If you own chickens, you’ve probably noticed that everything likes to eat them. Predators see chickens as an easy meal and it is our job as their keepers to protect them from wild animals and neighboring dogs. Sometimes, even your own dogs may think that your chickens are a fun play toy. Learning how to …
Sheri Hayden
Probably the most asked question in my chicken group on Facebook, especially in the spring and early summer, is: how do I know if my chick is a hen or a rooster? It’s a complicated question with no clear-cut answers. Let’s get into it… How Do I Know If My Chick Is A Hen Or A …
As a chicken owner, you will inevitably experience a respiratory disease within your flock at some point. Chickens are notorious for respiratory ailments. Today, we’ll look at respiratory diseases in chickens, what causes them, how you can take steps to avoid them, and how to treat them. Respiratory Diseases In Chickens There are several types …
The scaly leg mite is a common parasite found in backyard chicken flocks. Let’s discuss the signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of scaly leg mites in chickens. What Are Scaly Leg Mites? Scaly leg mites (Knemidocoptes mutans) are external, burrowing parasitic mites that live on the legs of chickens. They are round with four legs …
Worms are a common ailment in backyard flocks. As a chicken owner, it’s scary when your babies aren’t doing well. In this article, we will discuss the 6 most common types of worms in chickens, how to detect and treat them and prevent them from coming back. Common Types of Worms in Chickens It’s so …
Do you need a rooster in your flock? I get asked this question a lot in my Facebook group and the answer is not always black and white. There are definitely pros and cons to having a rooster in your flock. Let’s talk about them before you decide. Do You Need A Rooster In Your …
You may notice in the fall that your chickens begin to lose their feathers. This can be alarming if you are experiencing it for the first time, but it is actually a normal occurrence called molting. In this article, we’ll take a look at what is molting in chickens and why does it happen. If …
There is nothing more beneficial to your homestead than a broody hen. Watching a mama hen nurture and raise baby chicks is a joy and an integral part of self-sustainability. As you become more familiar with chickens and you watch your flock grow up, you may notice one or two (or more) of your hens …
When raising chickens you will run into all kinds of different scenarios, health-wise and otherwise. Let’s discuss treating bumblefoot in chickens because it is something you will most likely have to deal with at some point in your chicken-keeping adventure. Bumblefoot in Chickens Guide What is bumblefoot? Bumblefoot, or plantar pododermatitis, is essentially an abscess …
If you are a new chicken owner and have been browsing the various chicken groups online, you’ve probably come across a few discussions on Coccidia in young birds. Let’s discuss coccidiosis in chickens: the causes, treatments, and cures. If you’re new to raising chickens, and want to learn more, this book is a great start! All …