Keeping chickens in your backyard has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only are they great pets with individual personalities, but they also provide a constant supply of fresh eggs. But before you can enjoy the benefits of having chickens, it is important to have a proper chicken coop and […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
I’m always searching for innovative products that can enhance the well-being of my flock. One such product that has caught my attention is the Sparrow Stop Chicken Feeder. In this article, I will share my personal experience with this revolutionary feeder, highlighting its features, benefits, and why it has become an essential tool in my […]
03
Jul
Jul
I often find myself pondering about the dietary needs and restrictions of chickens. One particular question that has intrigued me is whether chickens can safely consume chocolate. In this article, I will delve into this topic and explore the potential risks and consequences of feeding chocolate to our feathered friends. So, grab a bar of […]
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that rats have invaded your chicken coop. Not only can they cause damage to the coop, but they can also pose a serious health risk to your feathered friends. That’s why it’s important to take action to control the rat population and keep your chickens safe I know how […]
If you’ve ever visited or lived on Kauai, you’ve likely noticed the abundance of feral chickens roaming around. These chickens are a part of the island’s heritage, and while they may be a charming aspect of the local culture, they also pose some challenges for residents and visitors alike. In response to these challenges, Kauai […]
Indoor gardening is an excellent way to bring the beauty and benefits of nature into your home. Whether you live in an apartment or house, having an indoor garden can help you create a calming and relaxing environment. Not only that, but it can also improve the air quality of your living space by removing […]
What happens when you come across a shell-less egg? This was the dilemma I faced recently when I found a small, gelatinous blob in the nesting box instead of a fully-formed egg. In this article, I’ll explore whether or not this type of egg is edible, and what to do if you come across one […]
I’ve always been fascinated by chickens and the thought of raising them in my backyard. The idea of collecting fresh eggs and caring for these lovely creatures is exciting. Fortunately, my city allows me to have up to four hens, so I decided to take the plunge and get started on this adventure. However, I […]
Keeping chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important aspects of chicken care is monitoring their egg-laying habits. A healthy, productive hen will lay eggs regularly, and if you notice that your hen has stopped laying eggs, it could indicate an underlying health issue. […]
As a backyard chicken owner, one of the challenges I’ve faced during the cold winter months is keeping my PVC chicken waterer from freezing. Frozen waterers can be frustrating and dangerous for chickens as they need access to fresh water to stay healthy. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve learned to […]
I am always on the lookout for unique and fascinating chicken breeds to add to my flock. One such breed that has captured my attention is the Svart Hona, known for its striking all-black appearance and captivating presence. In this article, I will share my personal experience with Svart Hona hatching eggs, discussing their characteristics, […]
Chickens, Poultry
Essential Components of a Chicken Run: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment for Your Flock
27
Jun
Jun
It is important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your feathered friends. While the coop is where your chickens will sleep and lay their eggs, the run is where they’ll spend most of their day scratching, foraging, and spreading their wings. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the most important components […]
I’ve always been conscious of the products I use on my property. I want to keep my chickens healthy and safe while also keeping my garden weed-free. That’s why I’ve been exploring natural weed killers that are safe to use around my feathered friends. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite safe […]
Have you ever hatched a chick that seemed perfectly healthy but couldn’t stand up or move properly? If so, you know how distressing and confusing it can be. What’s wrong with the chick, and what can you do to help it? In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of this problem and give you […]
24
Jun
Jun
As a chicken owner, I’ve been asked many times if it’s a good idea to keep goats in the same run as chickens. At first, I was hesitant about the idea, but after doing some research and talking to other chicken and goat owners, I realized that it can actually be a great setup. In […]
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 […]
As a chicken owner, you know that keeping your birds healthy and comfortable is of utmost importance. And just like humans, chickens can suffer in hot weather. They are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. In addition to the risk of illness or death, high temperatures can also cause […]
