Tag: chicken feathers

If you are raising chickens for meat, the best breed for your backyard really depends on what matters most to you.

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 »

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 »

Raising baby chicks for the first time is an exciting experience, but once they’ve grown past their fluffy beginnings, it’s time to start thinking about moving them into their outdoor coop. That transition can be a little nerve-wracking, especially for first-time chicken owners. But with a few key steps, you can make the process safe… 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

As summer begins to wane and the days grow shorter, you may notice something peculiar about your backyard flock: your chickens are losing feathers! Don’t panic. This is likely the natural process known as molting. Here’s what every chicken keeper needs to know about this annual occurrence. What is Molting? Molting is a normal part… 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 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 »

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 »

Have you ever wondered what your chickens are saying with their clucks, crows, and squawks? It turns out there’s a whole lot of communication going on in your backyard flock. In fact, researchers have identified more than 24 distinct vocalizations in chicken language. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of chicken communication. A Chicken’s Vocabulary… 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 »

Have you ever stepped outside and seen your chickens rolling around in the dirt? This is your chicken taking a dust bath. While it may look odd, there are actually specific reasons why your chickens take dust baths. What are dust baths? A dust bath is at it seems—it’s when chickens flop and roll around… Read more »

The first signs of fall are typically falling leaves and colder temperatures. But if you’re a chicken owner, those signs will also be accompanied by your chickens molting. While this is a completely normal process that your chickens will go through each year, you may be wondering why it happens. Read on to learn more:… Read more »

As you begin to raise backyard chickens, an obvious question that you may be asking yourself is, “Should I have a rooster?” While roosters can protect your flock from predators, they can also be hostile, causing harm to your flock or to yourself. Here we sort through the pros and cons of having a rooster… Read more »

Chickens, unfortunately, can’t talk. As such, it’s hard to tell what’s on their mind or how they’re doing. If your chickens aren’t feeling well, they can’t tell us, but there will be signs. Here, we go through some of the most common signs your chicken isn’t feeling well so you can get them back to… Read more »

Feather pecking is a common behavior amongst birds, especially backyard chickens. However, it’s not necessarily a healthy behavior. Feather pecking mostly occurs when chickens are bored or stressed, and it can cause harm on their overall health. Here, we discuss everything you need to know about feather pecking so you can avoid it in the… Read more »

Baby chicks are cute, small, and fluffy. It’s no wonder why so many people fall in love with them! But baby chicks won’t stay chicks for long. Just like all of us, chicks grow and mature into adults, eventually retiring as seniors. A lot of things change when a chicken goes from a fluffy baby chick… 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 »

Chickens have many distinguishable features, and among those are their plumes of feathers. These feathers aren’t just for looks; they also provide chickens with protection from the elements and help them fly, to name a few reasons. Understanding how your chickens’ feathers work can help you better take care of them. Read on to learn… 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 »

One of the most frustrating things when raising backyard chickens is chasing after a bird that’s flown the coop. While chickens can’t fly around like a typical bird, they can still use their wings to travel a good distance. This is fine in rural areas where they have lots of space to roam, but it… Read more »

The Silkie chicken stands apart from other chickens. It dates back to the Chinese Han Dynasty in 206BC, its name deriving from its unique black bones. In addition to its black bones, the Silkie also features black skin which is covered by a large amount of fluffy feathers. Silkies are one of the fluffiest chickens… Read more »

“The pecking order.” It’s a term you’ve likely heard before, especially if you’ve ever worked in an office setting. While the phrase has been used to describe the human social order, it was originally intended for chickens, not humans. First coined by Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe, the pecking order is the best way to understand the social… Read more »

A few weeks ago, we discussed everything you needed to know about Bantam chickens. Now, we’re turning our attention to another popular breed of backyard chickens: Cochins. A favorite of Queen Victoria and originally from Asia, Cochins are found in many backyard flocks. If you’re thinking about bringing in some Cochins into your own flock,… Read more »

In the past few years, the Sapphire Gem Chicken has become increasingly popular amongst backyard chicken raisers. However, finding information on this breed—and even finding a place to buy the breed—can be easier said than done. The reason for that is because the Sapphire Gem Chicken breed is not an actual breed at all, but… Read more »

When you first start raising backyard chickens, you’ll likely begin with a small flock of baby chicks. As adorable as these baby chicks may be, they require a lot of care and maintenance in order to grow into full-fledged adults. To do this, you need to be well-prepared for your chicks in the weeks prior… 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 »

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 »

Believe it or not, not all chickens are the same. Some are hardy, others not; some are best for egg production, others for meat. There are even some chickens that have a genetic abnormality that other species do not. Known as chicken tufts, these are found only in the Araucana breed and their descendants. What… Read more »

Coccidiosis is a common disease found in backyard chickens. It’s an intestinal disease that occurs as a result of your chicken ingesting protozoa (specifically those of the genus Eimeria), that is, a microscopic parasitic organism that latches onto the lining of a chicken’s gut, causing it to bleed. It can be potentially fatal to 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 »

A lot of things change when a chicken goes from a fluffy baby chick to a fully-grown, producing chicken. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE VARIOUS STAGES OF GROWTH WHEN IT COMES TO CHICKENS IN ORDER TO RAISE THEM APPROPRIATELY. Understanding the changes of growth will help you better comprehend the science of these birds and will give you… Read more »