Tag: backyard chicken care

If you are building a backyard flock, it is completely normal to wonder whether different chicken breeds can live together without turning into accidental crosses.

Owning backyard chickens doesn’t mean you have to give up travel or long weekends away. It just takes a little planning and prep to make sure your flock stays healthy, safe, and comfortable while you’re gone. Here are a few key things to consider before packing your bags: Find a Reliable Chicken Sitter The most… Read more »

So, you’ve decided to raise chickens in your backyard. Well, caring for these animals is not just about the coop and feed. It’s about creating an outdoor environment where your flock can thrive. Designing a chicken-friendly landscape can help ensure your birds stay healthy, happy, and safe while also maintaining the beauty and functionality of… Read more »

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 »

Molting season can be a stressful time for chickens and caretakers alike. As feathers fall out and new ones begin to take their place, your flock’s nutritional needs will begin to shift. It’s up to you to give them the right diet to support heathy feather regrowth and keep their energy up during this demanding… Read more »

Raising backyard chickens means you’ll often end up with a lot of eggs. That means you’ll also ends up with a lot of eggshells. Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can get creative and resourceful. There are plenty of ways to reuse eggshells around the house, the garden, and even for fun projects…. 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 »

Raising backyard ducks is obviously rewarding for adults, but have you ever considered that it can also be great for your children? It’s a surefire way to teach them about responsibility, empathy, and nature, helping them to connect with animals in a meaningful way while giving you an extra set of helping hands. Feeding Time… Read more »

One of the best perks about raising backyard chickens is gathering fresh eggs each day. Not only do they taste better, they also offer some real health advantages over the store-bought variety. If you’ve been thinking about keeping chickens, here are some reasons why fresh backyard eggs are worth the effort: Higher Nutritional Value Backyard… 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 »

Spring ushers in warmer temperatures, but it also brings its share of rainy days. For backyard chicken owners, this means taking extra precautions to ensure your flock remains healthy and happy despite the wet weather. Here are few tips to help you support your chickens through the rainy season effectively: Ensure Proper Coop Drainage Good… Read more »

Easter is a time of celebration and renewal. So, what better way to enhance the festive spirit than with your own backyard chickens. Having chickens during this joyful season adds a unique and personal touch to traditional activities. Here are some ways that these feathered friends can make your Easter even more special: Endless Supply… 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 »

With the recent news about egg prices skyrocketing, you may have considered bringing home backyard chickens just for the consistent, fresh eggs they lay. If you’ve been seriously weighing that option, you should know these birds offer so much more than a steady supply of eggs. Backyard chickens can enrich your life and your garden… Read more »

Involving children in the care of backyard chickens provides them with a fun activity while also offering numerous benefits that contribute to their development and well-being. The advantages they gain from learning to responsibly care for an animal are significant. Here’s why encouraging your children to help with backyard chickens is a valuable experience: Teaches… 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 »

As we get fully into the swing of 2025, many people are looking for ways to improve various aspects of our lives. For backyard chicken owners, this year is an excellent opportunity to enhance the care you provide to your feathered friends. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, here are a few… Read more »

The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and festive traditions. Integrating backyard chickens into your holiday celebrations can add an extra layer of charm and a unique flair to your festivities. From fresh eggs for holiday recipes to engaging family activities, here’s how keeping backyard chickens can make your holiday season more special: Fresh… 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 »

Molting season can be a challenging time for backyard chicken owners. It often leads to a decrease in egg production and requires special care to help your chickens stay healthy. That’s part of the reason it’s so important to understand the molting process and how to support your flock during this time. In fact, it’s… Read more »

Raising backyard turkeys is an exciting opportunity that can enrich your understanding of poultry while providing more than a few rewards. Whether you’re hoping for fresh eggs, meat, or simply the joy of watching these magnificent birds roam your yard, preparing adequately before bringing them home is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you get… 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 »

As the chill of autumn begins to set in, it’s essential to prepare your backyard ducks for the colder months ahead. These animals are generally hardy, but they do need some special care as the temperatures begin to drop. Here’s how you can ensure your feathered friends stay cozy and healthy all through the winter:… Read more »

Bringing home backyard chickens for the first time is an exciting first step in a journey that can last for decades. But it’s only natural to stumble along the way when you’re new to the world of chicken keeping. To ensure a smooth start, and a happy, healthy, flock, here are some common mistakes to… 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 »

When you’re a backyard chicken owner, ensuring your flock has a comfortable, clean, and safe environment is crucial their health and happiness. One of the absolutely most important elements in achieving this is choosing the right bedding for their coop. Good bedding will absorb moisture, reduce odors, and help manage waste, making it an essential… Read more »

No matter where you live, chances are you’re going to have to deal with heavy rain at some point. And if you’re a backyard chicken owner, this might cause you some level of panic. You shouldn’t worry too much – chickens can manage in all kinds of weather conditions. There are a few potential minor… Read more »

