresh. One popular solution is using automatic waterer cups, which allow chickens to drink from a small cup that automatically refills with fresh water. However, getting these cups to seal properly can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll explore some tips […]
One of the things that you might be wondering is whether or not feeding your chickens scraps is a good idea. Some people believe that feeding chickens scraps can make their eggs taste funny, while others think it’s a great way to save money on chicken feed. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and […]
For those of us with a large number of laying hens, egg storage can quickly become a daunting task. With dozens of eggs being laid every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and run out of space in your kitchen. Luckily, there are many storage solutions that can help keep your eggs fresh and organized. […]
As a backyard poultry keeper, collecting and hatching eggs can be a rewarding experience. However, determining how long you can collect and store eggs before incubation can be a challenge. While some recommend collecting eggs within seven days, others suggest up to ten days. Egg type, storage conditions, egg age, and egg handling are critical […]
If you’re one of the many people who keep indoor chicks in their basements, you know just how much joy these little birds can bring to your life. However, you also know that keeping them indoors can lead to some serious allergy problems. From dust and dander to feathers and bedding, indoor chicks can generate […]
Raising chicks is an exciting experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to ensure their health and safety. One of the most important things to consider when raising chicks is setting up a brooder that is comfortable, clean, and safe for them. In this guide, I will explain how to set up a brooder […]
You want to provide your birds with a balanced and nutritious diet. Chickens require a combination of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and produce high-quality eggs. While commercial chicken feed is the most common source of nutrition for chickens, some chicken owners use cat food as a supplemental source of protein. Using […]
As someone who has raised chicks before, I can relate to the frustration of constantly finding pine shavings in their waterer. It seems like no matter what I did, those little fluff balls always found a way to make a mess. After trying a few different methods, I found some effective solutions to keep my […]
As a chicken keeper, one of the most important things to know is which of your birds are currently laying eggs and which ones are not. This information can help you manage your flock more effectively, from feeding and nutrition to identifying potential health problems. But with a large flock, it can be challenging to […]
Backyard chicken keeping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as a result, many people are always looking for new ways to improve their chicken’s living conditions. One of the options that people often consider is using coffee grounds as bedding for their chicks. While some people swear by the benefits of using coffee […]
Whether you are building a coop from scratch or looking to upgrade your existing one, finding affordable windows is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety, health, and comfort of your feathered friends. Here are some practical tips and suggestions to help you find inexpensive windows for your chicken coop. Check out online retailers When […]
As a chicken owner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your birds’ health and wellbeing. One popular method is fermenting their feed, but it can be intimidating if you’re new to the practice. If you’re wondering if your fermented feed looks right or are concerned about the mess it may create, this article is […]
One practice that has gained popularity in recent years is fermenting chicken feed. Fermented feed is believed to offer several benefits, such as improved digestion, stronger immune systems, and increased egg production. However, if you’re new to fermenting feed, you might be wondering if the consistency of your starter/broiler crumble is normal. On day three […]
As someone who raises meat birds, I know that scalding them is a crucial step in the processing process. Scalding helps to loosen the feathers, making plucking easier and less time-consuming. However, maintaining the correct scalding temperature can be a challenge. In my experience, using a propane turkey pot is a popular method, but constantly […]
Finding the perfect hatchery to purchase chicks from is essential. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fortunately, if you’re in Central Florida and looking to purchase 25 chicks, you have some great hatcheries to consider. In this article, we will explore 5 of the best hatcheries […]
Are cedar shavings really toxic to chickens? My grandson bought several bags and spread them on the coop floor and in the nesting boxes. As a backyard chicken owner, I can relate to wanting to provide the best possible environment for my feathered friends. When my grandson recently bought several bags of cedar shavings and […]
As a chicken owner, one question that often comes up is whether chickens can lay eggs without a rooster. The answer is yes, chickens can lay eggs without a rooster. In fact, most of the eggs we find in grocery stores come from hens that have never even seen a rooster. In this article, I’ll […]
As a chicken owner, one of the questions I’m often asked is, “Do chickens lay eggs in winter?” The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that chickens are affected by the same seasonal changes as we are. […]
I take pride in providing my girls with the best possible care. Part of that care is ensuring that the eggs they produce are safe to eat. So, you can imagine my shock when I cracked open an egg and saw a tiny spot of blood on the yolk. At first, I was concerned, but […]
Building a chicken coop can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s a place where your feathered friends can lay eggs, roost and keep safe from predators. However, like any project, there may be some things you wish you had done differently. As a chicken owner, I’ve gathered insights and advice from others who have […]
As a chicken owner, I know firsthand how important it is to provide a comfortable and clean environment for my birds. That’s why I always make sure to invest in high-quality nesting pads to keep my chickens happy and healthy. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the best nesting pads for chickens on […]
Nesting pads are a popular choice for chicken owners who want to make their chickens feel more comfortable and keep their coop clean. However, some people are still skeptical about their effectiveness and whether they are worth the investment. As someone who has been using nesting pads for eight months now, I can confidently say […]
One of the most important aspects of keeping chickens is ensuring their safety. As a chicken owner, it is crucial to make sure that your birds are secure and protected from predators. One of the best ways to do this is by getting them into their coop at night. But how do you get your […]
Eggs are a staple in many households around the world. They are a versatile food item and can be used in a variety of recipes. But what happens when you accidentally leave eggs out of the fridge for a few hours, or even a few days? Is it safe to eat them, or should you […]
