One of the most exciting stages of backyard chicken keeping is waiting for that first egg. As pullets grow, it is natural to start wondering when egg laying will begin and what signs to watch for.
Rare chicken breeds often catch people’s attention right away. They may have unusual feather patterns, striking colors, or unique features that set them apart in the coop.
You also have to consider noise, space, and how your flock fits into the day-to-day rhythm of a suburb or city backyard.
If you are looking for a chicken breed with a lot of personality, Silkies are easy to love. Their soft, fluffy appearance makes them stand out right away, and they are often one of the first breeds people consider when they want a backyard flock that feels a little more personal.
As a backyard chicken keeper, you want your flock to be as healthy and happy as possible. Just like people, chickens can become stressed. When they do, it affects their behavior, their health, and even their egg production. Fortunately, with a little attention and care, we can spot the signs early and adjust support them…. Read more »
When you’re new to raising chickens, you will likely quickly learn that one of their favorite pastimes is rolling around in the dirt. While the chickens having a lot of fun, they’re also an essential part of health and hygiene. That’s where a chicken dust bath comes in: What Is a Dust Bath? A dust… Read more »
As the weather warms up in spring and summer, we all start to spend more time outdoors, but so do pests. Unfortunately, backyard chickens are just very appealing to mites, lice, flies, and even predators. If you want to keep your flock healthy and thriving, you need to stay proactive about pest prevention and control…. Read more »
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed with the stresses and annoyances that come with the work and responsibility of adult life. That’s why it’s important to find something that offers you a respite from all of this. One such option is keeping backyard chickens. These delightful creatures offer far more than just fresh eggs. They… Read more »
The challenge of raising different types of poultry in the same backyard can enrich your home with a variety of birds. But keeping ducks and turkeys together requires some careful planning and management to ensure they can coexist in a peaceful and healthy manner. Here are some tips to help you pull this off: Provide… Read more »
Starting the journey of raising backyard chickens is an exciting time in life. But it’s incredibly important to ensure you have the right supplies is crucial for a smooth start. Whether you’re new to chicken keeping or looking to enhance your existing setup, here are essential items that will help you and your feathered friends… Read more »
Owning backyard chickens is a rewarding experience that also comes with its share of responsibilities. Just like any other pet, chickens require care, attention, and a conducive environment to thrive. If you’re considering joining the growing community of backyard chicken owners or are looking to improve as a poultry keeper, there are a few things… Read more »
Winter is approaching, meaning it’s time to ensure your backyard turkeys are prepared for the cold. Turkeys are resilient, but the harsh weather conditions can still pose significant challenges. Here are 10 detailed tips to help you provide the best care for your turkeys during the colder months: Winterize the Coop Inspect your turkey coop… Read more »
With Thanksgiving approaching, now is a great time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. For those with backyard chickens, there are plenty of reasons to be grateful. Our feathered friends not only enrich our lives with their presence, but also contribute to our households in various meaningful ways. Here are a few… Read more »
With the seasons in transition and the colder weather setting in, you have likely noticed some changes in your backyard chickens’ behavior. These are natural adaptations to the colder temperatures and shorter days. Understanding these behavioral shifts can help you better care for your flock during this time of year. Decreased Egg Production Chickens tend… Read more »
Backyard chicken keeping has surged in popularity over the years for more reasons than just the steady supply of fresh eggs. The benefits of raising your own chickens go far beyond the breakfast table, enhancing your lifestyle, enriching your gardening experience, and even improving your well-being. Here’s why incorporating backyard chickens into your life might… Read more »
Taking care of backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, although you might occasionally encounter some behavioral issues. This can come in the form of pecking, bullying, or even unwanted escape attempts. Regardless, it’s important to address these behaviors promptly to help maintain a harmonious coop. Here’s how to correct bad behavior in your chickens… Read more »
Raising backyard turkeys is a fulfilling, worthwhile venture that can complement your existing poultry keeping or serve as a standalone project. Turkeys tend to be fascinating birds that provide large eggs and more meat than chickens, adding substantial value to your backyard operation. Even if you’re not planning to harvest their meat, they can be… Read more »
