When you’re looking to bring home backyard chickens for the first time, breed is an important consideration. Different breeds have different needs, particularly when it comes to the climate you live in and the space you have available. Choosing the right breed for your backyard environment ensures happier, healthier birds and a more enjoyable experience… 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 »
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 »
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 a backyard chicken owner, you must keep a keen eye on the health of your flock. The summer heat can exacerbate certain conditions, making regular health checks even more crucial. Here are some key areas to monitor during the sunny season. Monitoring for Heat Stress Heat stress is a common issue for chickens during… Read more »
Summer is a season of abundant sunshine and warm temperatures, but for backyard chickens, the sun’s intense heat can pose some risks. A common question that arises is, “Do chickens need sunscreen?” Let’s tackle this query and further explore the sun and heat risks for your flock. Chickens and Sun Exposure Unlike humans, chickens do… Read more »
With the cold weather setting in, you’re likely taking steps to prepare your flock for the months ahead. But if you live in a cold climate, it may be a good idea to get chickens that are built for colder weather. These hardy chickens can withstand tougher conditions than most normal chickens. But which breeds… Read more »
For those of us in colder climates, we’ll soon start preparing for the fall and winter months ahead. As we prepare, so too will our chickens. However, some chicken breeds are better at adapting to the cold than others. Many of these cold hardy breeds have small combs and wattles as well as plenty of… 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 »
Chicken combs are one of the most identifiable parts of a chicken. Nearly all chickens have them, but similar to their feathers or eyes, each is a little bit different. Some chicken combs, for example, are bright-red, while others are black; some stick straight up, while others run along the skull. But what, exactly, do… Read more »
