Author Archives: James Polystead

Have you ever been to a farm or raised chickens in your backyard and wondered why some male chickens were called cockerels while others were roosters? Well, wonder no more because this article aims to clear up any confusion surrounding these two types of male chickens. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry farmer or just starting […]

As backyard chicken keeping has become more popular, so too has the market for prefab chicken coops. Prefab, short for pre-fabricated, means that the coop is constructed off-site and then shipped in pieces to be assembled on your property. This type of coop can vary greatly in size, materials, and features. There are many benefits […]

Chickens are known for their love of scratch grains and treats, but what exactly is in a chicken’s diet? A typical chicken diet is composed of a mix of commercial feed, table scraps, and access to insects and vegetation. Commercial feed usually contains corn, soybean meal, wheat, or other grains as the main ingredients. Chickens […]

It is a common misconception that chickens are peaceful creatures that only peck at seeds and scratch dirt. In reality, these birds can be incredibly savage, especially when they turn on their own kind. Cannibalism in chickens is the act of one bird attacking another to the point of injury or death. This gruesome behavior […]

Mallard ducks are a common sight in many regions, and these beautiful birds play an important role in the ecosystem. However, habitat loss and other environmental factors have threatened their populations in recent years. One way to help mallards thrive is by providing safe and secure nesting boxes where they can lay their eggs and […]

Chickens, like all other living creatures, require a well-balanced diet to remain healthy and productive. A diet rich in nutrients will ensure chickens have enough energy to sustain their daily activities, produce high-quality eggs, and maintain proper body weight. Chickens that don’t receive a balanced diet are more susceptible to diseases and infections. Why Incorporating […]

Raising chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to remember that these feathered friends are living creatures with specific nutritional needs. Providing chickens with a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, chickens require a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain proper body function, […]

I have spent a considerable amount of time and money on finding the perfect chicken feeder. I have tried various types of feeders, including gravity feeders, treadle feeders, and trough feeders, but none of them seem to be the perfect fit for my flock. That’s when I discovered the wall-mounted chicken feeder. In this article, […]

I understand the importance of providing a warm and comfortable living space for my feathered friends. One of the ways to achieve this is by using a heat lamp in the coop. However, many chicken owners are concerned about the cost of electricity that comes with using a heat lamp. In this article, I will […]

I know how important it is to provide my flock with a healthy and nutritious diet to ensure that they lay eggs consistently and stay healthy. In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience about the best food for chickens to lay eggs. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Chickens Before we delve into […]

Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it takes careful planning and consideration to keep your flock happy and healthy. One important aspect of chicken farming is providing them with adequate shelter, which is where a mobile chicken coop comes in handy. A mobile chicken coop, also known as a chicken tractor or […]

my chickens have become an integral part of my family. Recently, the presence of snakes slithering around my backyard has sparked concern about the safety of my cherished chicken eggs. In this article, I will share my experiences and delve into the intriguing question of whether these backyard snakes pose a threat to the eggs […]

Are you thinking of buying chickens to lay eggs in your backyard? It can be a rewarding and fun experience, but it’s important to do your research first. In this article, I’ll share some tips and considerations to keep in mind when buying chickens to lay eggs. Determine Your Purpose When it comes to buying […]

Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years, and the tradition of showing them off at competitions has been around just as long. A chicken show or exhibition is an event where poultry breeders from all over gather to showcase their best chickens. These events are usually held by local or national organizations like the […]

I’m always looking for ways to improve the health and well-being of my flock. One of the best investments I’ve made in my coop is switching to galvanized nesting boxes. In this article, I’ll explain why galvanized nesting boxes are a great choice for your chickens and how to select and install them. What Are […]

I can tell you that finding the right chicken fence is essential to keeping your birds safe and secure. When it comes to shopping for a chicken fence, one of the first places that comes to mind for many chicken owners is Tractor Supply Company. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what […]

If you’re a backyard chicken enthusiast, then you know that starting off with healthy and high-quality chicks is crucial to the success of your flock. That’s why choosing a good chicken hatchery is so important. A reputable hatchery will provide you with chicks that have been properly cared for, vaccinated against diseases, and come from […]

A chain link fence is a type of fence made from galvanized steel wire that is woven into a mesh pattern. This type of fence is commonly used for both residential and commercial properties as it provides security and is relatively low maintenance. Chain link fences are especially popular for enclosing chicken runs because they […]

You may have wondered what time of day your feathered friends lay eggs. Chickens have a natural egg-laying cycle, which is influenced by a variety of factors such as age, breed, and environmental conditions. Knowing when your chickens are most likely to lay eggs can help you plan your egg collection routine and ensure that […]

Holding a chicken properly is crucial for the safety and comfort of both you and the chicken. A poorly held chicken can become stressed, injured, or even fly away. Additionally, holding a chicken incorrectly can result in scratches, pecks, or bites from an unhappy bird. In order to ensure a positive experience for both you […]

Chickens are fascinating creatures that make great pets and provide delicious fresh eggs. As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to ensure your feathered friends have a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Chickens are known to be voracious eaters, and they enjoy a wide variety of foods, including grains, insects, fruits, and […]

For many chicken owners, feeding their feathered friends is a joyous experience. There’s nothing quite like watching your chickens flock to you at feeding time, eager for their next meal. And when it comes to what to feed them, grains are often a popular choice. Not only are they readily available and affordable, but they […]

If you’re a poultry farmer, you know how important it is to have the right equipment to get the job done. Enter the chicken plucker – a handy device that saves both time and effort when it comes to processing poultry. In essence, a chicken plucker uses rubber fingers on a spinning drum to remove […]

Arizona is a fantastic place to raise chickens. With plenty of sunshine, dry air, and mild winters, it’s an ideal environment for these feathered friends. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about raising chickens in Arizona, from choosing the right breed to maximizing egg production and even selling eggs or meat. […]

Discover the reasons behind the high cost of chicken eggs, from supply and demand to production costs and regulations. Find out how to save on this breakfast staple. Eggs are a staple in many people’s diets. Whether it’s a fried egg for breakfast or boiled egg in your salad, eggs have become a daily go-to […]

As a passionate chicken keeper, I believe that a chicken coop can be more than just a functional structure. It can also be a charming and inviting space that reflects your personal style and creativity. In this article, I will share my favorite chicken coop decorating ideas to help you transform your coop into a […]

Rhode Island Red chickens are a popular breed in the poultry industry, known for their beautiful red feathers and high productivity. They were first developed in Rhode Island during the late 1800s, and have since become a staple on farms across the United States and beyond. These birds are highly valued for their excellent meat […]

I understand the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for our feathered friends. One of the best ways to do that is by building a 10×10 chicken run. In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about building a 10×10 chicken run, including the benefits of having one, the materials […]

Sweet potatoes have been gaining popularity in recent years as a nutrient-packed alternative to traditional white potatoes. With their vibrant orange color and sweet taste, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in many households. But what about our feathered friends? Can chickens enjoy the benefits of sweet potatoes too? As backyard chicken keeping becomes […]