Can you raise chickens without a rooster?Yes, and most backyard keepers do exactly that. Hens lay eggs just fine without a rooster. The eggs simply will not be fertilized, which only matters if you want to hatch chicks. Raising chickens without a rooster means less noise, simpler flock management, and fewer potential legal headaches in … Read more
Why should you raise backyard chickens?Chickens provide fresh eggs, quality meat, and high-nitrogen compost for the garden. They eat bugs and ticks, cost relatively little to keep, and are genuinely entertaining to have around. For most backyard keepers, the combination of practical value and daily enjoyment is what keeps them going. Once you have kept … Read more
Are free-range eggs better, and should you let your chickens roam?Free-range eggs from hens that actually spend time outdoors foraging are nutritionally superior to cage-raised eggs, with higher levels of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and lower cholesterol. The USDA definition of “free-range” is loose enough to be nearly meaningless, so the label alone doesn’t … Read more
Chickens cluck when they are content. It is their baseline conversational sound, the vocal equivalent of a flock just going about its day. But clucking is only one small part of a surprisingly rich communication system. Chickens produce a range of vocalizations, and each one means something specific. I have kept backyard chickens for years, … Read more
You’ll be amazed to know that chickens are more than just feathery lawn ornaments. Contrary to popular belief, they’ve got a few tricks up their feathers, capable of learning and understanding in ways that might surprise you. Chickens are often underestimated. Many folks lump them into the “barnyard dullards” category, but this couldn’t be further … Read more
Bringing new chickens into your established flock can feel like a real-life game of chess, and while it’s not rocket science, it requires a bit of strategy. You can’t just toss them in and hope for the best. The social scene for chickens is a bit more complex than it seems. You might think it’s … Read more
The Hen Doesn’t Always Squat for the Rooster. What a Heartbreak for Him.
Have you ever gazed lovingly at your chickens and wondered, “What’s really going on in that social scene?” A whole hierarchy thing is happening, and it’s not just random pecking and clucking. It’s called the pecking order, a fundamental part of chicken flock life. The pecking order is a social contract in chicken society. Imagine … Read more
Chicken spurs are fascinating, but many don’t even know what they are. These pointy projections found on roosters’ legs and occasionally hens are more than just sharp accessories. Spurs are made of bone covered with keratin, similar to your fingernails, and they serve various purposes for chickens. Roosters primarily have spurs, and they use … Read more
Today, I will explain how to tell if your bird is starting to enter the fascinating yet often misunderstood phase called molting. Spotting the early signs can help you understand and care for your chickens during this natural process. The first molting stage is subtle, but staying vigilant will clue you into your bird’s condition. … Read more