I used to get sick once in a while. I am not sure if I got it from the chickens, but I had to be put on antibiotics. I kept getting sick week after week until a friend asked me if I was sure I was not getting a bug from the chicken coop. I […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
11
Jun
Jun
Raising backyard chicken is a great activity that provides a steady egg supply and creates a pleasant rural setting atmosphere in an urban backyard. Unfortunately, chickens can be quite loaded and can cause problems with neighbors. Below we look at the steps you can implement to reduce the noise made by chickens. Why do Chickens […]
When it comes to poultry, the red jungle fowl and the rooster are two of the most famous birds around. The red jungle fowl is a wild ancestor of domesticated chickens and is native to Southeast Asia. Roosters, on the other hand, are domesticated chickens that have been bred for both meat and egg production. […]
10
Jun
Jun
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 […]
09
Jun
Jun
I’ve raised a variety of chicken breeds over the years, but one of my favorites for meat production is the Cornish Cross. These birds grow quickly and yield plenty of meat, making them a popular choice among small-scale farmers and homesteaders. However, raising Cornish Cross on pasture requires some special considerations to ensure that they […]
Leghorn chickens are a popular breed that originated in Italy. They have been known for their hardiness, high egg production, and easy-going temperament. Leghorns are often used in commercial egg production due to their prolific nature and the ease of caring for them. However, they also make great backyard chickens as they are low maintenance […]
06
Jun
Jun
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 […]
When it comes to raising backyard chickens, having a chicken run is essential. A chicken run is an enclosed area where your chickens can roam and get some exercise, while also staying safe from predators. But why exactly does the size of a chicken run matter? Let’s dive in and find out. A chicken run […]
One of the questions that have always intrigued me is how often guinea fowl lay eggs. I have always been fascinated by these unique birds, with their distinctive plumage and quirky personalities. So, I decided to do some research and find out more about the egg-laying habits of guinea fowl. In this article, I will […]
As a passionate chicken owner, I know how essential it is to provide our feathered friends with a comfortable and nurturing environment. A crucial aspect of chicken care is ensuring they have access to clean food and water at all times. That’s where the ZenxyHoC Chick Feeder and Waterer Kit comes into play. In this […]
One of the most important things you need to do is keep your flock warm during colder months. A clamp on heat lamp is a popular and effective way to provide heat for your chickens, but it can be tricky to install properly. In this article, I’ll share my experience and offer some tips on […]
If you’ve ever gone to the grocery store or farmers’ market and bought a dozen eggs, chances are they were either white or brown. These are the two most common colors of chicken eggs in North America, but did you know that chickens can lay eggs in a rainbow of colors? Not All Eggs Are […]
03
Jun
Jun
As a chicken owner, you know that a balanced diet is important for your feathered friends. While commercial feed is essential, it can get a bit boring for your chickens. Adding dried mealworms to their diet is a great way to mix things up while providing them with additional protein. But where do you get […]
02
Jun
Jun
Are you tired of constantly refilling your chicken feeders, dealing with messy spillage, and worrying about rodents contaminating your flock’s feed? If so, you’re not alone. As a chicken owner myself, I know how frustrating and time-consuming it can be to maintain traditional feeders. That’s why I was so excited to discover the OVerEZ Chicken […]
When it comes to eggs, freshness is key. Not only does it affect the taste of your dishes, but using an older egg can also increase your risk of foodborne illness. As eggs age, the protective coating on their shells breaks down, making them more susceptible to bacteria. Additionally, they start to lose moisture and […]
Incubating eggs is an exciting and rewarding process. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially for beginners. One of the most important factors to consider when incubating eggs is humidity. Humidity levels need to be carefully monitored and adjusted throughout the incubation process to ensure a successful hatch. In this article, I will […]
One of the most distinctive features that I noticed on my flock of hens and roosters was their comb. Not only are they an important physical characteristic of chickens, but they also play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. In this article, I will discuss the differences between hen combs and rooster […]
Protein is a vital nutrient that helps our bodies build and repair tissues. It’s essential for growth and development, especially in children, teenagers, and pregnant women. Additionally, protein plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and producing hormones and enzymes. Most people are aware of the importance of protein in their diet, […]
