One of my biggest fears is avian flu. This contagious disease can affect not only my chickens but also other birds and even humans. In this article, I will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about avian flu in backyard chickens, including how it spreads, how to recognize it, and […]
Author Archives: James Polystead
If you’re someone who has owned chickens in the past, you might have an old coop lying around that’s taking up valuable space in your backyard. But what can you do with it? Well, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore different ways to repurpose your old chicken coop and transform it into something new […]
Prepare to delve into the intriguing world of chicken egg shell colors, where each hue tells a unique story. From the timeless elegance of white to the earthy tones of brown, the enchanting blues and greens, and even the rare blush of pink, we are about to unravel the secrets hidden within nature’s vibrant palette. […]
One of the most important aspects of providing a comfortable living space for my feathered friends is ensuring that their nesting boxes are suitable for their needs. However, a common question that arises when building or designing a chicken coop is whether nesting boxes need to be dark. In this article, I will explore this […]
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Chickens do not like sleeping on the ground. Just like human beings who use raised beds, chickens need to sleep on raised bars. These elevated bars are known as roosts and come in all manner of shapes, sizes, and designs. Chickens prefer to relax and sleep on a roost at night because they feel safer […]
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Chickens are prone to intestinal worms, parasites that live in the gastrointestinal system. Chickens pick up these worms if they eat contaminated feed. This is especially in a free-range setting where wild birds and animals leave their droppings. Since they will pick up the worms once in a while, it is prudent to deworm your […]
As a chicken owner, one of the most delightful and intriguing behaviors you may notice is your feathered friends following you around. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that can leave you wondering, “Why do my chickens follow me?” In this article, I will explore the reasons behind this behavior, shedding light on the various factors that […]
For backyard chicken owners, winter can be a challenging time. Cold temperatures and snow can make it difficult to keep chickens healthy and happy. One of the best ways to ensure your feathered friends are comfortable during winter is by covering their run. This simple step will offer protection against the elements and create a […]
When you buy chicken eggs, how do you know if they’re fresh or not? Sure, you can check the expiration date, but sometimes that’s not enough. Luckily, there’s a simple and time-tested method to determine whether an egg is still safe to eat. It’s called the float test, and it involves placing an egg in […]
Chickens, Poultry
Must-Haves for a Small Chicken First Aid Kit: A Guide for Backyard Chicken Keepers.
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Dec
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I know how important it is to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Chickens are prone to a variety of health issues, from respiratory infections to wounds and injuries, and having the right supplies on hand can mean the difference between life and death. In this article, I’ll share some must-haves for a […]
Turkeys, like all birds, are cold-blooded animals. This means that they cannot regulate their own body temperature and rely on external sources of heat to stay warm. Heat lamps provide an artificial source of heat that helps turkeys maintain their body temperature, which is critical for their survival. When raising turkeys, heat lamps are essential […]
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Dec
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As a chicken owner, there’s nothing more concerning than noticing that your beloved chicken is having trouble walking or standing up. It can be alarming to watch your feathered friend repeatedly fall over or refuse to leave its coop. Unfortunately, this is a common problem among chickens and can occur for various reasons, ranging from […]
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Dec
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As a chicken owner, keeping your feathered friends safe from predators is always at the forefront of your mind. From foxes to raccoons, there are a variety of animals that can pose a threat to your flock. However, one predator that you may not have considered is the bear. These massive creatures can easily take […]
If you’re a chicken owner, you might have heard of bumblefoot. This strange condition affects the feet of chickens and can be quite painful if left untreated. Bumblefoot is an infection that is caused by bacteria entering the foot through a cut or scrape. It’s not always easy to spot, but it’s important to know […]
My backyard is a small oasis filled with greenery and a variety of plants. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long day, soak up some sun, and enjoy the fresh air. The air is often filled with birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. I love spending time in my backyard. […]
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Back in their wild days, chickens interacted differently with their surroundings and each other. They lived an active live with different experiences. The wild environment helped them deal with stress. They did not live in closed quarters but ran around free and wild. With the onset of domesticated chickens, stress levels increased due to being […]
