Fall can make even an experienced chicken keeper stop and stare at the flock for a minute. One hen looks thin around the neck. Another has feathers sticking out in every direction.
f the number of eggs in your basket suddenly drops when fall arrives, do not panic. Your hens have not forgotten their job, and they are probably not hiding a secret pile of eggs just to keep you guessing. Although that does happen sometimes.
Summer can be hard on backyard flocks, especially once the hottest stretch of the season settles in. Even chickens that handled the early part of summer well can start to struggle when day after day stays hot and muggy.
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 »
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 »
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. So, who says your backyard chickens can’t get in on the fun? This year, include your feathered friends in on the holiday festivities to enhance the cheerful spirit and create memorable moments. Here are some festive ways to celebrate the holidays with your backyard chickens:… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
You’ve built the coop, brought home your flock, and your backyard chicken adventure has begun. Now, as the sun sets, you’re noticing a little problem. Your feathered friends don’t seem too keen on returning to their coop for the night. But don’t worry, this is a common problem and thankfully we’ve got some easy tips… 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 »
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 »
Here at Chickens for Backyards, we believe every child should have the chance to handle and raise backyard chickens. Not only are chickens adorable companions, but they can also be a great learning opportunity. Raising backyard chickens can help kids learn about responsibility and about where our food comes from. However, while there are many… 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 »
Many chickens enjoy being spoiled, and luckily, there are easy ways to spoil your chickens in a healthy way. Like many other animals, chickens will recognize love when it is shown to them, especially when it comes to things like feeding. One of the easiest ways to establish a relationship with your chickens is to… Read more »
We love our chickens, but sometimes, things can get a little stinky. Chicken coops can get smelly, which can be upsetting to both you and your chickens. Thankfully, there are ways for you to reduce coop odors. Read on to learn more: What causes coop odors? Before we get into how to fix a stinky… Read more »
We all want our chickens to remain happy and healthy. A huge part of their overall quality of life is their feed. For many backyard chicken owners, they are torn between using standard chicken feed and organic chicken feed. While organic chicken feed has become popular in recent years, is it truly worth the hype?… 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 »
No matter their age, chickens love food. Providing them with the necessary feed and nutrients will ensure their happiness and their overall health. Yet, feeding your chickens is easier said than done. There are so many types of feed, treats, supplements, and techniques that it can confuse even the most experienced chicken owner. To make… Read more »
Does it feel like your chickens are always looking for something to eat? That’s because they almost always are. If your chickens aren’t chowing down on feed in their coop, they’re probably out foraging for plants and insects to snack on in your yard. One way to keep your chickens happy and healthy is by… 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 »
One of the best parts about raising chickens is gathering the fresh eggs they lay. But every now and then, you might notice that your hens are laying soft eggs, which are also called shell less eggs because—you guessed it!—they don’t have shells on them. Fortunately, you can fix this problem by finding out what’s… Read more »