Have you ever wondered where a chicken’s earlobes are located? You may have seen them before and not even realized what they were! These small, fleshy parts are often hidden beneath feathers and can be difficult to spot. However, understanding where a chicken’s earlobes are located is important for breeders, farmers, and enthusiasts alike. Believe […]
26
May
May
Have you ever walked into someone’s backyard and been overwhelmed by an unpleasant odor? Maybe there was a lingering smell from the trash cans or pet waste, or perhaps the plants and flowers had an overpowering scent. Whatever the case may be, a bad smell can put a damper on enjoying your outdoor space. That’s […]
Are you looking for a durable and stylish chicken coop that offers the best in functionality? Look no further than Third Coast Craftsman, a company that specializes in building high-quality chicken coops. Their coops are built to last and offer an exceptional level of comfort and security for your feathered friends. A Coop You Can […]
As backyard chicken owners, we love to spoil our feathered friends with delicious treats. But when it comes to their diet, it’s important to know what foods are safe and beneficial for them. One common question that often comes up is whether or not chickens can eat lettuce. Chickens Can Eat Lettuce If you’re wondering […]
Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years and provide a valuable source of food in many parts of the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of chickens is their egg-laying habits. Have you ever wondered where chickens lay their eggs? How do they know where to lay them? What factors influence where they […]
I understand the importance of providing them with sufficient space to thrive. In this article, I will delve into the topic of how much space chickens need and guide you through the considerations for creating a comfortable and spacious environment for your feathered friends. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are guidelines […]
Chickens, Poultry
Do Chickens Need to Be Fed Before Bedtime? The Truth About Feeding Your Flock at Night.
22
May
May
When it comes to raising backyard chickens, there are a lot of questions that come up, especially for first-time chicken owners. One question that often comes up is whether or not to give chickens food before putting them to bed for the night. As someone who has been raising chickens for several years now, I’ve […]
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 […]
Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also get expensive if you’re not careful about how much you spend on their feed. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on chicken feed without sacrificing the health or well-being of your birds. In this article, we’ll take a look at […]
21
May
May
As a chicken enthusiast, one of the common questions I receive is, “At what age do we need to clip chicken wings?” Clipping a chicken’s wings is a practice employed by poultry owners to prevent them from flying out of their designated areas. The age at which wing clipping is done can vary depending on […]
I take great pride in providing fresh and delicious eggs to my customers. However, one question that often arises is, “How old are the eggs I sell as fresh eggs?” Picture this: a sun-kissed morning, a sizzling pan, and the sound of eggs cracking against its surface. There’s something undeniably captivating about the sizzle and […]
Chickens are amazing creatures that have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are unique and fascinating animals, with certain physical features that provide valuable insights into their health. One such feature is their wattles and comb, which can be found on top of the chicken’s head. The comb is the fleshy crest on top […]
I understand the importance of providing a safe and secure coop for my feathered friends. That’s why I was excited to try out the Petmate Superior Construction Chicken Coop. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on this coop and why I believe it’s a great option for those in the market for a new […]
Egg candling is the process of shining a light through an egg to observe its contents without cracking it open. The name comes from the original method where a candle was used to illuminate the egg, but now a bright LED flashlight or special egg candler is used. This method allows you to see if […]
18
May
May
Cotton Patch Geese, also known as Southern geese, belong to a group of domesticated geese breeds that were developed from the wild graylag goose. They are indigenous to the southeastern region of the United States and were initially bred by farmers to clear cotton fields of pests and weeds. Farmers realized that these geese were […]
Eggs are a staple in most households, consumed in myriad forms including boiled, poached, fried or scrambled. While the eggs of chickens are the most commonly eaten and recognizable type, there are other types of eggs worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into an often-overlooked variety: peacock eggs. Peacocks have long been regarded […]
