There is nothing better than getting little chicks. I love listening to their tiny peeps and spend hours just observing their behaviors. They are tiny, fluffy, and usually so sweet! It’s important to enjoy this stage because it doesn’t last long!

Chicks grow into chickens really fast! And if you want happy, healthy hens that will lay plenty of eggs, it’s important to understand each stage of their development and provide the right nutrition and care along the way.

Stage 1: The Chick Stage (0-6 Weeks)

Once the chicks hatch, they enter the chick stage. In these early weeks, chicks are highly dependent on their mother (or a brooder) for warmth, food, and water. During this time, proper care and nutrition are vital for healthy growth. Let me break these weeks down for you. 

Week 1: Chicks are covered in downy feathers and require a heat source. They begin to walk and peck for food. I always use the Baby Chick Care Kit to make sure all their systems get off to a strong start.

Weeks 2-3: Their feathers start to develop more, and they become more active. They begin socializing and establishing a pecking order. This can go just fine or it can get kind of nasty. It’s important to watch for injuries and treat accordingly as they figure out who will be the top hen. 

Weeks 4-6: Chicks shed their down feathers for “teenage” feathers and can regulate their body temperature better. Their diet can be supplemented with grit and more varied foods, but I do this very sparingly. Weeks 1-6, I feed my chicks chick crumble and First Peep. 

Stage 2: The Pullet Stage (6 Weeks – 6 Months)

After the chick stage, the young hens become pullets. This stage is characterized by rapid growth as they begin to mature. It’s an exciting stage because pullets typically start to develop their unique colors and patterns. It’s also during this stage where you would slowly start integrating them into your existing flock if you have one!

This transition takes a lot of patience, but I promise they will eventually all get along. If you want your chickens to be friends with you, it’s important to handle them, give them treats and spend a lot of time with them. There are so many people who don’t understand how my chickens will let me hold them, etc., but it’s because I’ve invested the time into them. And, it’s so worth it for the chicken snuggles! 

Weeks 6-12: Learning the Social Rules

Stronger social behaviors emerge as pullets establish their place in the flock. This takes some babysitting to make sure everyone can play nice. I feed them a grower feed, which supports their rapid development. But, I will say, if you integrate them into your existing flock, they end up just eating the others’ layer feed. It’s tough to separate, but don’t worry. I haven’t had any trouble!

Months 4-6: Prepping for Egg Laying

Pullets will begin the transition to layers. Their bodies prepare for egg production, and they may exhibit nesting behaviors. You will notice they start submitting to you by squatting and staying still when they’re getting ready to lay. It’s so exciting!

Stage 3: The Laying Hen Stage (6 Months & Beyond)

Once a pullet reaches around 6 months of age, she usually starts laying eggs. This is dependent on their breed and health of course.

I will never forget my first egg! It was one of the most exciting days in our backyard! I’m pretty sure the neighbors heard all about it from my excited shouts! Hahaha!

Stage 4: The Mature Hen Stage (18 Months & Beyond)

After reaching 18 months, hens are generally considered mature. They will continue to lay eggs, although production usually starts to slow down as they age. From first lay to around two years is the “prime” laying years for your hens. They will honestly lay pretty solidly through 3-4 years.

Today, I have hens who are almost 7 years old and they have slowed down and almost stopped. But, they will live out their lives in my coop. They have become my pets and I love them dearly!

However, mature hens do require more monitoring for health. Even though they slow down in the laying department, they will remain your flock MVP’s because they keep everyone in line and show the new ones the ropes. I think it’s worth holding onto them if you’re not bound by number restrictions. 

Caring for Your Hens at Every Stage

Understanding the growth stages of a hen allows poultry keepers to provide the right care and management at each phase. By understanding these developmental milestones, you can ensure your flock remains healthy and productive! Whether for eggs, companionship or both, taking care of your hens through their growth stages is worth it and beneficial for both you and your flock!

It’s spring, and for many backyard chicken keepers, that means one thing: new chicks! I usually order mine from Hoover’s Hatchery, but I’ve also hatched my own a couple of times. It’s exciting, fascinating and honestly, a little nerve-wracking! But if you’re up for the adventure, I’ll walk you through how to candle an egg and spot the signs of chick development along the way.

What is Egg Candling?

Candling is a simple method used to check if an egg is fertile and developing properly. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to see what’s going on inside without cracking it open. The term “candling” comes from the old-school practice of using candles, but a strong flashlight works just fine today.

Candling is most helpful for:

• Checking if eggs are fertile

• Monitoring chick development

• Removing eggs that aren’t progressing (so they don’t spoil and affect healthy eggs)

When to Candle Eggs During Incubation

Chick development takes about 21 days from start to hatch. Most people candle twice:

• Day 7: Check for early signs of life. A fertile egg will show a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. You might even catch a little movement! If you don’t see veins or an air sac, it’s likely the egg isn’t developing.