Have you ever wondered how restaurants keep their food warm and fresh for hours? Or maybe you’ve found yourself admiring the cozy glow of a heat lamp in the chill of winter. Heat lamps are versatile tools used to produce radiant heat, which can be used for anything from keeping food warm to providing an […]
As an avid poultry enthusiast, I’m constantly on the lookout for unique and captivating chicken breeds. One breed that has caught my attention is the Warhorse Game Chicken. Known for its majestic appearance and impressive athletic abilities, the Warhorse Game Chicken is a remarkable breed that combines beauty and strength. In this article, I will […]
One of the most important aspects of raising chicks is providing them with a safe and warm environment in their brooder. While heat lamps are a popular option, they can be expensive to run and pose a fire hazard. In this article, I’ll be discussing some alternatives to heat lamps for brooders that are safer […]
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Dec
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When it comes to building a chicken coop, choosing the right materials is essential to ensure that your chickens are safe, comfortable, and healthy. One important consideration is the type of roofing material you use. While there are many options available, metal roofing is a popular choice for its durability, strength, and versatility. In this […]
Chickens have become an integral part of human lives. They are reared for meat, eggs, and their feathers. However, just like any other animal, chickens are susceptible to diseases that can prove fatal if not addressed in time. Chicken diseases can have a profound impact on the poultry industry as well as individual farms that […]
As a chicken owner, it’s important to keep your feathered friends safe from harm. One of the best ways to do this is by providing them with a secure and sturdy fence around their coop, run, or free-range area. Not only does fencing keep chickens safe from predators, but it also protects your garden or […]
I’m thrilled to share my experience with you on creating budget-friendly composting bins. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, nourish your garden, and promote sustainability. If you’re like me, a beginner with a limited budget, you’ll find these do-it-yourself (DIY) ideas helpful. Let’s dive right in! The Pallet Box Method One of the […]
One of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods I’ve discovered for repurposing chicken waste is using a compost bin for chicken poop. In this article, I will share my experiences and insights into creating and maintaining a compost bin for chicken poop, explaining its benefits, providing practical tips, and demonstrate why it is a […]
If you’re looking to raise goats in your backyard, it’s important to know what you should feed them. Feeding goats the right diet is crucial for their health and well-being, just as it is for any other animal. As a goat lover myself, I’ve seen firsthand how a balanced diet can make all the difference. […]
Quail eggs are small but mighty, and have long been enjoyed in culinary cultures around the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants to home cooking enthusiasts, quail eggs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique flavor and versatility. Despite being small in size, quail eggs pack a nutritional punch. They are rich in […]
One of the most frequently asked questions among chicken owners is whether it’s safe to fill their water bucket with water from the backyard garden hose or if it’s better and safer to fill it up from inside the home with a faucet that has a filter on it. The answer to this question is […]
As a chicken owner, creating a comfortable and safe living space for my flock is a top priority. That’s why when it comes to choosing a flooring material for my coop and run, I’ve opted for construction sand. However, I’ve been pondering whether to add sand immediately or wait for my chickens to finish eating […]
I can understand the confusion and uncertainty that comes with getting a new incubator and being unsure of what steps to take. Recently, I received a question about whether or not eggs need to be washed before being placed in an incubator. In this article, I will delve into this question and provide some insights […]
Raising chickens can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do you get fresh eggs every day, but these feathered friends also make great pets. However, if you want to keep your chickens healthy and safe, it’s crucial to have a good chicken coop. Why Do You Need a Chicken Coop? Chickens need shelter […]
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I know first hand the challenges of keeping their living space clean. One of the biggest challenges is cleaning up their poop, especially when it’s on concrete surfaces. In this guide, I’ll share my tips and tricks for effectively cleaning chicken poop off concrete, without damaging the surface or harming the environment. Why Clean Chicken […]
In the world of gardening and plant cultivation, the idea of using heat lamps to aid in plant growth has gained significant attention. While sunlight remains the primary source of energy for plants, heat lamps have become a popular supplement, especially in regions with colder climates or limited access to natural light. The concept behind […]
Do you love watching wildlife visit your backyard? If so, you might be wondering what food is safe to offer the majestic deer that occasionally graze in your lawn. Providing a nutritious diet for wild deer is beneficial not only for their health but also for yours. Wild deer require a well-rounded diet to survive […]
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As someone who has raised meat chickens for a few years now, I often get asked if meat chickens lay eggs. The short answer is yes, meat chickens can lay eggs, but the real answer is a bit more complicated than that. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of meat chickens and their […]
