Right before spring each year, there is a fever that goes around. It is a disorder that comes with many symptoms including extreme anticipation. It is an illness that can lead to an infatuation with “fluffy butts.” Chick Fever is a real thing, it afflicts…
Eggs become more valuable in the winter as production slows down due to shorter days. With fewer eggs in your nest box, you don’t want any to go to waste. But with many of us leading busy lives, frozen eggs can happen by the time…
Tis the season for sending Christmas cards, baking cookies, and wrapping up gifts for those we love. I know many folks out there not only buy gifts for their human family, but pamper their pets this time of year too. While your dog and cat…
Does it look like a pillow just exploded in your coop? Does you hen look like a pin cushion? Relax, your flock is just molting! Molting? Yup and it’s a natural and vital part of being a happy, healthy chicken! You see chicken’s feathers are…
I’d like to say that this was the first time I had ever dealt with an egg bound animal, but I can’t. Being egg bound is not a common thing, but it can and does happen from time to time. Being egg bound can happen…
When it comes to raising chickens, sooner or later, you’re going to get a broody one. As with all living things, there is an inner drive to reproduce, and chickens are no different. And when a hen decides she is going to raise her some…
The other day my hubby asked me what colors chickens see. I know, we have odd conversations around here. I knew they could see colors pretty well, but before giving him my “final answer,” I did a little research. I mean, come on, he may…
At the beginning of the year, I was contacted by a UK publication about writing an article for them. They were looking for around 2,000 words and 6 to 8 original photographs to accompany the piece. The topic? Backyard chickens! They wanted me to inspire…
Raising chickens can be a rewarding and sometimes magical adventure. There is nothing like getting your first egg! When a hen first starts laying her eggs tend to be on the smaller side as her hormones and body figure out the whole egg laying process….
When you have livestock, predators will show up. This is true for backyard poultry. Just because you might live in a nice little subdivision or within the city limits, trust me, predators are lurking. Some you may see, like the neighbor’s cat, but many will…
In recent year, many folks have taken more of an interest in where their food comes from and the quality of that food. This phenomenon can be seen in the increase of backyard chicken keeping. There is nothing like collecting your own eggs! You know…
Chickens are adorable as chicks, but then they quickly grow up into roos or egg laying machines. Then one day *POOF* they start dropping feathers everywhere! Usually around 18 month of age a chicken (and you) will experience their first molt. This is a natural…
You might remember that earlier this month we were in the Purina First Egg Happy Dance contest, which we won (thanks to all who voted.) Besides winning chicken feed, we had the chance to get to know one of the other entrants in the contest and…
When it comes to backyard chickens and collecting eggs, no one wants to get an egg with dirt or worse, poo, on it. But how do you keep your eggs from getting soiled? It’s really simple and easier then you might think! It is all…
Summer is here and the heat is on. Chickens do not do well in heat! In fact, heat can be downright dangerous for your chickens. We live in Michigan and let me tell you, going from negative digits in the winter to over 90 in…
