I understand the challenges of keeping your feathered friends warm and comfortable during the chilly months. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my experience with the Prima Heat Lamp, a popular heating solution designed specifically for poultry. In this article, we’ll explore what a Prima Heat Lamp is, how it works, its benefits, […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
The Buff Orpington chicken is a British breed that was first developed by William Cook in the late 1800s. Cook aimed to create a breed with a good meat-to-bone ratio, as well as one that could lay eggs throughout the winter months. He crossed Minorca, Langshan, and Plymouth Rock chicken breeds to create the Buff […]
Chicken coops are more than just a place for chickens to sleep at night. They provide a safe and comfortable living environment for your feathered friends, as well as protection from predators, extreme weather conditions, and disease. A good chicken coop is an essential investment for any backyard farmer or poultry enthusiast. Introducing Big R […]
Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience. Not only do they provide fresh, nutritious eggs, but their vibrant personalities can be a delight to observe. However, raising free range chickens comes with its own unique challenges. One of the most important factors to consider when raising free range chickens is providing them with adequate feed. […]
it’s essential to keep your flock happy and healthy. One of the most common problems that chicken owners face is chickens pecking each other. It can be a distressing sight to see chickens with missing feathers and even wounds from pecking. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent this behavior. In this article, I’ll […]
I know how important it is to protect my hens from harm. One of the ways I do this is by using chicken saddles. These protective garments are designed to cover the back of the hen and prevent injury from the rooster’s spurs. In this article, I will explain how chicken saddles work and why […]
Keeping chickens is a fun and rewarding experience for those who are interested in raising their own livestock. Whether you’re a homesteader or just looking to add some feathered friends to your backyard, there are many benefits to keeping chickens. Brief Overview of Keeping Chickens Chickens are domesticated birds that have been raised by humans […]
As a chicken owner, I have often observed my chickens digging holes and laying in them. At first, I was confused as to why they would do that when they have a perfectly good coop with nesting boxes. After some research and observation, I have learned that there are several reasons why chickens dig holes […]
Have you ever thought of hatching your own chicken but didn’t know where to start? Well, here’s some good news for you: it all begins with a simple egg purchase from your local supermarket. The process involves incubating fertilized eggs under controlled conditions until they hatch into adorable little chicks. The best part is that […]
Blue maran chicken eggs are a rare and unique type of egg that is becoming increasingly popular among foodies and home chefs. These eggs are laid by blue maran chickens, a breed known for their distinctive blueish-grey feathers and calm demeanor. The eggs themselves have a stunning deep blue shell that sets them apart from […]
As a chicken owner, I understand the struggle of constantly having to wake up early to let the chickens out of their coop in the morning and then locking them up at night. It can be a hassle, especially if you have a busy schedule or just want to sleep in on weekends. That’s where […]
As a seasoned backyard chicken owner, I understand how challenging it can be to keep chickens comfortable during a heatwave. When temperatures rise, chickens can suffer from heat stress, which can cause a range of health problems, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even death. Therefore, it is essential to take appropriate measures to keep your […]
I remember the day I brought home my little Cornish Cross chicks. They were only a few days old, fluffy, and chirping away in the box. However, fast forward a few weeks, and I found myself facing a problem that I never expected. One of my Cornish Cross chicks could no longer use her legs. […]
If you’re a backyard chicken keeper, you’ve likely wondered what else you can feed your feathered friends beyond their standard feed. One food that may come to mind is nuts. But can you feed chickens nuts? The answer is a resounding yes! Not only are certain types of nuts safe for chickens to eat, but […]
As a chicken owner, one of the most important things you need to ensure is that your chicks are given the proper care and attention they need, especially in their formative stages. One of the most crucial aspects of caring for baby chicks involves providing them with enough warmth during their first few weeks of […]
I have encountered many questions about keeping Cornish cross beyond their recommended 8-week lifespan. Many people believe that these fast-growing meat birds are not suitable for long-term farming due to various factors, including health, feed conversion, and overall profitability. However, is it really not worth it to keep Cornish cross after 8 months? In this […]