Picture this: a serene farm, with chickens leisurely pecking at the ground, their feathers glistening in the sunlight. But amidst this idyllic scene, you may come across a peculiar sight—a chicken hunkered down on a nest, fiercely protective of her non-existent offspring. Welcome to the enigmatic world of brooding chickens. Brooding is an instinctual behavior […]
21
Jun
Jun
Goat milk has been used for centuries in skincare products due to its many benefits. It is naturally packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, including vitamin A, which stimulates collagen production, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which act as natural exfoliants. Goat milk also contains fatty acids that moisturize and soothe dry or […]
One question that often arises is how often do these birds lay eggs? Cockatiels are a popular pet bird species, known for their charming personality and beautiful plumage. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the egg-laying habits of cockatiels, including how often they lay eggs and what factors can […]
one of the things that I’ve been wondering about is where to get sand for my chicken run. I know that there’s a special kind of sand that I need, but I’m not sure where to find it. After doing some research and asking around, I’ve come up with a few options. Lowes or Local […]
21
Jun
Jun
Many gardeners and farmers wonder whether chicken poop is good for their plants. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of using chicken poop as a fertilizer, its potential drawbacks, and some tips on how to use it effectively. What is Chicken Poop Fertilizer? Chicken poop fertilizer is made from the droppings of chickens. It’s […]
If you’re a chicken enthusiast, then you may have heard of the Blue Cuckoo Maran breed. This unique breed has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1900s. The Blue Cuckoo Maran is derived from two other breeds, the Barred Plymouth Rock and the Cuckoo Malines. These two breeds were crossed […]
Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, but keeping track of them can be a challenge. That’s where leg bands come in handy. Leg bands are small, circular bands that are placed around the chicken’s leg. They have been used for many years as a way to identify and keep track of individual birds. The Purpose […]
If you’re planning on raising chickens, the first thing you need to consider is their living space. Chicken coops are essential for providing your birds with a safe and comfortable environment to roost, lay eggs, and spend their days. A good chicken coop will also protect your flock from predators and harsh weather conditions. Permanent […]
17
Jun
Jun
one of the most common questions I get asked is whether roosters lay eggs. It’s a fair question, considering that roosters are often associated with the reproductive process of chickens. But the truth is, roosters do not lay eggs. That job is reserved for the hens. However, there are still plenty of misconceptions surrounding roosters […]
Picture this: a hen, diligently going about her daily business, suddenly finds herself unable to lay the precious egg growing inside her. This frustrating and potentially dangerous condition is known as egg binding. Simply put, it occurs when a chicken is unable to expel an egg from its reproductive system, leading to complications that demand […]
The Black Australorp chicken breed originated in Australia in the late 1800s. It was created by breeding various English breeds including Orpingtons, Langshans, and Minorcas, to create a bird that was hardy, productive and adaptable to the Australian climate. The breed was officially recognized in 1929 and quickly became popular all around the world. Why […]
12
Jun
Jun
If you’re someone who loves raising chickens or operates a poultry farm, you know how time-consuming and labor-intensive it can be to pluck feathers off chickens manually. Fortunately, there’s a solution that can save you both time and effort – stainless steel chicken pluckers. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using these efficient […]
Macaws are one of the most colorful and majestic birds in the world. With their vibrant plumage and an impressive wingspan, these birds are truly a sight to behold. As a bird enthusiast and owner of several macaws, I understand the importance of providing these magnificent creatures with a safe and comfortable environment to thrive […]
I have always been fascinated by the various breeds of chickens and their egg-laying capabilities. One breed that has caught my attention is the Black Australorp, which is known for its excellent egg production. In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know about Black Australorp egg production. Introduction to Black Australorp […]
When it comes to storing grains for animal feed, there are several methods that can be used to preserve freshness and nutrition. One of these methods is fermentation. But does the fermentation process really help in preserving freshness and nutrition better? And does fermented grain keep longer? In this article, I will share my personal […]
10
Jun
Jun
Most people understand that baby chicks require warmth to survive the first few days of their lives. However, most backyard chicken keepers are curious about the role of light in raising day-old chicks. They wonder if it’s necessary to provide light for their precious baby chicks or not and if they do, for how long? […]
