Have you ever noticed how chickens undergo a complete makeover now and then? That’s molting for you, a fascinating, natural, and normal occurrence critical for their health. I will help you understand this remarkable process that is as vital to chickens as shedding old leaves is to a tree. In this post, you will learn: … Read more
Would you like to stroll through the winding path of what happens after a chicken pecks at its feed? Cool, let’s go! Chicken organs are similar to humans, with two glaring exceptions—the crop and the gizzard. We’ll discuss that soon. Digestion is complex, and understanding it is beneficial for those who raise chickens and … Read more
Not all soils are created equal. Some consist of too much clay, so drainage is too slow. Others are sandy, so they drain too quickly. Some are too silty, so the texture is not right. The best soil is 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Even if this blend is achieved, the soil’s ability … Read more
I’m Dave. This site is about chickens, and I like them a lot. They are, as I have said before, givers. Where It Started I was born on a farm in upstate New York. A typical dairy operation of its time, with cows, pigs, chickens, and a horse named Golden Girl. My parents sold it … Read more
Let’s talk about incubators for hatching baby chicks. You can find them for sale online or at retail stores. They’re inexpensive, quite expensive, and somewhere in between. The price difference usually reflects the features and the quality of construction that goes into each unit. If you’ve had chickens for a while and don’t want to … Read more
If you want to encourage your chickens to lay more eggs, you must meet three essential factors or conditions. There are more than three, but the essentials are good food, fresh water, and a stress-free environment. Chickens are sensitive creatures, and even minor disturbances in their habitat can influence their egg-laying ability. After a predator … Read more
Can you imagine eating a hamburger, chasing it with a handful of pebbles, and going about your business without giving it a thought? Me neither! Chickens do! Chickens don’t have ready access to hamburgers, but if they eat hard grains like corn or cracked corn, then they need grit. if you feed your chickens straight … Read more
When you are lonely and feeling blue, you naturally go to the coop and seek chicken companionship, and everything is okay, right? Of course not! People need people to feel companionship and security and to cure their loneliness. Are chickens any different? Let’s get into it. Chickens are far more than just barnyard animals; they’re … Read more
When winter winds howl and temperatures drop into the 20s Fahrenheit, it’s comforting to know that your chickens are snug and well-protected in their cozy coop. I want to share ten cozy designs for all of you do-it-yourself people who prefer to know exactly what goes into the construction of your coop and want to … Read more
Ugh! It’s 4:30 AM, and I must go to both coops before my job. It’s dark, and the ground is usually wet, muddy, and slippery in the spring. MY KINGDOM FOR AN AUTOMATIC DOOR, I CRY! If you manage a flock of chickens, you’re well aware of the daily responsibilities that come with their care. … Read more