brown chicken on the farm in winter. In winter, two brown hens walk around the farm.

How Backyard Chicken Behavior Will Change in the Cold Weather Months

With the seasons in transition and the colder weather setting in, you have likely noticed some changes in your backyard chickens’ behavior. These are natural adaptations to the colder temperatures and shorter days. Understanding these behavioral shifts can help you better care for your flock during this time of year. Decreased Egg Production Chickens tend… Read more »

A man holds one of his backyard chickens

Why Backyard Chicken Keeping Makes Your Life Better

Backyard chicken keeping has surged in popularity over the years for more reasons than just the steady supply of fresh eggs. The benefits of raising your own chickens go far beyond the breakfast table, enhancing your lifestyle, enriching your gardening experience, and even improving your well-being. Here’s why incorporating backyard chickens into your life might… Read more »

Wild Mallard ducks sitting in lake ice.

How to Prepare Your Ducks for the Cold Weather Months

As the chill of autumn begins to set in, it’s essential to prepare your backyard ducks for the colder months ahead. These animals are generally hardy, but they do need some special care as the temperatures begin to drop. Here’s how you can ensure your feathered friends stay cozy and healthy all through the winter:… Read more »

A small flock of mixed free-range poultry feeding outdoors

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bringing Home Backyard Chickens

Bringing home backyard chickens for the first time is an exciting first step in a journey that can last for decades. But it’s only natural to stumble along the way when you’re new to the world of chicken keeping. To ensure a smooth start, and a happy, healthy, flock, here are some common mistakes to… Read more »

Chickens in a coop

How to Correct Bad Behavior in Backyard Chickens

Taking care of backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, although you might occasionally encounter some behavioral issues. This can come in the form of pecking, bullying, or even unwanted escape attempts. Regardless, it’s important to address these behaviors promptly to help maintain a harmonious coop. Here’s how to correct bad behavior in your chickens… Read more »

A white-brown hen with a big tuft runs fast on the dry grass in sunny summer day

How to Ensure Your Chickens are Receiving Enrichment

If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you don’t need to be told that chickens are intelligent, curious creatures. They thrive when their environment provides opportunities to engage in natural behaviors such as scratching, pecking, and exploring. Enriching your chicken’s environment not only enhances their well-being, but can also promote healthier, more sociable birds. Here’s how… Read more »

Laying white hens in the chicken coop.

What Backyard Chicken Owners Need to Know About Bedding

When you’re a backyard chicken owner, ensuring your flock has a comfortable, clean, and safe environment is crucial their health and happiness. One of the absolutely most important elements in achieving this is choosing the right bedding for their coop. Good bedding will absorb moisture, reduce odors, and help manage waste, making it an essential… Read more »

Free range chicken with colorful fall leaves

What You Need to Know About Autumn as a New Backyard Chicken Owner

With the official start of autumn just days away, it’s important for new backyard chicken owners to know that this change in season will bring a new set of considerations. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drops, you’re going to have to prepare your flock for the cooler months ahead to ensure their… Read more »

Chickens and ducks together in a backyard

What Animals Backyard Chickens Can and Can’t Peacefully Co-exist With

Integrating backyard chickens into your homestead can be a delightful addition to your ecosystem. But it’s absolutely vital to understand which animals will make good companions for your chickens and which might create tension. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining the peace and health within your backyard habitat. This guide will outline how chickens interact… Read more »

Ginger Red Old English Bantam chicks

How Many Chicks Should You Start with When Raising Backyard Chickens?

There’s so much to love about becoming a backyard chicken owner. You become more self-sufficient, you’ll be provided with fresh eggs and natural pest control, and you’ll have the joy of connecting with animals. But before any of that happens, you have some big decisions to make. Perhaps the most important question you’ll have to… Read more »