If you haven’t encountered it, vent gleet (Cloacitis) is essentially a yeast infection that impacts the vent area of chickens. This condition resembles a condition humans might know as thrush, affecting the birds’ digestive and reproductive systems. An inflammatory condition affecting the cloaca—the common exit area for the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts—in birds, particularly … Read more
Vent gleet (Cloacitis), often a misunderstood or ignored chicken-raising issue, deserves some attention. It’s not just a nuisance—vent gleet can be a serious health problem for your hens. Vent gleet is a fungal infection that affects the bird’s vent, the area where eggs and waste exit the body. Caused by an imbalance in the natural … Read more
Hens will reduce egg laying in winter, and it’s not just because of the cold. The fewer daylight hours make the difference, as hens rely on light to regulate their laying cycles. Typically, a hen needs about 14-16 hours of light daily to maintain regular egg production. So when winter hits and daylight drops, egg … Read more
Winter can be challenging for your chickens. As temperatures drop, their nutritional needs change, and finding the right balance is key to keeping them healthy. Trust me, I’ve been through my fair share of frosty mornings, and the old saying holds true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One major issue … Read more
Proper ventilation during winter is crucial for keeping your chickens healthy and happy. It’s a bit more complex than just opening a window here and there. Having the right airflow prevents a range of issues, from frostbite to respiratory problems. In the photo, you can see the perfect ventilation spot at the peak of the … Read more
Are chicken gymnasiums the next hot item in your winter chicken coop? Probably not, but a diversity of items in the coop can help keep your birds from getting bored and provide ways for them to keep away from each other. Winter can be a challenging time for your flock. Understanding the specific hurdles chickens … Read more
Winter can be tough on your chickens, even tough chickens, and prepping for it isn’t something to overlook. Cold weather brings its own set of challenges, from dropping temperatures to potential moisture buildup. Knowing what you’re up against helps you plan better. Chickens aren’t too different from us; they feel the cold, too. Even if … Read more
Frostbite in chickens happens when their skin and tissues freeze. It’s like when your fingers get painfully cold, but chickens can’t pop inside to warm up. Usually, it starts on their combs, wattles, and feet because these parts don’t have as much feather protection. The anatomy of a chicken plays a big part in this. … Read more
Are you looking to live off the grid or cut down on energy bills? How will you keep your chickens comfortable? Keeping your chickens warm without electricity is totally doable and can even be fun! Here’s how. First, a side note: Chickens acclimate very well as the cold weather comes on. Molting in autumn ensures … Read more
Imagine you wake up on a freezing winter morning. You look out the window, see the frost covering everything, and think about your chickens outside. If you’re like me, a few thoughts run through your mind. How cold was it last night, and what time did it get cold? Was it cold enough to freeze? … Read more