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
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
A good chicken coop should provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for your chickens. It needs to be secure from predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks, using sturdy materials and possibly burying wire mesh around the perimeter. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and ammonia from chicken droppings, so include windows or … Read more
Egg quality is a hot topic in chicken-keeping circles. It is in mine, that’s for sure. I give away a lot of eggs, and the response is always very positive. A friend recently went on a round-the-country trip in her “van,” and she said one of the challenges of her journey was trying to find … 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
Molting might seem mysterious, and you might feel like your chickens are in danger, but it’s just a natural part of chicken life. Essentially, molting is when chickens shed their old feathers to grow new ones. This process helps them stay in tip-top shape, keeping their feathers strong and healthy. So why do chickens molt? … Read more