One of the most common issues you may encounter is a hen that refuses to leave the nesting box. This can be concerning as it can lead to other hens being unable to lay their eggs and cause a variety of health problems for your feathered friends. In this article, I will provide some possible […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
Looking for a plucker machine that can handle chickens, ducks, and turkeys? As someone who raises poultry for meat, I understand the importance of finding the right equipment to make processing easier and more efficient. In this article, I will share my recommendations for plucker machines that can handle multiple types of poultry, as well […]
Turkeys are fascinating birds known for their majestic plumage and delicious meat. But did you know that turkeys also have a unique mating and egg-laying process? In this article, we’ll explore how long after mating turkeys lay eggs. The Mating Process of Turkeys During the turkey mating season, which typically occurs in the spring, male […]
As a chicken owner, keeping your flock hydrated during the cold winter months can be a challenge. One of the most common problems you may encounter is freezing water in your chicken waterer. However, there are several ways to prevent this from happening. In this article, I will share with you how we keep our […]
One particular breed that stands out for its unique appearance and friendly personality is the Welsummer chicken. In this article, I will share everything I know about Welsummer chickens, including their origin, characteristics, and how to care for and maintain them. What is a Welsummer chicken? Welsummer chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that […]
Debeaking, also known as beak trimming, is a practice that has been used in the poultry industry for decades. The process involves cutting off a portion of the bird’s beak using a hot blade or infrared beam. This is done to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism among birds in overcrowded conditions. However, debeaking has become […]
When it comes to gamebird breeding, hatching eggs play a crucial role in ensuring a successful hatch. Gamebirds such as quail, pheasants, and ducks are often bred for their meat or as pets, but breeding them requires careful attention and knowledge. Hatching eggs are the starting point in this process. These eggs must be carefully […]
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Aug
Aug
Hens do not lay eggs forever. They have their peak productive years and then they start laying sporadically or stop laying at all. At this point, you need to decide what to do when your chickens stop laying eggs. Backyard chickens are productive for the first two to three years. Should you let them stay […]
Have you ever eaten a delicious chicken wing and wondered what type of tissue actually makes it move? If you’re a curious foodie or biology enthusiast, understanding what makes the chicken wing flap is more than just a fun fact. It’s an important part of understanding how muscles function and how we can use that […]
One of the most important aspects of raising chickens is providing them with a safe and comfortable living environment. One of the questions that often arises is whether having a wire bottom in the coop is harmful to the chickens’ feet. In this article, I will delve into the pros and cons of having a […]
04
Aug
Aug
When raising chickens, there are a lot of things to keep in mind to ensure their health and well-being. One of the things you may come across is the lash egg. Lash eggs are soft-shelled, abnormal eggs produced by hens, which can be a sign of reproductive tract infection or other health issues. These eggs […]
03
Aug
Aug
I have worked with hardware cloth before. I can completely understand the frustration that comes with trying to stretch it tight. It’s a necessary component for many DIY projects, including chicken coops, garden enclosures, and more, but it’s not exactly easy to work with. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for […]
03
Aug
Aug
The tub-style pluckers offer major advantages over hand plucking or any other method of de-feathering a chicken or other birds. If not used well, automated drum-style chicken pluckers will bruise your chicken meat, making it not have that great look of a clean plucked chicken. In addition to ruining your meat, using an automated chicken […]
Medicated chicken feed is a type of feed that contains antibiotics or other medications. It is used to prevent or treat common diseases in poultry, such as coccidiosis and bacterial infections. The medication is added to the feed in small doses, making it easy for farmers to administer and ensuring that each chicken gets the […]
As a dedicated chicken keeper, one of your top priorities is ensuring the health and well-being of your feathered friends. But how can you be sure if your chickens are eating enough? In this article, I will share my personal insights and experiences on how to assess if your chickens are getting the right amount […]
