Author Archives: James Polystead

Designing an ideal chicken coop interior is not just about providing shelter for your feathered companions; it’s about creating a nurturing environment that promotes their well-being and encourages optimal egg production. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key elements and considerations for designing an interior chicken coop that will keep your hens happy, […]

Chia seeds have been gaining popularity in recent years as a superfood due to their many nutritional benefits. These small black or white seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They have become a popular ingredient in smoothies, yogurt bowls, baked goods, and other healthy recipes. But Can Chickens Eat Chia Seeds? […]

If you’re a chicken owner, you’ve likely heard the term “molting” thrown around. But what exactly is molting? In short, it’s the process of a chicken shedding its old feathers and growing new ones. Molting is a natural occurrence for chickens and typically happens once or twice a year. Identifying when your chickens are molting […]

As a chicken owner, you know how important it is to keep your flock safe from predators. But what if you need to move them around your property or take them on the road? That’s where a temporary chicken fence comes in handy. Unlike permanent fencing, temporary chicken fences are designed to be easy to […]

Are you a backyard poultry enthusiast looking for the ideal chicken coop to keep your feathered friends safe and happy? Look no further than the Tucker Murphy Pet Chicken Coop! This high-quality coop is designed with comfort and safety in mind, providing your chickens with a cozy and secure home. A Cozy Home for Your […]

It can be concerning to see one of your birds suddenly fall over or struggle to walk. While there can be a variety of reasons for this behavior, it’s important to understand the potential causes and take appropriate action to keep your chickens healthy and happy. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss the common reasons […]

You may have wondered whether your hen can lay eggs without a rooster. It’s a common question, and the answer is yes, hens can lay eggs without mating with a rooster. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind egg production, the role of roosters in fertilization, and the reasons why a hen may […]

Chickens strutting through urban and suburban neighborhoods have become an increasingly common sight across the United States, including the great state of Illinois. As people seek more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles, the trend of backyard chicken keeping has soared. No longer limited to rural areas, raising chickens has taken root in bustling cities and quiet […]

If you’re looking to start your own backyard chicken flock or add to your existing one, you’re not alone – the demand for chicks has been steadily increasing in California and beyond. As more people seek to become self-sufficient and as organic and locally sourced food becomes increasingly popular, many individuals are turning to raising […]

When it comes to raising chickens, providing them with the right diet is essential for their health and well-being. While commercial feeds can provide adequate nutrition, many chicken owners prefer to supplement their birds’ diets with fresh greens. This is where choosing the right grass comes in – grasses can provide a range of nutritional […]

I understand the importance of knowing how many of my birds might not make it to maturity. When it comes to raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens, there seems to be a lot of uncertainty about how many of them will die during the raising process. In this article, I’ll explore some of the experiences of […]

Keeping chickens warm during cold weather is crucial to their survival and overall health. Chickens are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures, but they do require some additional care and attention when the temperature drops below freezing. Failure to keep chickens warm can result in health problems, decreased egg production, and even death. During the […]

If you’re familiar with raising chickens, you might have heard of bantams. Bantam chickens are a smaller version of their standard chicken counterparts, coming in at about half the size. These little birds have been around for centuries and were originally bred in Asia as decorative birds to be kept in gardens or as pets. […]

It’s a question that has puzzled farm enthusiasts and poultry lovers for ages – can hens crow like roosters? While many may assume that all chickens have the ability to make the iconic cock-a-doodle-doo sound, the truth is much more complicated. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind crowing, why roosters do it, and […]

The domestication of chickens goes back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. Over time, these birds have been bred for specific purposes, such as meat or egg production, and different breeds were developed to suit these needs. In the 19th century, formal breeding programs began to emerge with the […]

Keeping chickens is a fun and rewarding experience that requires a lot of care and attention. As responsible chicken owners, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our feathered friends are getting the right nutrition they need to stay healthy. While many fruits, vegetables, and herbs are safe for chickens to eat, not all flowers […]

As a chicken owner, one of the most important aspects of caring for your flock is providing them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. This is where chicken roosts come in. In this article, we will explore the different types of chicken roosts available and provide you with some creative ideas to help […]

If you are planning to keep 50 chickens, you will need a coop that is large enough to accommodate them comfortably. In this article, I will share with you some of the best chicken coop plans for 50 chickens. Before we dive into the plans, it is important to note that the size of your […]

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating realm of these charming structures that provide a safe and comfortable habitat for our beloved feathery friends. Let us embark on a journey where we explore the definition and purpose of a chicken coop and unravel the myriad advantages of using cedar wood in their construction. […]

If you’re in the market for hardware cloth, you might be wondering where to find the best deals. As someone who has been through the process of purchasing hardware cloth myself, I can tell you that there are a variety of options available. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most […]

Are you wondering how much feed a meat bird needs to consume throughout their lifetime? Or perhaps you’re curious about the cost of feed per pound or kilogram? As someone who raises chickens, I can assure you that these are important questions to consider. Not only does the amount of feed impact the growth and […]

Living in Tennessee, we have the pleasure of enjoying relatively mild winters, but the chilly temperatures can still take a toll on our egg-laying hens. I understand the importance of finding the best breed of layer for the winter months to ensure a steady supply of eggs year-round. After extensive research and consulting with poultry […]

Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional chicken farmer, your top priority should always be to protect them from predators, theft, and other potential dangers. After all, your chickens are vulnerable creatures that rely on […]

If you’re a chicken owner, you know that egg-laying is a critical aspect of raising healthy, happy birds. Fresh eggs are not only nutritious and delicious, but they can also provide an extra source of income if you sell them to others. However, many people believe that egg production is solely dependent on the breed […]

If you love chickens, you might be wondering if it’s possible to keep different breeds together. After all, there are so many beautiful and interesting breeds out there, and it seems like a waste to only have one kind in your coop. However, before you start mixing and matching, there are some important factors to […]

Incubating eggs is an exciting experience, especially for first-time breeders. Watching the eggs hatch and the chicks emerge is a fascinating process that requires utmost care and attention. However, it can be overwhelming when an unforeseen circumstance like a power outage occurs. This happened to me, and I found myself asking the question, “How long […]

One of the important considerations when starting a flock is whether to get vaccinated chicks or not. Vaccination can help protect your flock from various diseases, including Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and others. But the question arises, do all hatcheries vaccinate before they ship? In this article, I will discuss my personal experience with ordering chicks […]