Introduction After Collecting eggs from your backyard or homestead, the next step is storing them. This is if you do not consume them immediately. Storing chicken eggs in the proper manner can help lengthen the duration of the eggs. It prevents pathogens that can make you sick from getting into the eggs. Once your lovely […]
Raising chickens is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for many, but it can come with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is dealing with an aggressive rooster. Roosters are known to be territorial and protective of their flock, which can sometimes translate to aggression towards humans. Aggressive roosters can pose a serious threat […]
Having spent countless hours observing and marveling at the beauty of geese, I have often found myself wondering about their reproductive habits and the timing of their egg-laying. Geese are fascinating birds known for their loyalty, protective nature, and stunning flight formations. In this article, I will share my personal insights and knowledge about when […]
Raising chickens in colder climates can be a challenge, especially during the winter months. That’s where a heated chicken roost comes in handy. Essentially, it’s a warm and cozy space for your chickens to roost and stay warm during chilly nights. But why is it so important? Well, when temperatures drop below freezing, your chickens […]
Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. In Georgia, raising chickens in your backyard is legal and can provide many benefits. Whether you are looking to save money on groceries, have a sustainable food source, or simply enjoy the company of these feathered friends, keeping chickens is a rewarding […]
As a devoted chicken owner, I strive to provide the best care for my feathered friends. One aspect of their health that often comes up for discussion is whether or not to worm chickens. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and insights to help you understand the importance of worming your chickens, […]
Soap has been a staple in personal hygiene for centuries, but not all soap is created equal. It may come as a surprise to some, but goat milk soap has been gaining popularity in recent years. The benefits of using goat milk soap are numerous and varied. The Benefits of Goat Milk Soap Goat milk […]
If you’re someone who loves fresh eggs and has been thinking about raising chickens, you’re in for a treat. Not only is it a rewarding hobby, but the benefits are plentiful. Imagine having a steady supply of fresh eggs right from your backyard! The eggs from your own chickens will not only taste better, but […]
If you’re a chicken farmer, you know how important it is to have your chickens lay eggs on a regular basis. Egg production is not only essential for your business, but it also provides high-quality protein for consumption. But what do you do when your chickens aren’t laying as many eggs as you’d like? In […]
Sapphire Gem Chickens are a relatively new breed that has been gaining popularity due to their striking appearance and friendly nature. They were first developed in the United States in the early 2000s by crossing several chicken breeds, including Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Delawares. These chickens are known for their beautiful blue coloration, which […]
Eggs are a staple food item for many people, but did you know that if they’re not cleaned properly, they can pose serious health risks? One of the main reasons why cleaning eggs is so important is to remove any harmful bacteria that might be present on the shell. Chickens can carry a variety of […]
The Orpington chicken breed is a large-sized bird developed in England in the late 1800s, by William Cook. Gentle and friendly the Orpington is available in 4 recognized varieties which are Buff Orpington, Blue Orpington, White Orpington, and Black Orpington. Developed to be a dual-purpose chicken breed, the Orpington gains weight fast, has good egg […]
I find myself blessed with an abundance of fresh eggs. While I do enjoy sharing these golden gems with my local community, I also want to make the most of what my farm is providing me. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey exploring the diverse possibilities of using eggs in the kitchen. […]
I’ve had my fair share of surprises and challenges when it comes to caring for my feathered friends. Recently, I noticed something unusual – one of my chickens threw up clear liquid. Concerned and curious, I set out to understand the reasons behind this behavior. In this article, I will explore the possible causes of […]
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, providing fresh eggs and a sense of self-sufficiency. However, keeping chickens is also a responsibility that requires attention and care. One essential aspect of chicken care is protecting them from predators. Losing even one chicken to a predator can be a devastating experience, not only because it means […]
If you’re a chicken owner or simply an egg enthusiast, you might have wondered what time of year do chickens lay eggs. While most people think of egg production as a year-round activity, the truth is that there are certain times when chickens lay more eggs than others. Understanding the factors that influence egg production […]
Have you ever thought about raising chickens in your backyard? Many people are discovering the joys and benefits of keeping a flock of feathered friends at home. Not only do chickens provide fresh eggs and meat, but they also make great pets and offer a sense of self-sufficiency that is hard to come by these […]