The Speckled Sussex is an old and popular British breed of chicken that has become widely distributed all over the world. The exact origin of this breed is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Sussex, England, around the early 20th century. It was first recognized as a distinct breed in 1902 by […]
Water is a crucial component in the care of poultry, and providing clean and consistent access to water is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your birds. However, it can be challenging to ensure a reliable water source when you don’t have a water supply near your coop. In this article, we will […]
If you’re new to chicken keeping, you might be wondering what a triple nesting box is. Simply put, it’s a nesting box with three compartments designed for your hens to lay eggs in. They’re typically made of wood and can either be purchased or built yourself using triple nesting box plans or DIY tutorials. The […]
One of the most popular options for chicken runs is sand, but there’s a common concern about whether sand gets too hot for chickens’ feet. In this article, I’ll explore this issue and share my personal experience and research on the topic. Is Sand Safe for Chickens? The answer is yes, sand is generally safe […]
Geese are fascinating creatures that can be found all over the world, from the Arctic tundra to urban parks. They are known for their distinctive honking calls, their impressive wingspans, and their beautiful plumage. But did you know that geese also have a unique breeding cycle? In this article, we’ll explore how many times a […]
The Salmon Faverolle chicken breed is a popular choice among poultry keepers for many reasons. For starters, these chickens are absolutely gorgeous with their fluffy feathered feet and muffs covering their cheeks, which make them look like they are wearing a beard. They also have a sweet disposition and are easy to handle, making them […]
Chickens are omnivores and require a balanced diet of both plants and animals to stay healthy. In their natural environment, chickens will forage for insects, worms, grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. This variety provides them with the nutrients they need to thrive. However, when chickens are housed in coops or runs without access to natural […]
Keeping your chickens healthy and happy is every chicken owner’s top priority. One of the most important aspects of providing proper care for your feathered friends is ensuring they have clean, fresh water available to them at all times. That’s where a chicken waterer trough comes in! What is a Chicken Waterer Trough? A chicken […]
Being a poultry enthusiast and having raised various chicken breeds, one breed that has consistently impressed me is the Production Red chicken. These hardy and productive birds are sought after for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities. If you’re considering adding Production Red chickens to your flock or are simply curious about their egg-laying timeline, you’ve come […]
The White Leghorn is a breed of chicken that originated from Italy and was brought to the United States in the 1800s. It’s named after the Leghorn port in Italy, now known as Livorno. The breed became extremely popular in America due to their excellent egg-laying abilities and hardiness in various climates. In fact, they […]
I find myself facing a peculiar situation in my beloved chicken coop and I could really use your insights. Prepare to be amused! It all started with one broody hen who couldn’t resist the call to nest, but now, against all odds, I have not one but two hens that have embarked on a joint […]
I’ve experienced the frustration of dealing with pesky mice getting into my chicken feeder. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can also lead to health problems for my feathered friends. After trying various solutions, I finally found a method that works: a mice-proof chicken feeder. In this article, I’ll share my experience and […]
24
Jul
Jul
Chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys do not come in one standard size. Neither should their nest boxes. The differences in sizes between different types of poultry are easily recognizable. No one looks at a turkey and goes, that is one large chicken. However, within poultry of the same type, there are distinctions in body sizes […]
23
Jul
Jul
To wash or not to wash eggs? While this is a closed question with a yes or no answer, The issue of washing eggs has been discussed since modernity. The yes camp, backed by regulations in countries like the United States insists that eggs have to be washed, while the No camp, backed by regulations […]
Roosters are often recognized by their majestic and proud appearance, which includes the formidable spurs that grow on their legs. These spurs are bony protrusions that can vary in length, shape and thickness depending on the breed of rooster. Spur development typically begins around 6 months of age and continues throughout the rooster’s life. While […]
Chickens, Poultry, The Poultry Breeds Project
Everything You Need to Know About Raising Sapphire Chickens and Their Eggs.
