Before your baby chicks arrive, you should have the basics ready to go: a warm brooder, bedding, a chick feeder, a chick waterer, chick starter feed, and clean water.
Not every chicken breed is a great fit for a small backyard coop. If your setup is more cozy than sprawling, breed choice matters. Smaller birds usually need less room, eat less feed, and can be easier to manage in tighter backyard spaces.
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 »
One of the many perks of raising backyard chickens is collecting fresh eggs straight from the coop. During peak laying season, you may even end up with more eggs than you know what to do with. When that happens, you may even lose track of how long you’ve had certain eggs. It’s important to know… Read more »
With egg prices soaring in recent months and showing no signs of going down, backyard chicken owners have a distinct advantage. You get to enjoy fresh daily eggs and have the opportunity to maximize their use and value. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your eggs in 2025, ensuring nothing… Read more »
We’re only a few weeks out from the beginning of spring. And with the change of the season comes spring cleaning. For backyard chicken owners, the coop should very much be a part of that process each year. Refreshing your coop not only keeps your chickens healthy and happy, but also ensures that your backyard… 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 »
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 »
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 »
With the official start of autumn just days away, it’s important for new backyard chicken owners to know that this change in season will bring a new set of considerations. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drops, you’re going to have to prepare your flock for the cooler months ahead to ensure their… Read more »
Integrating backyard chickens into your homestead can be a delightful addition to your ecosystem. But it’s absolutely vital to understand which animals will make good companions for your chickens and which might create tension. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining the peace and health within your backyard habitat. This guide will outline how chickens interact… Read more »
One of the best reasons to keep backyard chickens is the plentiful supply of fresh eggs they’ll provide you with. Sometimes, however, you might get more than you bargained for and end up with more eggs than you know what to do with. Instead of wasting these delicious eggs, here are some creative and practical… Read more »
Investing in backyard chickens can be such a fulfilling experience. If this is your first summer with these special creatures in your care, you’re in for a lot of fun and excitement. But once the weather really starts to heat up, you’ll need to adjust your care routines to ensure your feathered friends thrive in… Read more »
As the chill of winter thaws into the warmth of spring, it’s an ideal time for backyard chicken keepers to perform a thorough check-in with their feathered friends. Spring symbolizes renewal in nature, so this is a crucial opportunity to ensure the health and well-being of your chickens after the long winter months. Here are… 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 »
In the coldest of winter months, it’s easy to begin to worry about the well-being of our feathered backyard friends. Chickens are surprisingly resilient creatures, well-equipped by nature to withstand cooler temperatures. However, as a caring chicken owner, you can take steps to ensure they stay comfortable and healthy through the winter. Let’s explore how… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
As the end of summer approaches, it’s time for a backyard flock health check. Making sure your chickens are ready for the fall can ensure they transition smoothly into the cooler months. Here’s a checklist to help your chickens face autumn in good health. Health and Nutrition Molting often starts at the end of summer…. Read more »
Summer can be a challenging time for backyard chickens. High temperatures and increased activity can lead to dehydration if not managed correctly. One essential factor in keeping your flock healthy and happy during the summer months is ensuring they have plenty of fresh, clean water. Let’s explore some tips for keeping your chickens well-hydrated this… Read more »
Raising healthy backyard chickens requires understanding their dietary needs. Different stages of life require different types of feed, so let’s delve into the chicken nutrition basics and break down what you should be feeding your flock at each stage of their lives. The First Days: Baby Chicks When chicks first hatch, they need a diet… Read more »
So, you’re ready to introduce some new feathered friends to your existing flock. That’s eggs-citing news! But we know it can also be a bit daunting. Chickens have a specific social structure – often referred to as a “pecking order” – and adding new birds to the mix can shake things up. But don’t worry,… Read more »
Ever wondered how to give your flock more space to roam while keeping them safe from predators? If so, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re guiding you through the process of building your own chicken run – a must-have for any chicken owner who values the happiness and health of their feathered friends. Why… Read more »
Most chickens don’t have feathers on their feet, but not all! These feather footed chickens are a sight to behold, and they’re a great addition to any backyard flock. Nevertheless, they do need different kinds of care. Here, we discuss everything you need to know about your feather footed chickens and how best to care… Read more »