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It’s important to provide your birds with a comfortable and safe environment. One key element of a chicken coop is the roosting area, where your birds will spend their nights. When designing your coop, you’ll need to consider how much space is needed between roosting bars of differing heights and between the front roosting bar […]
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Nov
Nov
I love sharing my fresh eggs with family, friends, and neighbors. But when it comes to packaging and selling my eggs, finding affordable egg cartons can be a challenge. Many sources online charge a premium price for a dozen egg cartons, making it difficult to sell my eggs at a reasonable price. After some research […]
It’s no secret that chickens are hardy animals, but the cold winter months can be tough on them. When temperatures drop, their bodies have to work harder to maintain a normal body temperature. This is especially true for breeds that are not cold-hardy. If left unprotected, chickens can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. […]
Parrots are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They are known for their intelligence, colorful plumage, and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. However, what many people don’t realize is that parrots are tropical birds that require a warm and stable environment to thrive in captivity. This is where […]
In order to keep your backyard chickens healthy and happy, they must be fed a regular, nutritious diet. However, feeding them correctly can be a messy and time-consuming task. That’s where chicken feeders come in! These handy tools allow you to provide your feathered friends with the food they need while minimizing waste and mess. […]
Sumatra chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. This breed is also known as the Black Sumatra chicken, and it is famous for its beautiful black plumage with iridescent green and purple sheen. Sumatra chickens have a muscular build, with long legs and tails, and they […]
Pressure canning is a popular method of preserving food. It involves heating food to a specific temperature, then sealing it in an airtight container. This process kills any bacteria or microorganisms that may be present in the food, ensuring that it doesn’t spoil. While pressure canning is often used for fresh produce and other foods, […]
If you’re interested in raising chickens, you may have heard the terms “bantams” and “standard chickens” thrown around. But what do these terms actually mean? Essentially, bantams are a smaller breed of chicken, while standard chickens are larger. Bantams were originally bred for ornamental purposes, rather than for their meat or eggs. They come in […]
If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you know that your feathered friends are valuable members of your family. Not only do they provide fresh eggs, but they also offer a source of entertainment and companionship. However, just like any other pet, chickens can get hurt or sick. That’s why it’s essential to have some basic […]
As consumers, we’re becoming more interested in knowing where our food comes from and how it’s produced. One hot topic that has been circulating for quite some time now is the debate between free-range and cooped chickens. While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand the difference, so we can make […]
The Penedesenca chicken breed originated in the Catalonia region of Spain. These chickens were bred for their meat and egg-laying abilities, but they also played an important role in the regional culture. The people of Catalonia held cockfighting competitions, and the Penedesenca was often used as a gamecock due to their fierce nature and agility. […]
Chickens, Composting, Gardening, Poultry
What to Do with Spent Dirty Coop Straw: Creative Ideas for Recycling and Reusing.
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Nov
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If you’re a backyard chicken keeper like me, you’ve likely wondered what to do with the spent dirty straw from your coop. Instead of simply discarding it, there are numerous eco-friendly options for recycling and reusing this valuable resource. In this article, I will share some creative ideas that fellow chicken enthusiasts have come up […]
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Nov
Nov
One of the requirements when keeping poultry is a nest box. I started without nest boxes. My hens used to lay eggs anywhere they thought was convenient. This led to having soiled eggs since sometimes they would lay them on their droppings. Some eggs would disappear under the litter. By the time I discovered them, […]
If you’re considering adding a rooster to your flock, you may be wondering which breed is the best to have. As someone who has owned several breeds of roosters, including Rhode Island Reds (RIR), I can tell you that each breed has its own unique personality and characteristics. In this article, I will share my […]
One essential element of a well-maintained chicken run is the flooring, and wood chips have proven to be an excellent option. In this article, I will guide you through the process of finding and purchasing high-quality wood chips for your chicken run. Let’s dive in! Understanding the Benefits of Wood Chips for Chicken Runs Before […]
If you’re raising baby chicks, then you know how important it is to provide them with a clean and comfortable environment. A dirty brooder not only looks unpleasant, but it can also pose serious health risks to your chickens. As the chicks grow, they will produce more waste and require more space; therefore, maintaining a […]