After a few years of keeping and caring for backyard chickens, you may find yourself wanting to branch out and add a few different breeds to the mix. Integrating waterfowl such as ducks and geese with your backyard chickens can enrich your poultry experience, bringing diversity and new dynamics to your flock. This 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 »

While most chicken breeds can hold their own in the summer heat, there is always the small chance of heat stress. If you live in a climate where the temperatures tend to sore this time of year, it’s important to know that your chickens can be vulnerable to overheating. As a backyard chicken owner, it’s… 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 »

With summer officially underway, we’re in for a few months of sun and warm temps. And with every summer comes at least a few days of extreme heat. If you’re a backyard chicken owner, these are days where you should be extra vigilant with your care. Keeping them cool and comfortable is essential to both… 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 »

As the frost of winter melts away and the first green shoots of spring make their appearance, many of us start to feel the itch for new beginnings. For those considering entering the rewarding journey of backyard chicken keeping, there couldn’t be a more perfect time than spring to start. The season of renewal is… Read more »

Easter marks a season of joy, renewal, and for those of us who keep backyard chickens, an opportunity to showcase the bountiful produce our hens gift us. Beyond just collecting these eggs, Easter gives us a chance to creatively use them in various aspects of our celebration, from cooking to crafting. Here are some inspiring… 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 »

Guinea fowl have a special place in the world of backyard poultry. Known for their distinctive calls and unique appearance, guineas are not just ornamental birds; they offer practical benefits that can enrich the poultry-raising experience. If you’re contemplating adding more variety to your poultry flock, here are three compelling reasons to consider guinea fowl:… 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 »

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, it’s a time for reflection and setting goals. As a backyard chicken owner, your flock’s health and happiness are likely at the top of your priority list. So, why not make some New Year’s resolutions to become an even better poultry parent? Here… 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 »

When you bring chickens into your backyard, you’re signing up for fresh eggs, delightful companionship, hard work, and, yes, a bit of odor management. It’s an undeniable part of the chicken-keeping experience, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few practical steps, you can easily keep your chicken coop smelling fresh and your… Read more »

Chickens are adaptable to many conditions, including most weather. But sometimes the elements get serious enough that you can’t help but be concerned as a backyard chicken owner. Heavy rain, extreme wind, snow, cold, thunder, and lightning can cause certain problems for your backyard poultry. But if you plan ahead, prepare, and act quickly, ensuring… 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 »

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 »

If you’re considering raising backyard chickens, you’ve probably thought of the countless joys this decision will bring you – fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the pleasure of their company. But it’s especially important to consider the effect this change will have on your neighbors. After all, your part of a larger community, especially if… Read more »

As the warmth of summer gradually transitions to the crisp breeze of autumn and eventually the chill of winter, budding poultry enthusiasts might be wondering how to ensure your backyard flock stays cozy, safe, healthy, and comfortable. The good news is it’s totally doable if you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Here are some tips… 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 »

We at Chickens for Backyards think that everyone should experience the joys of raising backyard chickens. But we also understand that many people have concerns about taking the leap into the world of chickens. While many of these concerns are legitimate, just as many are based on myths and misconceptions. That’s why we’re taking the… Read more »

Cuddly, adorable, and quirky, your flock of backyard chickens are more than just pets; they’re family. Seeing your chickens run around in your backyard, happy as can be, is what makes raising them worth it. Of course, a little extra money on the side doesn’t hurt either. From fresh eggs to day-old chicks, there are… Read more »

We all remember going to the doctor’s as a kid and getting our shots. While hardly a pleasant experience, those shots did protect us against a wide variety of diseases, from the flu to the measles. The same is true of chickens. Our poultry needs their vaccinations just as much as we do, though for… Read more »

“Biosecurity” is not a word we throw around very often, but it’s an important concept to understand when you’re raising backyard chickens. It refers to the steps we take to protect humans and animals from infectious diseases. As we have learned from dealing with the coronavirus, viruses can easily travel from animals to humans, and… Read more »

When you begin to raise backyard chickens, you’re bound to make a few mistakes. Nevertheless, for the sake of your flock, you should try your best to avoid these mistakes early on. There are many common mistakes that beginners make when raising backyard chickens, and by being familiar with them, you are more able to… Read more »

Raising backyard chickens can be a thrilling and rewarding experience; it can also be a daunting experience. This is especially the case for beginners who may be attracted to the idea of raising backyard chickens but may not know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help all beginners get… Read more »

Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy a taste of the country life. Raising chickens can help you do just that, but it does come with some problems. Fussy neighbors, lack of space, and city ordinances are all things that you will have to contend with if you plan on… Read more »

Every chicken owner should be aware of possible predators that threaten livestock. As previously discussed on our blog, understanding which animals might prey on your chickens can better prepare you to ensure the safety and security of your property and your chickens. At Chickens for Backyards, we strive to inform chicken owners about possible predators,… Read more »