Chickens mill about in a coop within a backyard

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Backyard Chickens

Maybe you’ve pictured it: waking up to the gentle clucking of hens, stepping into your backyard to be greeted by your flock, and the joy of fresh, home-laid eggs. But before you jump into the world of backyard poultry, there are important questions you need to ask yourself. Ensuring that you are fully prepared for… Read more »

rooster and chickens graze on green grass. Livestock in the village.

End of Summer Check-Up: Ensuring Your Flock Is Ready for Fall

As the end of summer approaches, it’s time for a backyard flock health check. Making sure your chickens are ready for the fall can ensure they transition smoothly into the cooler months. Here’s a checklist to help your chickens face autumn in good health. Health and Nutrition Molting often starts at the end of summer…. Read more »

Chickens, hens and chooks, grazing and eating grass, on a free range, organic farm, in a country hen house, on a farm and ranch in Australia.

Molting 101: Understanding Your Chickens’ Autumn Feather Loss

As summer begins to wane and the days grow shorter, you may notice something peculiar about your backyard flock: your chickens are losing feathers! Don’t panic. This is likely the natural process known as molting. Here’s what every chicken keeper needs to know about this annual occurrence. What is Molting? Molting is a normal part… Read more »

Chicken Health Checks You Should Do in Summer

As a backyard chicken owner, you must keep a keen eye on the health of your flock. The summer heat can exacerbate certain conditions, making regular health checks even more crucial. Here are some key areas to monitor during the sunny season. Monitoring for Heat Stress Heat stress is a common issue for chickens during… Read more »

silkie chickens drinking a bowl of water

How to Ensure Your Chickens Have Enough Water During the Summer

Summer can be a challenging time for backyard chickens. High temperatures and increased activity can lead to dehydration if not managed correctly. One essential factor in keeping your flock healthy and happy during the summer months is ensuring they have plenty of fresh, clean water. Let’s explore some tips for keeping your chickens well-hydrated this… Read more »

chickens sitting on perch underneath a tree

Do Chickens Need Sunscreen?

Summer is a season of abundant sunshine and warm temperatures, but for backyard chickens, the sun’s intense heat can pose some risks. A common question that arises is, “Do chickens need sunscreen?” Let’s tackle this query and further explore the sun and heat risks for your flock. Chickens and Sun Exposure Unlike humans, chickens do… Read more »

chicken at an old farm

Nutrition Necessities: What to Feed Your Chickens at Every Life Stage

Raising healthy backyard chickens requires understanding their dietary needs. Different stages of life require different types of feed, so let’s delve into the chicken nutrition basics and break down what you should be feeding your flock at each stage of their lives. The First Days: Baby Chicks When chicks first hatch, they need a diet… Read more »

A group of free range chickens is protected by a Pyrenees Mountain Dog at the coop.

Ventilation for Chicken Coops: Ensuring a Healthy Environment for Your Chickens

When setting up a chicken coop, ventilation often takes a backseat to concerns about predators or the elements. But proper ventilation is just as crucial for your flock’s health and well-being. Let’s explore why it’s so essential and how to ensure your coop has adequate airflow. Understanding the Importance of Ventilation Ventilation is vital for… Read more »

two chickens in a coop

The Science Behind Chicken Communication: Decoding Clucks and Crows

Have you ever wondered what your chickens are saying with their clucks, crows, and squawks? It turns out there’s a whole lot of communication going on in your backyard flock. In fact, researchers have identified more than 24 distinct vocalizations in chicken language. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of chicken communication. A Chicken’s Vocabulary… Read more »

Free range organic chickens poultry in a country farm

Managing Your Chicken’s Waste: Creating Rich Compost for Your Garden

Chicken owners are always on the hunt for effective ways to manage their flock’s waste. The good news? Chicken manure, rich in nitrogen, is a fantastic asset to your compost pile, turning your chickens’ waste into nutrient-dense compost for your garden. Let’s talk about how you can transform chicken waste into a gardener’s goldmine. The… Read more »