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 »
Raising backyard chickens means you’ll often end up with a lot of eggs. That means you’ll also ends up with a lot of eggshells. Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can get creative and resourceful. There are plenty of ways to reuse eggshells around the house, the garden, and even for fun projects…. 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 »
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 »
Involving children in the care of backyard chickens provides them with a fun activity while also offering numerous benefits that contribute to their development and well-being. The advantages they gain from learning to responsibly care for an animal are significant. Here’s why encouraging your children to help with backyard chickens is a valuable experience: Teaches… 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 »
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 »
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 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 »
If you’ve already experienced the joys of raising backyard chickens and are considering adding ducks to your flock, there are some notable differences to be aware of. While ducks share some similarities with chickens, they have unique needs and behaviors that can make caring for them a delightful challenge. Let’s waddle through the main distinctions… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
If you’re considering raising chickens on your property, one of your first considerations should be how much space you’ll need. That will depend on a few factors, including how many chickens you plan to bring home. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the necessary space required to house backyard chickens: Room… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Whether you’re raising only backyard chickens or you have entire farm operation going on, you’ll want to use sustainable practices. There are many ways of doing this, but the more you research, the more you’ll start seeing the term “permaculture.” But what, exactly, do people mean by this? Permaculture is a portmanteau of permanent agriculture… 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 »
Too often, people think that raising chickens is something you can only do out in the country. However, you can get the rewards of raising backyard chickens in urban and suburban environments, as well. But don’t think you can use the same techniques in a rural environment as you can in a city or suburb…. Read more »
When starting a backyard flock, many people buy chicks and raise them into full-grown adult chickens. While this is an excellent way to start your backyard flock, it’s not the only way. You can also buy pullets. Chicken pullets are female chickens under one year of age. They’re typically 6-9 weeks old when they’re shipped,… 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 »
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 »
If you stayed home alone all day, every day, chances are you’d start to get lonely. Our chickens are just the same. Chickens are social animals, and they need other chickens around them in order to be happy. Here are a few reasons why that is: More chickens will keep away predators A single chicken… 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 »
If you’re raising chickens as pets or for eggs, you’ll likely be taking care of them for a long time. As such, you’ll form the most tremendous bonds with your flock. It’s only suitable, then, that you give your chickens names as you would with your cats or dogs! However, naming your chickens can be… Read more »
Chickens can be as finicky as Goldilocks when it comes to their nesting boxes. They can’t be too big or too small, too hard or too soft; they need to be just right for your chickens to use them. Finding this perfect middle ground can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Here we’ve put… Read more »
Here at Chickens for Backyards, we always talk about how beneficial raising backyard chickens can be. Not only can chickens provide a fresh batch of eggs and friendly companionship, they can also be a learning opportunity for our kids. Below are four lessons that your children will learn when they start raising backyard chickens. Responsibility… Read more »
Raising chicks from the moment they’re welcomed into the world can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can be a lot of fun to see baby chicks hatch and mature into full-grown chickens. During their first three to eight weeks of life, baby chicks need to go through a brooding period during which they’ll need… Read more »
When you start raising a backyard flock, you may begin exploring the idea of raising other types of animals as well. If you have ample backyard space, this can be a real possibility. But you want to make sure that your new animals will coexist with your chickens. Below we list out some of the… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
“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 »
Mother hens have a lot of responsibility. Once they start laying eggs at about 4-5 months of age, they will spend most of their lives either producing eggs, caring for their chicks, or both. This line of work is nothing to sneeze at, as it takes plenty of energy to raise and protect baby chicks…. 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 »
Raising backyard chickens can be a thrilling and rewarding experience; it can also be a daunting experience. This is especially the case for beginners who may be attracted to the idea of raising backyard chickens but may not know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help all beginners get… 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 »
There are many benefits to raising backyard chickens. They’re great pets, good educational tools, and they provide you with plenty of fresh eggs. They can also be great for the environment by helping you live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here’s how: Fresh eggs As we said before, having a constant supply of fresh eggs is… Read more »
When raising backyard chickens, you obviously want to keep them safe and healthy. You also want to keep your lawn looking its best. For many homeowners, herbicides and pesticides are used to keep unwanted pests and plants away, but what do you do if you have backyard chickens? Are those same herbicides and pesticides safe… 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 »
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 »
When it comes to raising chickens, there is a lot of work that goes into the endeavor. You have to keep them happy, healthy, and protected. As far as threats come, there can be a lot to watch out for, and that includes environmental pressures, illnesses, and threats that come in the form of predators… Read more »
The large majority of the United States has experienced a massive heat wave over the course of the last few weeks. As an animal owner, extreme temperatures can be worrisome. If you’re hot, it’s highly likely that your animals are too, chickens included. Fortunately, there are easy changes you can make to help cool your… Read more »
Hens sometimes go through phases where they will “refuse” to lay eggs for a period of time. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re raising chickens for the sole purpose of having fresh eggs at home. There are several different reasons that hens might suddenly stop laying eggs and Chickens for Backyards has some… 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 »
There are a number of good reasons to raise your own flock of chickens. Chickens can provide you and your family with a fresh supply of eggs. They can also be kept as pets. But regardless of why you ultimately decide to raise chickens, you should ask yourself a few questions before you do, just… 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 »
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 »
