It’s always exciting to grow your backyard poultry family, but it’s also a bit of a balancing act. Chickens are creatures of habit, so adding newcomers can stir up the pecking order. With a thoughtful approach, you can make the transition as smooth and safe as possible for both your new additions and the current… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you don’t need to be told that chickens are intelligent, curious creatures. They thrive when their environment provides opportunities to engage in natural behaviors such as scratching, pecking, and exploring. Enriching your chicken’s environment not only enhances their well-being, but can also promote healthier, more sociable birds. Here’s how… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly important to live sustainably. As someone raising a backyard flock, then, you will want to find ways to raise your backyard chickens sustainably. But how can you do that? Here, we provide some sustainable practices you can use for raising backyard chickens. Why Use Sustainable Practices? Before we get… 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 »
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 starting a backyard flock, many people decide to build their own chicken coops. However, not everyone has the time, tools, or skills to do so. Buying a readymade chicken coop is a perfectly acceptable alternative. However, since you’ll be relying on someone else to build it, you’ll need to ensure that it has everything… Read more »
When you start raising chicks, you want to keep them safe and healthy. Unfortunately, chicks are susceptible to accidents. It’s all too easy for them to get injured, sometimes seriously so. Thankfully, you can take steps to prevent these injuries and, if they do occur, treat them. Here, we go through some of the most… Read more »
No matter where you live, predators will always be a problem for your flock. It can be heartbreaking to find that a fox or hawk has killed one of your chickens. As such, it’s always best to be prepared and take steps to protect your flock from predator attacks. While each predator is different, many… Read more »
If your hen doesn’t leave her nesting box and she hisses at you as you get near, then this is a sign of a broody hen. If you’re wanting your flock to reproduce, this may be a good sign, but if you’re trying to collect unfertilized eggs, it can cause trouble. But how do you… Read more »
Feeding chickens can get expensive. But what if we told you there was a simple and easy way to cut down on costs? By planting perennial weeds around your backyard, you can do just that. These weeds are safe for your chickens to eat and will regrow every spring, thus reducing how much feed you… Read more »
Once you develop a bond with your chickens, you should have no problem scooping them up into your arms. However, some chickens will always be intransigent, squirming or running away before you can get your arms around them. If you have a few chickens in your flock like this, here are a few methods on… 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 »
Predators are a threat to your chickens year-round, but they are especially dangerous in the winter and early spring months when food is scarce. However, you and your chickens are not helpless. You can take steps to protect your chickens from predators to ensure that they never have to experience an attack. Know the predators… 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 »
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 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 »
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 »
Our chickens may not be able to talk with words and phrases like us, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a language of their own. Chickens can produce over 24 different types of sounds and call, all of which denote different meanings. Chickens can even combine these sounds to create more complex dialogue with… Read more »
We all want our chickens to have the chance to roam, but we also know the dangers of letting them roam too far. A solution that many backyard chicken raisers have turned to is chicken tractors. These nifty contraptions allow your chickens to stretch their legs without them wandering off and into danger. Learn more… 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 »
As our chickens age, they slow down and gradually stop producing eggs. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still love them. We want to take good care of them but caring for aging chickens is much different than caring for younger ones. After all, senior chickens face more health challenges, ailments, and they require different… 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 »
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 »
You’re settling down into bed, ready to close your eyes for sleep. Then, a thought runs through your head: Did you close the chicken coop door? Panicked, you jump out of bed, run out into the darkness, do a headcount, and then quickly shut the coop door closed. You return to bed, relieved but exhausted…. Read more »
Perhaps one of the most burdensome chores as an owner of backyard chickens is carrying water to the coop. After all, lugging water around is never easy, and the coops are often a good distance away from any water source. A great solution to this problem, though, is a rain barrel system. This is where… Read more »
Raising backyard chickens is something that all people, of all ages, can enjoy. Children especially can get so much out of raising chickens, with hens often becoming close companions. However, as fun as it can be for children to interact and raise backyard chickens, there are risks involved. Chickens are animals, after all, and our… Read more »
There will come a day when your chicks are ready to leave the nest…or rather, the brooder. Moving your chicks from the brooder to the coop is a significant change, and it’s one that will come with some serious adjustments for you, your chicks, and the rest of your flock. It’s best to make this… 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 »
There are many reasons why people decide on free ranging their chickens. Birds are often happier and healthier, and as a result, they produce more eggs and are less likely to get sick. However, while there are many reasons to free range, there are also just as many reasons not to. Free ranging requires regular… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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. Keep them warm This should… Read more »
Whether you live in the city or in the country, if you’re planning on raising backyard chickens you first need to make sure you have the adequate space for them. While chickens don’t need an entire field to roam in, they do need some space in order to leave healthy and happy lives. In that… 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 »
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 »
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 »
While we all recognize that chickens are incredible livestock. It’s important to keep in mind how vulnerable they are as well. Predators of all shapes and sizes target chickens, and we’ve spent a fair amount of time on this blog, detailing the many animals that fall into this category. Today, we’re here to discuss another… Read more »
If you’re starting to raise chickens, then your chickens will need some place to live. A chicken coop is an essential part of raising backyard chickens, providing your flock with a safe and comfy place to lay their heads. It is also an excellent way to get a healthy inventory of eggs that you couldn’t… 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 »
During the day, your chickens probably spend most of their time cooling off in the shade or roaming around your property foraging for insects. Chickens aren’t known for their flying abilities, so they tend to stay close to the ground unless they’re forced to a higher perch by the threat of a predator. But your… Read more »
