Chickens are a wonderful addition to any backyard homestead, providing eggs as well as endless entertainment. Cracking open a golden-yolked egg from your own flock is enormously satisfying. And you better believe that each one of those birds will end up with its own name — and a distinct personality. But how do you get …
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 Rooster? …
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 …
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 …
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 …
If you have more than a few laying hens, you likely give away or sell eggs during peak laying times. We give away dozens at a time in the spring, and people are always shocked to see blue and green mixed in with the more expected white and brown. Blue eggs may look like they …
Baby chicks are so cute! These days, many families are choosing to raise chickens in their backyards. If you are homesteading or starting your tiny backyard farm, raising chicks is something you might need to know about. You may already have egg-laying chickens or maybe planning to get baby chicks for the first time. But …
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 …