Tag: chicken keeping

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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 a backyard chicken owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your chickens have a safe and healthy environment to live in. Keeping a clean coop is an essential aspect of this responsibility, as it has a major impact on the health and happiness of your chickens. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent pests, reduce the… Read more »

Have you ever cracked open an egg while getting ready to make breakfast and been surprised by the color of the yolk? If you keep backyard chickens, this has likely happened to you at some point. By now, you’ve realized that the yolks can vary significantly in color. This variation is not just a curiosity… 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

There’s so much to love about becoming a backyard chicken owner. You become more self-sufficient, you’ll be provided with fresh eggs and natural pest control, and you’ll have the joy of connecting with animals. But before any of that happens, you have some big decisions to make. Perhaps the most important question you’ll have to… 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and as a backyard chicken keeper, it’s natural to want to extend this festive spirit to your feathered friends. Decorating your chicken coop can be a delightful way to bring some holiday cheer to your backyard. However, it’s crucial to do this safely to ensure… Read more »

There are a great many tasks you’re responsible for when you choose to invest in backyard chickens. One that is often overlooked is keeping them safe from predators. Even in suburban settings, there are predators that can bring harm to your beloved backyard poultry. With that in mind, it’s important to walk through some simple,… 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 »

So, you’ve decided to venture into the delightful world of backyard chicken keeping — congratulations! It’s a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Before you begin, one of the first and most vital questions budding poultry enthusiasts grapple with is, “How many chickens should I get?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, some factors can guide you in… 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 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 »

When setting up a chicken coop, ventilation often takes a backseat to concerns about predators or the elements. But proper ventilation is just as crucial for your flock’s health and well-being. Let’s explore why it’s so essential and how to ensure your coop has adequate airflow. Understanding the Importance of Ventilation Ventilation is vital for… Read more »

Chicken owners are always on the hunt for effective ways to manage their flock’s waste. The good news? Chicken manure, rich in nitrogen, is a fantastic asset to your compost pile, turning your chickens’ waste into nutrient-dense compost for your garden. Let’s talk about how you can transform chicken waste into a gardener’s goldmine. The… 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 »

As more and more people begin to raise backyard chickens, there will be a lot of information floating around about the business of raising poultry. Unfortunately, some of this information is straight-out false. Here, we will dispel some of the most common misconceptions and myths about raising backyard chicks. Myth: You need a rooster for… Read more »

Permaculture is a holistic approach to designing sustainable systems. It allows you to get more out of your flock and garden with less work and less resources. One of the key elements in permaculture is integrating animals into the ecosystem to create a harmonious and self-sustaining environment. When it comes to poultry, chickens stand out… Read more »

Have you ever been stuck inside for days, bored out of your mind? Well, that’s how your chickens feel in the winter. It’s normal for chickens to get bored during the winter, especially if they’re stuck inside the coop due to bad weather. However, if they get too bored for too long, they’ll start to… 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 raising chickens, it’s important to provide them with appropriate shelter. A chicken coop will do just that, protecting your chickens from predators and the elements, and allowing them to get the rest they need. If a chicken coop is home to your chicken flock, you should make every effort to keep it as clean… Read more »

Making sure your hens are properly fed is essential to keeping them happy and healthy, as well as keeping up egg production. However, did you know that your hens’ dietary requirements change with the seasons? A hen during the wintertime will need different feed and different amounts of feed than they would during the warmer… Read more »

Chickens make great companions and can be wonderful helpers in teaching responsibility and care to kids. Of course, with any animal, some breeds are known to be more friendly with humans. Especially if it’s your first time caring for chickens, it’s never a bad idea to get some that you know have the reputation of… 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 »

A common challenge that many people who raise backyard chickens struggle with is keeping their chickens out of their garden. One day your garden may be fine, but the next you find it trampled and eaten. While some people just decide to get rid of their garden, there are ways for your chickens and your… Read more »

Automatic chicken coop doors are essential components to your chicken coop. They can keep your chickens secure while also providing them easy access to the outdoors. Plus, it saves you time and energy so you don’t have to go outside to let your chickens out every morning. However, many chicken owners have questions about how… 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 »

Adding new hens to your existing flock can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. That’s because while you’re busy diversifying your pre-existing crew, other hens will expect to maintain their coveted spots in the pecking order. So, what’s a devoted chicken owner to do? Abide by the following steps from Chickens for Backyards, and your… Read more »

No matter the size of your flock, poultry netting is always a must. It helps keep your chickens safe by keeping them in your backyard and keeping predators out. However, finding the right kind of poultry netting can be tricky. You don’t want a kind that your chickens or predators will chew through. You also… 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 »

“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 »

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 »

For every person who raises backyard chickens, they will inevitably have to ask themselves the big question: should you or shouldn’t you feed your chickens probiotics? While some people hesitate, probiotics can be extremely beneficial to your chickens. This is especially the case if you’re raising your chickens for meat. Nevertheless, it’s always a good… Read more »

Wintertime can bring a whole host of challenges, especially if you’re a chicken owner. While some chickens are built to withstand the cold, all chickens will still need some protection. As such, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep your chickens happy and healthy throughout the tough winter season. Below is our chicken winter… Read more »

The whole point of backyard chickens is raising them in your backyard. It’s why this method of raising chickens is so appealing, from the city dweller to the country folk. However, chickens are curious by nature, and you may find some slipping away and wandering into your neighbor’s backyard. If you want to prevent your… 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 »

Roosters can bring many benefits to your backyard flock. They can protect your hens from predators while also allowing you to hatch your own eggs. However, there is one drawback: the noise. Roosters love to crow, but that crowing can get out of hand. So, what are you supposed to do? Here we provide some… Read more »

Many people who want to get into raising backyard chickens often hesitate for one reason: their dogs. Dogs and chickens aren’t known to be compatible species, but if dogs and cats can live together, so too can dogs and chickens. With a little training and some care, you can get your dogs and chickens to… Read more »

Raising chickens is not easy work. It requires a lot of heavy lifting—literally—that can take its toll on your body. It’s not uncommon for people to wake up with sore muscles or an aching back, but you certainly don’t want this to become a regular occurrence. After all, taking care of yourself is just as… 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 »

Rooster spurs are the source of worry for every person who raises chickens. While they may not be any harm to the rooster itself, they can be harmful to others, namely the humans and chickens that live alongside the rooster. If you’re raising roosters alongside your hens, then here are some things you should know… Read more »

If you’re a chicken owner, you’ve likely had to spend at least a few nights tracking down each of your chickens before you go to bed. This is hardly how you want to spend your evening, which is why many chicken owners opt for training their chickens to return to the coop on their own…. Read more »

If you’re new to raising backyard chickens, you’re bound to make some mistakes. However, as the temperature turns colder, those mistakes can become dangerous for your flock. We’ve talked about what you should do when caring for your chickens in the wintertime, but there are also some things that you shouldn’t do in order to… Read more »