Starting the journey of backyard chicken ownership is such an exciting time in your life, filled with both anticipation and preparation. To ensure a smooth transition and a happy, healthy flock, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary supplies before your feathered friends arrive. This can be a stressful process with so many… Read more »
We all want our backyard chickens to live in the best conditions possible. The only way to truly ensure that happens is to be vigilant about maintaining their coops. In fact, it may be your most important responsibility as an owner. When you properly maintain your chicken’s coop, you are ensuring your feathered friends are… Read more »
Embarking on the journey of backyard chicken keeping can be incredibly rewarding, providing you with fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the joy of connecting with your food source. However, like any new endeavor, there are important basics every first-time chicken owner should know to ensure success. Here are ten essential tips to help you… Read more »
As temperatures rise during the upcoming summer months, keeping your backyard chickens cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. Chickens can suffer from heat stress, which can severely impact their health and egg production. Recognizing the signs that the heat is affecting your chickens is essential for taking quick action to ensure their wellbeing. Here… Read more »
If you’ve already experienced the joys of raising backyard chickens and are considering adding ducks to your flock, there are some notable differences to be aware of. While ducks share some similarities with chickens, they have unique needs and behaviors that can make caring for them a delightful challenge. Let’s waddle through the main distinctions… Read more »
Introducing backyard chickens into your family can be more than just an addition to your home—it can be an enriching experience for your children as well. Teaching kids to care for animals fosters responsibility, empathy, and a connection to nature. Here’s how you can transform chicken care from a chore into a fun and educational… Read more »
Raising chickens from baby chicks is one of the most rewarding experiences a backyard poultry keeper can have. Watching these tiny, fluffy balls of energy grow into full-sized hens and roosters is not just fascinating; it’s educational. However, as they grow, chicks undergo several changes, not just in size but in their behavior, dietary needs,… Read more »
Taking the first step into the backyard poultry life can be an enriching experience, especially when it includes raising turkeys. These charming birds, with their distinctive gobble and impressive plumage, require specific living arrangements to thrive. If you’re considering adding turkeys to your backyard flock, understanding their needs is crucial for their well-being and your… Read more »
Raising backyard turkeys can be a fulfilling endeavor, offering benefits beyond just the joy of keeping poultry. While chickens are a more common choice for backyard flocks, turkeys bring their own unique charm and advantages. If you’re contemplating whether to add these majestic birds to your backyard, here are some signs that raising turkeys might… Read more »
Blending a flock of chickens and ducks in your backyard can be a delightful endeavor. While these birds have distinct needs and behaviors, with careful planning and understanding, they can coexist in harmony, adding diversity and joy to your backyard. Here are some insights and tips to help you create a peaceful and productive environment… Read more »
Gathering fresh eggs from your backyard chickens is one of the simple pleasures of raising your own poultry. In fact, it may even be the primary reason you brought chickens to your home in the first place. So, of course you’re going to want to everything you can to support the animals and ensure they’re… Read more »
If you’re considering raising chickens on your property, one of your first considerations should be how much space you’ll need. That will depend on a few factors, including how many chickens you plan to bring home. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the necessary space required to house backyard chickens: Room… Read more »
Deciding to invest in backyard chickens is a fantastic idea for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest payoffs is the consistent availability of freshly laid eggs. They represent a significant improvement over commercial, store-bought eggs and not just because you don’t have to leave your property to get them. If you’ve been contemplating… Read more »
The cool nip in the air, the first frost on the grass, and the reduced daylight can only mean one thing: winter is coming. And for those with backyard chickens, it’s a time when our protective instincts might kick into overdrive. Your immediate thought might be that you need to keep your chickens warm. While… Read more »
The day has finally arrived. You’re feeling anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little nervous—as you prepare to welcome your new feathery friends to their forever home. Bringing home new chickens is an adventure in itself. To ensure their transition is smooth, and they settle in comfortably, there are some key steps you should follow. Here… Read more »
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 »
