Author Archives: James Polystead

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. It’s commonly found in raw chicken, eggs, and other poultry products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella causes an estimated 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. One of the […]

I want to dive into a topic that might make you squirm a little: chicken eye worms. What exactly are they? Are they really worms? Or an infection of some sort? And most importantly, how serious are they for our beloved feathered friends? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll walk you […]

Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people seek to live a sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food. Raising chickens is a great way to get fresh eggs, manure for the garden and the satisfaction of caring for animals. However, pregnant women should be aware of some potential […]

If you’re a chicken owner, then you already know how essential it is to keep your chickens healthy and happy. But did you know that keeping their living space clean is one of the most important steps in doing just that? Cleaning your chicken run regularly may seem like a daunting task, but it can […]

It’s always a thrilling experience when one of your hens goes broody and decides to hatch her eggs. In my case, my Wyandotte hen, Mildred, recently hatched two adorable chicks in her little maternity ward just outside the main coop. However, as a responsible chicken owner, I needed to ensure the safety and well-being of […]

Do you love fresh eggs and the idea of raising your own chickens in your backyard? Well, you’re not alone! Backyard chicken farming has been growing in popularity over recent years, and with good reason. Chickens are low maintenance pets that provide a steady supply of delicious eggs. If you’re considering getting chickens, one important […]

Have you ever cracked open an egg and found two yolks inside? It’s a rare occurrence and one that often elicits surprise or excitement. But did you know that there are spiritual meanings associated with double yolk eggs? Brief Explanation of What a Double Yolk Egg Is For those who may not be familiar with […]

If you own chickens, then you know how important it is to provide them with a healthy and safe environment. One crucial element of a chicken’s habitat that often gets overlooked is the ground cover. The ground cover refers to the material that covers the floor of your chicken run. It can be anything from […]

I was excited to raise my Cornish Cross chicks but soon found myself puzzled when they kept piling up away from the heat plates. It was concerning to see them huddled in a corner of their brooder, despite having access to heat lamps and heat plates. After some research and trial and error, I found […]

Picture this – you enter your chicken coop and notice that one of your hens is still sitting on her nest. You think nothing of it and assume she will eventually emerge when she’s ready. However, the next day, she’s still there. And the next, and the next. Suddenly, you realize that your hen won’t […]

As a dedicated chicken owner, I’m always on the lookout for innovative products that can make my life easier while ensuring the well-being of my flock. One such product that caught my attention is the Roamwild Chicken Feeder. In this article, I will share my personal experience and insights on this revolutionary chicken feeder, highlighting […]

Keeping chickens can be a fun, rewarding, and educational experience for both adults and children. Not only do they provide fresh eggs and meat, but they also make excellent pets that are easy to care for. Chickens are also great for gardens as they help control pests, fertilize the soil with their droppings, and till […]

So, you have backyard chickens and want to create a healthy environment for them. One way to do this is by planting vegetation in their run. Not only does it provide a natural source of food, but it also offers shade and shelter from weather elements. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of […]

Welcome to the world of raising chickens! Watching them pecking around your backyard while laying eggs and basking in the sun can be a wonderful experience. However, just like any other group of animals living together, chickens have their own social hierarchy. Sometimes this hierarchy can become a problem when one or more chickens engage […]

One of the common questions I hear is whether chickens will share a nesting box. The answer is yes, chickens will often share a nesting box, and it can even be beneficial for your flock. In this article, I’ll be discussing the reasons why chickens may choose to share a nesting box, how to accommodate […]

Silkie roosters are an unusual and fascinating breed of chicken that have captured the hearts of chicken enthusiasts worldwide. They have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other poultry breeds. With their fur-like feathers, black skin, and an extra toe on each foot, silkies are not your average rooster. Despite their distinct appearance, […]

Owning chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is deciding whether to let chickens out during the rain or keep them in until the weather clears. As a chicken owner myself, I understand the dilemma that comes with this decision. My wife and […]

I recently purchased 20 chicks from Tractor Supply Company (TSC). I was excited to raise them for meat, but I quickly noticed that their feathers were coming in brown instead of the expected white. This left me wondering if I had gotten a different breed of meat bird. In this article, I’ll share my experience […]

Ducks are beloved and useful animals that are often raised for meat, eggs, or as pets. If you’re planning on raising ducks for their eggs, it’s essential to understand the duck egg laying process and timing. Unlike chicken eggs, which have a consistent laying pattern, duck eggs can be tricky to predict. Factors such as […]

One of the most important things you’ll need is a brooder plate. This device helps to provide a warm and cozy environment for your chicks during the first few weeks of their lives. However, some people might be concerned about placing a brooder plate on top of puppy pads. The question arises: can a brooder […]

As a chicken owner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your birds’ health and wellbeing. One popular method is fermenting their feed, but it can be intimidating if you’re new to the practice. If you’re wondering if your fermented feed looks right or are concerned about the mess it may create, this article is […]

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that commonly affects chickens. The disease is caused by protozoa of the Eimeria family, which are known to infect the intestines of birds. When left untreated, coccidiosis can turn fatal for chickens. This disease can spread rapidly among a flock of chickens due to its contagious nature. The Importance of […]

One way to ensure that your chickens are comfortable is by providing them with a clean and comfortable place to lay their eggs. Washable nesting box pads are a great option for chicken owners looking to provide their birds with a comfortable and hygienic place to lay their eggs. In this article, I will explore […]

If you’re considering raising chickens in your backyard, it’s important to know the many benefits that come with it. For starters, you’ll have a constant supply of fresh, organic eggs that are much healthier than store-bought eggs. Raising chickens also allows you to be more self-sufficient and sustainable by producing your own food right at […]

Easter Eggers is a chicken breed that has become increasingly popular among backyard poultry enthusiasts. They are known for their colorful eggs and their friendly and easy-going personalities. However, one question that often arises among those considering adding Easter Eggers to their flock is whether they are loud or not. In this article, we will […]