If you’re a chicken owner, you know how important it is to keep your flock happy and healthy year-round. However, during the winter months, things can get a little more complicated. One of the biggest challenges of winter chicken husbandry is keeping their water from freezing. Chickens need fresh water daily to stay hydrated and […]
One of the most frustrating things I’ve encountered is when my chickens decide to sleep in their nesting boxes instead of roosting on their perches. Not only does this make the nesting boxes dirty, but it can also discourage egg-laying and increase the risk of diseases. In this article, I will share some tips and […]
As humans, we love to share our food with our feathered friends. Chickens are a popular backyard pet and many chicken parents wonder if they can share their favorite foods with their fluffy companions. One such food is coleslaw, a staple side dish at picnics and barbeques. In this article, we will explore whether or […]
Chickens require a balanced diet to maintain optimal health and well-being. Just like humans, they need to consume foods that provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for their bodies to function correctly. A balanced diet for chickens includes a mix of grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other supplements. It is essential to provide […]
Whether you live in a sprawling countryside or a bustling city, raising chickens is an excellent way to bring more sustainability and self-sufficiency into your life. Not only are chickens great pets, but they also provide you with fresh eggs and high-quality fertilizer for your garden. If you’re lucky enough to be located in Fayetteville, […]
Are you considering adding a goat to your backyard homestead? Are you looking for a reliable source of fresh milk straight from your own property? Look no further than the humble backyard goat. These animals are an excellent addition to any small-scale farm or home garden, providing milk, meat, and fertilizer. Overview of Backyard Goats […]
Buff Orpingtons are a popular chicken breed known for their friendly temperament and soft, fluffy feathers. These birds originated in England in the late 1800s and quickly became a favorite among chicken keepers due to their docile nature and dual-purpose qualities. They are excellent egg layers, with each hen producing up to 280 eggs per […]
The Copper Maran chicken breed is a unique and fascinating bird that has become increasingly popular among backyard hobbyists and commercial farmers alike. Known for their distinct copper-colored feathers and friendly disposition, Copper Marans are a great choice for those looking to raise chickens for both their meat and eggs. Overview of Copper Maran Chicken […]
Chickens, Poultry
Raising Chicks: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Brooder and Avoiding Common Mistakes.
14
May
May
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 […]
12
May
May
When it comes to starting your own flock of chickens, there are a lot of decisions to make. One of the biggest choices is where to get your chicks from. While many people opt for their local Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) or other farm supply store, others prefer to purchase their chicks directly from a […]
11
May
May
Easter Egger chickens are a delightful addition to any backyard flock, and they have become increasingly popular among chicken enthusiasts in recent years. These birds are a cross between several different breeds, which makes them incredibly unique and fascinating creatures to own. They are known for their striking feather colors, friendly temperament, and colorful egg […]
I always look for ways to improve the comfort and health of my flock. One aspect that is often overlooked is the roosting bars in the chicken coop. Roosting bars are essential for chickens as they provide a comfortable and safe place for them to sleep. In this article, I will guide you through the […]
Have you ever heard someone say that in order for a chicken egg to be fertilized, there needs to be a rooster present? Well, that’s not entirely true. While it is true that roosters play an essential role in fertilizing eggs, they are not the only way to achieve this process. The Need for Fertilization […]
When it comes to raising meat chickens, there are numerous breeds to choose from. However, two of the most popular and widely used breeds are the Red Broiler and the Cornish Cross. Both of these breeds have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them a top choice for many poultry farmers. In this article, […]
Chickens are some of the most versatile animals in the world, and they have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. Today, they play an important role in agriculture and food production. Chickens provide eggs, meat, and feathers that are used to make a variety of products. They also help control pests by eating […]
It’s important to provide your birds with everything they need to thrive. One of the most essential elements of a chicken’s diet is water. But how much water does a chicken actually need per day? In this article, we’ll explore the topic in-depth and provide you with all the information you need to keep your […]