When starting a backyard flock, many people buy chicks and raise them into full-grown adult chickens. While this is an excellent way to start your backyard flock, it’s not the only way. You can also buy pullets. Chicken pullets are female chickens under one year of age. They’re typically 6-9 weeks old when they’re shipped,… Read more »
With the temperatures starting to drop, your main concern will be keeping your chickens warm and comfortable. But you should also worry about their water. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s possible that some of your chickens’ water will start to freeze. Here are a few ways to prevent that: Rotate the water… Read more »
When it gets hot in the summertime, you can retreat inside your air conditioned home or gulp down a bunch of ice-cold water to beat the heat. But unfortunately, your chickens aren’t able to do the same. They have to stay outside where it’s hot, and if you’re not careful they can overheat due to… Read more »
Storing chicken feed isn’t something that a lot of chicken owners put much thought into, but it matters more than you think. By not properly storing your feed, it can grow stale or moldy, and it can even be eaten by rodents or predators. In order for your chickens to be happy and healthy, they… Read more »
The life of a backyard chicken owner means always thinking a few steps ahead. While we may still be in the midst of summer, we also have to start thinking about the upcoming season–fall. Autumn is a time for pumpkins, falling leaves, and Thanksgiving dinners. It’s also the time for chickens to start molting. Every… Read more »
Earlier in the year, we discussed how best to take care of your chickens during the cold, winter months. But now that the temperatures are rising, we must turn our attention to the coming summer months. Summer, just like winter, brings its own host of challenges when caring for your backyard flock. As such, preparing… Read more »
Many chicken owners are concerned with keeping their flock out of their gardens, but what about a garden specifically for your flock? Chicken gardens are becoming a popular way of feeding a flock and keeping that flock healthy. Not only will it help keep your chickens fed, but it’ll also help you save money on… 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 »
Under normal conditions, a chicken’s life expectancy is about 8 years. However, there are a whole host of factors that can impact how long your chickens will live. While predators and diseases are obvious factors, there are other, less obvious factors, that can determine the length of your chicken’s life. Here are just a few: … Read more »
The crow of a rooster at sunrise is one of the most well-known phenomena on earth. To some it can be charming, but for others it can be frustrating to lose those extra hours of sleep. However, while we all know that roosters crow in the morning, why, exactly, do they do so? Turns out,… Read more »
For some people, owning one or two chickens in their backyard is all they need to be happy. For others, however, the more the merrier! While you can certainly keep buying hens from Chickens for Backyards, there is a special joy in breeding chickens yourself. Not only will this increase the numbers in your flock,… Read more »
You step out into your backyard and you notice feathers all across your lawn. Your immediate reaction is panic. Did a predator come into the coop? Did your chickens have a fight? While the situation may seem scary, it’s not always a reason to panic. There are many reasons why your chickens might be losing… Read more »
At Chickens for Backyards, we offer fertile hatching eggs as well as incubation kits to our customers who are interested in mothering eggs themselves. Keep in mind, however, that motherhood can be tough, for chickens and humans alike, and if you’re new to raising backyard chickens, you may be unsure how to start incubating your… 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 »
We like to think we’re the only ones watching out for our chickens and that once they’re on our property; it’s just us and them. Unfortunately, there are many animals in the wild that are just waiting for a moment to strike at chickens, especially skunks. Other Chicken Predators Coyotes Raccoons Badgers Bobcats Cats Snakes… Read more »
Hens sometimes go through phases where they will “refuse” to lay eggs for a period of time. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re raising chickens for the sole purpose of having fresh eggs at home. There are several different reasons that hens might suddenly stop laying eggs and Chickens for Backyards has some… Read more »
Consumers are constantly bombarded with labels like “No hormones” and “No additives” on packages of chicken, but what exactly do all those designations mean? The National Chicken Council (NCC), the oldest and largest national organization in the U.S. representing the broiler chicken industry, is working to clear up some of that confusion by issuing new… Read more »
There are a number of good reasons to raise your own flock of chickens. Chickens can provide you and your family with a fresh supply of eggs. They can also be kept as pets. But regardless of why you ultimately decide to raise chickens, you should ask yourself a few questions before you do, just… Read more »
A broody hen is a hen that becomes obsessed with sitting on her eggs until they hatch, even if they’re not fertilized. While this might seem like a positive behavior on the surface, it’s not good if the hen keeps you from collecting unfertilized eggs. Broody hens can become very aggressive if you attempt to… Read more »
