Raising chickens is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. However, keeping them safe and comfortable in all weather conditions can be quite challenging. One of the most important things you can do to ensure the well-being of your feathered friends is to properly weatherproof their coop. Importance of Weatherproofing a Chicken Coop A chicken coop is […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
Chickens, Poultry
Hatching Chickens for the First Time: My Heartbreaking Experience and Tips on Candling.
18
Apr
Apr
Hatching chickens can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be heartbreaking, especially for beginners. In this article, I share my personal experience of hatching chickens for the first time and the lessons I learned. I also provide tips on candling, a crucial process in incubation. My Heartbreaking Experience One of My […]
17
Apr
Apr
I first heard of clipping wings when I had issues with my chickens jumping out of their 5 foot high fenced chicken run. They would literary fly out of their run to freedom. They would happily decimate my garden. I contemplated clipping their wings. In the beginning, I thought it was a cruel inhumane practice. […]
16
Apr
Apr
Limping in chickens can be caused by a myriad of factors including injuries, diseases, pests and other physiological factors. It is possible to prevent these issues and also deal with them when they occur. In this article, we take a close look at why your chickens might be limping, We will not stop there, we […]
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with flies in the coop. These pests can cause a host of problems, including spreading diseases and causing discomfort to your birds. Fortunately, there are many ways to control flies in your coop, and one of the most effective methods is using diatomaceous earth. In this article, I’ll […]
15
Apr
Apr
The dark Brahma is a large fowl, like all other Brahma varieties. They exhibit a solid black breast, leg, and tail. The back and shoulders are pure white, leading to a white and black striped neck and saddle hackles. What is Dark Brahma Chicken? The dark Brahma is one of the oldest varieties of the […]
One issue that I faced recently is the fact that my chickens always crowded onto the upper tier of their roosts, even though they had a lower tier available. This got me thinking, should I add another roost parallel to give them more room? In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of […]
14
Apr
Apr
You might have noticed your chickens opening their mouths wide. This behavior can be concerning, especially if you’re not sure why they are doing it. In this article, I’ll discuss the common reasons why your chicken may be opening their mouth wide, how to diagnose the problem, and what you can do to help your […]
14
Apr
Apr
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 […]
When you hear the word “chicken,” you probably think of a white or brown feathered bird, clucking around a farmyard. However, did you know that there are over 500 breeds of chickens in the world? One breed that stands out is the Jungle Fowl chicken breed. This fascinating breed has a rich history and origin […]
I’ve recently delved into the world of fermented feed for my chickens, and I must say, the results have been quite impressive. However, as I embarked on this journey, I encountered a common challenge that many fermenting feed enthusiasts face: finding the ideal feeders. It seems that the long metal trays are often considered the […]
One animal that has always fascinated me in this regard is the turkey. Known for their delicious meat and distinctive appearance, turkeys are also interesting from a reproductive standpoint. In this article, I will explore how often turkeys lay eggs, providing a comprehensive overview of this important aspect of their biology. When do turkeys lay […]
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. They are highly concentrated plant extracts that are derived from different parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, and even roots. Essential oils offer numerous benefits for both humans and animals, thanks to their natural healing properties. Benefits of Essential Oils for Humans and Animals […]
When it comes to raising chickens, there are many factors that can affect their egg production. One of the most important factors is light. Without adequate light, chickens may not lay eggs at all or may lay fewer eggs than they would with enough light. This is because the amount and duration of light exposure […]
10
Apr
Apr
I have often been asked about their egg-laying habits. It’s fascinating to observe these magnificent creatures go through their egg-laying cycle. In this article, I will share my experience and knowledge about when Rouen ducks lay eggs, shedding light on their unique characteristics. So, let’s dive into the world of Rouen ducks and explore their […]
If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you know how important it is to keep your feathered friends healthy and well-fed. But did you know that mice can pose a serious threat to your flock? Mice are notorious for sneaking into chicken coops and feeders, where they help themselves to the feed intended for your birds. […]