Silkie chickens are a unique and adorable breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the most common questions asked by those who are considering raising silkies is how often they lay eggs. In this article, I will provide you with everything you need to know about how often silkie chickens lay […]
How much does a ready to lay hen cost? And the truth is, there isn’t a straightforward answer. The cost of a laying hen varies depending on several factors such as the breed, age, location, and even the time of year. In this article, we will delve into the details of the cost of ready […]
One of the most important things to consider is providing your birds with a consistent supply of fresh water. However, in colder months, keeping their water from freezing can be a challenge. While there are electric water heaters available, what do you do if you don’t have access to electricity in your coop or run? […]
Hatching chicken eggs is a fascinating process that can be both rewarding and enjoyable. While incubators have made the process more convenient and predictable, they can be expensive and require a significant amount of time and effort to maintain. In this article, we will explore how to hatch chicken eggs without an incubator, providing you […]
Raising your own chickens at home is a great way to ensure you always have fresh eggs on hand, not to mention the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food is coming from. However, owning chickens comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. Fortunately, the Aloah 56 […]
Guinea fowl are fascinating birds that have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are native to Africa, but have since been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. They are a type of game bird and belong to the same family as pheasants, turkeys, and chickens. Like many game birds, they […]
It is important to keep your flock hydrated. A reliable and functional waterer is crucial to achieving this. However, one common problem with traditional chicken waterers is spills and leaks, which can lead to wet bedding, dirty water, and potential health issues for my birds. That’s where a no-spill chicken waterer comes in. In this […]
I have always been concerned about keeping my chickens healthy and comfortable. One of the biggest challenges I faced was providing proper ventilation in their coop, especially during hot summer days. That’s when I stumbled upon a solar panel-powered fan ventilator, and it has made a world of difference for my chickens. In this article, […]
Raising backyard chickens has become a popular hobby for many people in recent years. Not only do chickens provide fresh eggs, but they also make great pets. However, it’s important to have a proper chicken coop that meets their needs. Coop sizing is an essential factor to consider when raising chickens, and it can greatly […]
Organic eggs are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to their superior taste and nutritional value. Unlike conventionally produced eggs, organic eggs come from chickens that have been fed a diet of organic food free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Feeding chickens with organic food is not only beneficial for the […]
Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it’s vital to ensure that your feathered friends have a safe and comfortable home. A sturdy and durable chicken coop is essential for protecting your birds from predators, weather conditions, and other external factors that could impact their health and well-being. A good quality chicken coop should […]
As backyard poultry keeping continues to grow in popularity, the design and functionality of chicken coops has become more important to many owners. No longer just a simple structure for sheltering chickens, the modern coop is often viewed as an extension of the owner’s home or garden. A well-designed coop can be both functional and […]
Have you ever considered having goats in your yard? Maybe you want to try something new, or maybe you’re thinking of the environment and sustainability. However, one of the biggest concerns homeowners have with goats is whether they’ll ruin their yards. This article will provide insight into what goats are like and whether they’ll leave […]
Raising chickens is a great way to provide your family with fresh eggs and meat. Not only do chickens make great pets, but they also play an important role in many households. A rooster is an integral part of any flock of chickens, as it serves multiple purposes that help to keep the flock healthy […]
Are you a meat producer looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to raise chickens for meat? Look no further than the Cornish Cross breed. These chickens have been selectively bred for decades to produce large, meaty birds in a short amount of time. Their popularity among small-scale farmers and homesteaders is no surprise given […]
29
May
May
I’ve spent countless moments with my flock of chickens over the years. One behavior that always puzzles me is the loud, scream-like noises some hens make while laying eggs. Even experienced chicken keepers like me can find it surprising. I vividly remember the first time I heard it. It left me both intrigued and concerned. […]
When it comes to craftsmanship, the Amish are renowned for their attention to detail and high-quality work. From furniture to buildings, the Amish have a reputation for creating long-lasting and durable products. One area where this skill is especially evident is in the construction of chicken coops. While conventional chicken coops can be found at […]