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
Is debeaking chickens ethical?Debeaking, or beak trimming, reduces cannibalism and feather pecking in large flocks and is standard practice in commercial egg production. Research confirmed in 1985 that chicken beaks contain sensory nerve receptors, meaning the procedure causes real pain. For backyard flock keepers, there are better alternatives: choose docile breeds, avoid overcrowding, provide adequate … 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
How do you butcher a chicken at home?Fast the bird for at least 24 hours first, then kill humanely using a killing cone and a clean cut to the jugular. Scald the carcass in 140°F water to loosen feathers, then pluck. Remove the head and feet, eviscerate carefully to avoid puncturing the intestines, and rinse … Read more
How do you raise meat birds? Meat birds, typically Cornish Cross hybrids, go from chick to table-ready in 7 to 8 weeks. They need high-protein broiler feed (22–24%), about 3 square feet of coop space each, constant access to feed and water, and minimal exercise. Keep them separate from your laying flock if possible. The … Read more
What are the best chicken breeds for a backyard flock? The best backyard chicken breeds are hardy, friendly, easy to find, and lay at least 200 eggs per year. Top picks include Rhode Island Reds, Red Stars, Plymouth Rocks, Black Australorps, and White Leghorns. All reliable, widely available, and well-suited for small flock keepers. For … 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
Egg cartons are among the everyday items most people toss in the recycling bin without a second thought. But guess what? These little cardboard or plastic trays have loads of creative potential. They’re lightweight, easy to cut and shape, and most importantly, free if you eat eggs regularly. You can add a bit of creativity … Read more
Have you ever been excited about a batch of eggs in your incubator, only to find that the hatch wasn’t as successful as you’d hoped? Maybe you’re new to the hatching game and you’re trying to avoid such pitfalls. Either way, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re going to explore common egg incubation problems … Read more
Are Production Red chickens good layers? Production Red chickens have built a solid reputation in backyard flocks, mostly because they lay eggs like champs. What about their egg production power, their temperament, and if they’re right for your setup? I’m raising these birds in my own flock, so I’ve got some first-hand notes and practical … Read more