If you’re a backyard chicken farmer, you know how important it is to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy. One essential aspect of maintaining their well-being is ensuring they are comfortable during cold weather. Heaters are the perfect solution for providing warmth in chicken coops. Even if your chickens have thick feathers, they are […]
Chicken feeding has come a long way from the traditional method of scattering feed on the ground. In the past, farmers used to let their chickens roam around and forage for their own food. However, as chicken farming became more commercialized, raising large numbers of chickens became more difficult. The first industrial chicken feeders were […]
09
Apr
Apr
Chickens are known for their voracious appetite, and they are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. This can make it tempting to feed them whatever scraps of food we have lying around the house or garden. However, some foods can be harmful to chickens and may even be toxic. That’s why it’s […]
09
Apr
Apr
I woke up this morning to check on my 18-week-old chickens in my backyard garden, and my heart sank at what I saw. All of my chickens, every single one of them, were lying dead. I was devastated, and I had no idea what could have happened to them. In this article, I will discuss […]
Maintaining a balanced ratio of hens to roosters is crucial to ensure the wellbeing and productivity of a chicken flock. The ideal balance varies depending on several factors such as the size and purpose of the flock, environment, breed characteristics, and age. Too many roosters can lead to aggressive behavior among them, causing injuries to […]
Are you looking for a new hobby that will bring joy, sustainability, and education into your life? Look no further than raising chickens! Not only are they adorable and entertaining, but they also provide a host of benefits that make them more than just pets. From cost-effectiveness to community building, there are many reasons why […]
Chickens are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals. This makes their diet quite diverse and can sometimes be confusing for owners who are new to raising chickens. However, knowing what your chickens can eat is crucial in keeping them healthy and happy. Feeding chickens the wrong food can lead to […]
I can attest to the fact that keeping track of egg production can be quite challenging. There are many factors that can impact how many eggs your chickens lay each day, such as age, breed, diet, and environment. Fortunately, there are tools available to help you track egg production and optimize your flock’s output. In […]
Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience for both urban and rural dwellers alike. Besides providing fresh eggs, raising chickens can teach responsibility, and sustainable living practices, and can even provide a sense of companionship. However, when it comes to hatching chicks, buying fertile eggs is essential. Not only will it ensure that […]
I have often wondered about the timing and seasonality of turkey egg-laying. Understanding when turkeys lay eggs is essential for those interested in turkey breeding, egg production, or simply expanding their knowledge about these magnificent birds. In this article, I will share my insights into the timing of turkey egg-laying, discussing the factors that influence […]
As winter approaches, many chicken owners may be wondering if their feathered friends will continue to lay eggs despite the cold weather. While it’s true that chickens tend to produce fewer eggs in the winter, it’s not impossible to maintain a consistent supply of fresh eggs throughout the season. The topic at hand is whether […]
The Australorp chicken breed was first developed in Australia in the early 1900s. The breed was created through a crossbreeding program that involved Black Orpington, White Leghorn, and Rhode Island Red breeds. The goal of the breeding program was to create a chicken breed that not only had excellent egg-laying ability but also could produce […]
When it comes to raising chickens, providing proper nutrition is essential to maintain their health and productivity. Just like humans, chickens require a balanced diet that includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In this article, we will explore the vitamins that are essential for the overall well-being of your feathered friends. The Importance of […]
One exciting discovery in the world of chicken keeping is the use of coffee ground bedding. Utilizing readily available resources like coffee grounds to create a cozy and sustainable environment for our flock has gained significant attention. In this article, we will explore the wonders of coffee ground bedding for chickens and guide you through […]
03
Apr
Apr
I’ve had the pleasure of raising both full-grown Rhode Island Red hens and roosters. While these birds share many similarities, there are also some important differences to consider when deciding which to add to your flock. In this article, I’ll explore the key characteristics and traits of full-grown Rhode Island Red hens and roosters. Appearance […]
If you’re a chicken lover and a gardener, there’s no better way to combine both hobbies than by creating a chicken friendly garden. Not only will your chickens have an ideal place to roam and play, but your garden will benefit as well. A chicken friendly garden is one that has been designed with the […]
