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. Let’s take a look at what is molting in chickens and why it happens. If you go out to…
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…
Chickens are a wonderful addition to any backyard homestead, providing eggs and 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 started raising…
A relatively new breed of chicken that has only appeared on the market in the last several years, Golden Comet Chickens are great egg layers, friendly, and curious. Along with their great personalities and attractive appearances, these chickens are also very prolific egg layers. They are also known by several other names, such as Cinnamon…
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…
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…
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…