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
In this article, we will explore the chicken digestive system step by step, focusing specifically on the intestines. Chickens might seem simple, but their digestive process is super intricate. Food travels from the beak, where it’s pecked and swallowed, down the esophagus to the crop, a storage pouch where food softens for digestion. From the … Read more
Vent gleet, also known as cloacitis, is a fungal infection that affects the vent area in poultry. It’s something that often sneaks up on flock owners and can become a real mess if not handled quickly. This condition isn’t picky—it’ll go after chickens, ducks, and turkeys, among others. Understanding what it is and how it … Read more
Vent gleet might sound like a strange term to most, but it’s something to watch for chicken keepers. So, what exactly is vent gleet? It’s a condition that can be caused by yeast, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites, etc. The infection affects chickens’ vent area and cloaca, causing discomfort and potential health issues if not addressed. … Read more
Vent gleet, also known as cloacitis, might sound like a fancy term, but it’s simply an inflammation and infection of a chicken’s vent, the area where they expel waste and lay eggs. It’s essentially a yeast infection similar to those in other animals and even humans. Knowing about vent gleet is super important for anyone … Read more
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