02
Apr
Apr
The world of poultry and the remarkable variety of eggs they produce never ceases to amaze us. While white and brown eggs are commonly seen, there is a pervasive belief that certain chicken breeds lay black eggs. However, it is crucial to clarify that no chicken breed naturally lays eggs with a true black color. […]
It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that your furry friend may encounter, especially when it comes to their diet and what they come into contact with. One of the questions that many dog owners have is whether or not chicken poop can kill their dogs. In this article, we’ll dive into the […]
As a chicken owner, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether or not to wash the eggs I collect from my chickens. It’s a topic that generates a lot of debate, and there are passionate arguments on both sides. In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of washing eggs, […]
30
Mar
Mar
Caring for chickens can be a fulfilling experience, but it can also be challenging at times. One of the challenges is finding a veterinarian who is willing to see chickens. While many veterinarians specialize in cats and dogs, finding a vet who can diagnose and treat chickens is not as easy. When it comes to […]
Have you ever wondered about the difference between duck eggs and chicken eggs? Both are delicious, healthy, versatile, and widely available. They can be boiled, fried, scrambled, poached, baked or used in a variety of recipes. However, there is one important aspect that sets them apart: the ratio between duck eggs and chicken eggs. Importance […]
America’s first indigenous chicken breed, the Rhode Island Red, was developed in the late 1800s in Rhode Island. It is a dual-purpose breed used for both meat and egg production. This sturdy bird quickly became known for its excellent qualities, and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most popular breeds […]
As a resident of Marion County, Oregon, you may be interested in keeping chickens or other fowl on your property. However, before you do so, it is important to understand the regulations set forth by the county government to ensure that you are in compliance and avoid any potential legal issues. Regulations for Urban Areas […]
If you’re a chicken owner, you may be wondering why it’s important to know whether your bird is a pullet or cockerel. There are actually several reasons why this information can be useful! Firstly, if you plan on breeding chickens, it’s essential to know the sexes of your birds. You don’t want to accidentally mate […]
As a backyard chicken owner, one of the most important aspects of caring for your feathered friends is ensuring they have a clean and healthy living environment. One common tool used by many chicken keepers is diatomaceous earth or DE for short. This all-natural product is made up of fossilized diatoms and can be used […]
27
Mar
Mar
I know how difficult it can be to find a home for a rooster. One spring, my family decided to let one of our chickens hatch some eggs. To our surprise, one of the chicks turned out to be a rooster. As much as we loved our new little guy, we already had a rooster […]
When it comes to raising chickens, providing a comfortable and safe place for them to roost is crucial. Chickens need a place to sleep and rest where they feel secure and protected from predators. But can chickens roost outside? Absolutely! In fact, many backyard chicken farmers prefer to have their flock sleep outdoors in a […]
Chickens are great pets and can even provide you with fresh eggs every day. However, to keep your chickens healthy and happy, it’s important to provide them with proper care and shelter. One of the important components of chicken care is the provision of food. It’s essential that the feed is kept dry, clean, and […]
Bulk chicken feeders are a type of feeding system that allows you to store a large quantity of chicken feed and dispense it as needed. Unlike traditional chicken feeders, which require frequent refilling, bulk chicken feeders can hold several days’ worth of food, depending on the size of your flock. They come in various shapes […]
A portable chicken run on wheels is essentially a mobile coop that allows chickens to graze freely without the risk of predators. Most coops come with built-in wheels at the bottom, which makes it easier to move them around and relocate as needed. These types of coops can vary in size, style, and construction materials. […]
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 […]
Chickens are a beloved addition to many households, whether you use them for their eggs or simply enjoy their company. Unfortunately, like any other living creature, chickens can become ill. When that happens, it’s important to act quickly and treat the bird promptly. Not only is this important for the chicken’s health and well-being, but […]
21
Mar
Mar
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. […]
Today, we’re going to delve into an intriguing subject that has piqued the curiosity of many backyard chicken keepers: the impact of heat lamps on chicken sleep. As an avid chicken keeper myself, I’ve embarked on a quest to uncover whether a heat lamp can keep our beloved feathered friends awake at night. So, let’s […]