Have you ever wondered why some people wash their fresh chicken eggs, while others don’t bother? Well, washing your eggs is actually an important step to ensure they are clean and safe to eat. When a chicken lays an egg, it passes through its cloaca – the same opening used for excretion. This means that […]
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. These small and colorful birds are native to Australia and have been kept as pets for over a century. They are social creatures and thrive on attention from their owners. Budgies make great pets for both adults and children, […]
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes can help ensure that your flock remains healthy, productive, and happy. When I first started incubating eggs, I didn’t realize the importance of humidity control. I didn’t add enough water to the incubator and had a […]
If you’re a backyard chicken owner, then you know how important it is to maintain the health and wellbeing of your flock. One way to do that is by providing them with high-quality bedding material such as hardwood chips. Not only are they natural and sustainable, but they offer several benefits to your chickens. Firstly, […]
Building a coop from scratch can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not a DIY expert. That’s where prefab coops come in: they’re prebuilt, easy to assemble, and can save you a lot of time and effort. But with so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one for your […]
If you’re a proud owner of chickens, you know how important it is to keep them safe and secure. A chicken coop lock may seem like an unnecessary accessory, but it’s actually crucial for your birds’ well-being. Not only does the right lock keep predators out, but it also keeps your chickens from wandering off […]
Mice are common pests that can be found in many places, including chicken coops. One of the main problems with mice in a chicken coop is that they can get into the chicken feeders and contaminate the feed with their droppings and urine. This can lead to illnesses in your chickens and even death if […]
Recently, I came across a game-changer in chicken care—the WiFi chicken feeder. This modern marvel has transformed the way I feed and interact with my chickens. In this article, I will share my personal experience with the WiFi chicken feeder and explore its many benefits. So, let’s delve into the world of automated chicken feeding […]
Eggs are a versatile ingredient in many recipes, but they can also spoil quickly if not stored or handled properly. Rotten eggs can cause food poisoning and other health problems, so it’s essential to know how to identify them before using them in your cooking. One of the most obvious signs of a rotten egg […]
First, let’s clarify what a “meat chicken” is. It’s a chicken breed that has been selectively bred for meat production, also known as broiler chickens. These chickens grow much faster than other chicken breeds, reaching their market weight of around 6 pounds in just six weeks. By comparison, a heritage breed chicken can take up […]
The idea of humans laying eggs may sound intriguing, but is it actually possible? The answer is no. Unlike birds, humans do not have the necessary biological structures to lay eggs. To understand why humans cannot lay eggs, we need to take a closer look at the female reproductive system. The Female Reproductive System The […]
Egg-laying chickens are an essential part of the food production industry, providing us with a steady supply of eggs. Eggs are not only a versatile ingredient in cooking, but they are packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals. They are an important source of nutrition for humans worldwide. In addition to their nutritional value, […]
I know how important it is to give them the right nutrition. Feeding your chickens a well-balanced diet is key to ensuring they lay healthy and tasty eggs. While there are plenty of commercial feeds available, I prefer to make my DIY feed recipe for egg layers. Here is my “tried and true” recipe, along […]
You may be wondering about the noises your little ones make. One common question is whether chicks chirp for attention. In short, the answer is yes, but there could be several reasons why your chick is chirping loudly. Hunger or Thirst Chicks can chirp due to hunger or thirst. Like any animal, chicks have basic […]
If you’re a chicken enthusiast, you might be familiar with the term “sexlink”. A sexlink chicken is a hybrid breed that is created by cross-breeding two different breeds of chickens. In the case of a red sexlink, they are usually created by crossing Rhode Island Reds or New Hampshire Reds with either White Plymouth Rocks […]
When it comes to owning chickens, there are many breeds to choose from. However, one breed that should not be overlooked is the New Hampshire red chicken. This bird has a rich history and unique traits that make it stand out from the rest. The New Hampshire red chicken is a breed that was developed […]
Keeping chickens in your backyard is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why – fresh eggs, entertainment, and a sense of self-sufficiency. However, before you start building your chicken coop and buying chicks, it’s essential to know the legal limits on chicken ownership in your area. Failing to abide by these limits can […]