22
Jul
Jul
Hey, there fellow chicken keepers! I recently got my hands on some beautiful Sapphire gems and I couldn’t be more excited to share my experience with you. Not only do I want to show off my lovely new additions, but I also want to talk about their egg-laying habits and when you can expect to […]
If you’re looking for a solution to clean your chicken coop easily, look no further. There are plenty of options available to use in the bottom of your coop that will make cleaning a breeze. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular options and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. Sand Sand is […]
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 […]
When it comes to raising chickens, there are a few key factors that must be taken into consideration to ensure their overall health and well-being. One of the most important of these factors is temperature regulation. Proper temperature control is essential for not only keeping your chickens comfortable but also for promoting healthy growth and […]
I noticed that my chickens were not showing much interest in the leftovers I offered them. Despite my efforts to introduce a variety of foods, they seemed uninterested in watermelon, tomatoes, noodles, and more. Determined to find a solution, I embarked on a quest to discover ways to make my chickens devour leftovers. In this […]
When it comes to raising chickens, there are a lot of terms that can be quite confusing for beginners. Among these is the term “straight run chickens.” So, what exactly are straight run chickens? Simply put, straight run chickens are chicks that have not been sexed. This means that when you buy a batch of […]
17
Jul
Jul
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 […]
If you’re considering raising chickens, then owning a 2-story chicken coop should be your top priority. Not only does it provide ample space for your feathered friends to live and lay eggs comfortably, but it also offers several other benefits that make it an excellent investment. A 2-story coop is perfect for those with limited […]
One question that often comes up in discussions with fellow poultry enthusiasts is, “Where does everyone get their blank egg cartons?” It’s a common query, especially for those of us who enjoy sharing our farm-fresh eggs with others or even selling them. In this article, I will explore various sources where you can find blank […]
I can attest to the importance of having a reliable and efficient waterer for your flock. After trying various types of waterers, I have found that a stainless steel chicken waterer is the best option for several reasons. In this article, I will discuss the benefits of using a stainless steel chicken waterer, how to […]
11
Jul
Jul
You may have noticed some unusual behavior in your birds. Stumbling and disorientation, leading you to think that they are acting drunk. There are several reasons why your chicken might be acting this way, and in this article, I’ll discuss the common causes, how to diagnose the problem, and what you can do to help […]
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible for a duck and a chicken to mate? It’s a question that may seem silly at first, but it’s actually quite interesting when you consider the different breeds of birds out there. After all, chickens and ducks are both domesticated fowl that have been raised by humans for […]
Have you ever wondered how a tiny, delicate chicken embryo develops inside its shell? Well, the ancient practice of candling can provide you with a fascinating glimpse into the mystical journey of life within those small oval shells. Candling refers to the process of shining a bright light through an egg to examine its contents. […]
Are you thinking about owning chickens but don’t want to commit to building a permanent coop? A mobile chicken coop might be the solution you’re looking for! Not only can it be easily moved around your yard, but it also offers several benefits that a traditional coop may not. Firstly, a mobile chicken coop allows […]
06
Jul
Jul
As someone who has been raising chickens for a few years now, I can tell you firsthand that building your own chicken coop can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it give you complete control over the design and functionality of your coop, but it can also save you a significant amount […]
06
Jul
Jul
Raising chickens can be a rewarding hobby, but it can also be a lot of work. One of the more time-consuming tasks is plucking feathers off chickens after processing. However, with the Yardbird Chicken Plucker, this task can become much easier and less time-consuming. In this article, I’ll discuss what the Yardbird Chicken Plucker is, […]
06
Jul
Jul
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 […]
Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially with the rise of sustainable and organic living. However, it’s important to understand that owning chickens comes with responsibilities, including following state and local laws. In Connecticut, there are specific laws that govern backyard chicken ownership. It is essential for any potential or current […]
05
Jul
Jul
As a dedicated chicken keeper, I’m always on the lookout for new and healthy treats to offer my feathered friends. One popular question that often comes up in poultry discussions is whether chickens can safely consume pumpkins. In this article, I’ll delve into this topic and explore the potential benefits and precautions of feeding pumpkins […]
When I first started keeping chickens, I was overwhelmed by the different types of feed available and the various places to purchase it from. I heard people talking about buying their feed from a co-op and was curious to learn more about it. What is a Co-Op Feed Mill? A co-op feed mill is a […]