• Day 14: By now, a healthy chick should take up most of the egg. Look for a darker interior, less light passing through and continued movement. If it still looks clear or hasn’t changed since Day 7, the egg likely isn’t viable and should be removed.

   

These two candling sessions give you the clearest view of what’s happening inside the shell.

How to Candle an Egg Step-by-Step

Here’s how I do it at home, and it doesn’t require anything fancy:

1. Wash your hands before and after handling eggs.

2. Use a bright light source in a dark room. A strong flashlight works great!

3. Place the narrow end of the egg gently against the light.

4. Look for signs of development:

   • Infertile egg: Clear inside, no veins or dark spots.

   • Fertile egg: Dark spot (embryo) with visible red veins.

   • No change by Day 14: Could mean the chick stopped developing.

I like to number each egg and jot down what I see, just like in the photo below. It makes it so much easier to track progress throughout incubation.

Pro Tip: Always return eggs to the same position in the incubator and work quickly to preserve heat and humidity levels.

How to Tell if an Egg is Fertile vs Infertile

This is the most common question I get! If the egg is:

• Fertile: You’ll see a dark shape and spider-like veins around Day 6-7.

• Infertile: The egg will look clear with no dark spot or blood vessels.

   

By Day 14, fertile eggs will be mostly dark with less visible light passing through. Meaning, your chick is filling up the space!

Final Thoughts on Egg Candling

The first time you candle eggs, it might feel intimidating, but trust me, it gets easier! With practice, you’ll learn to quickly spot which eggs are progressing and which ones aren’t. This not only helps you manage your hatch more confidently, but it can also prevent contamination and heartbreak later on.

If you’re hatching eggs this spring, I’d love to see your fluffy new arrivals! Send pics my way. And don’t forget to grab your Baby Chick Care Kit. It’s packed with everything your chicks need to thrive during their first month!

Until next time,

–The Wing Lady 🐣

Believe it or not, chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals in the world, providing us with eggs, meat, and incredible pets. People all over the world keep chickens and a question that often arises is whether chickens are omnivores. What are they actually eating when they’re out and about patrolling your backyard?

Are Chickens Omnivores?

First, we need to answer what an omnivore is! Omnivore is a fancy word for an organism that eats both plant and animal matter. Omnivores often have flexible diets, allowing them to adapt to various environments and food sources.

If you’ve had chickens for any length of time you will know that they are indeed omnivores. I love to watch my chickens forage for food as they free range in our backyard. They will hunt for insects like beetles, grasshoppers, ants, worms and other creepy crawly things.

In the same spin around the yard, they will munch on grass, dandelions and other plants such as my flowers! That, I don’t love so much. They will also gladly scratch around your garden too if you let them.

Chickens love a variety of “foods” which is funny because they have far less taste buds than us humans. They can tolerate spicy things like red pepper flakes because their taste buds are much less than ours! For little birds that can’t taste very much, they sure like to eat! Haha!

Are Chickens Carnivores?

While chickens are omnivores, you might wonder if they can lean more towards being carnivores. Chickens do enjoy hunting for insects, worms and other small creatures like I said above, but their diet is not limited to just meat. In fact, chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Relying solely on a carnivorous diet would leave them deficient in a lot of important nutrients. Chickens need high-quality chicken feed and occasional treats to ensure they get all the vitamins and minerals required for good health. So, while chickens can and do eat meat, they are not strictly carnivores. They thrive on a diverse diet that includes both animal and plant matter.

Can Chickens Eat Anything?

Chickens are curious creatures with a seemingly insatiable appetite, but can they eat anything? No! While chickens are omnivores, it’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not for your feathered friends.

Safe Treats for Chickens

Chickens can enjoy a wide variety of foods. Fruits like watermelon, berries and apples (without seeds) are healthy and hydrating. Vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots and peas are also great for them. Grains like oats, corn and barley provide essential nutrients and energy. Additionally, insects in your yard like beetles, grasshoppers and worms.

Along with these safe treats, I also like to give my chickens Happy Tract and Golden Graze. These treats are specifically designed to be safe and nutritious, helping to boost their immune systems and improve egg quality. They’re a wonderful supplement to their diet, ensuring my chickens stay healthy and happy, and they can be given daily!

Foods to Avoid

However, not all foods are safe for chickens. Avoid feeding them raw potatoes, avocado pits and skins, chocolate and anything moldy or spoiled. These can be toxic and cause serious health issues! Also, steer clear of salty or sugary foods, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Moderation is Key

While chickens can eat a variety of foods, moderation is essential. Too many treats can unbalance their diet. A high-quality chicken feed should be their main source of nutrition, supplemented with safe treats to keep them happy and healthy.

What Do Chickens Eat?

Chickens have a varied diet that can include:

1. Grains: This is a staple in their diet. Chicken feed often contains a mix of corn, wheat, barley and oats.

2. Vegetables and Fruits: Chickens enjoy leafy greens, carrots, apples (without seeds), berries and melons. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Insects and Small Creatures: Chickens naturally forage for bugs, worms and small insects. These provide protein and are a natural part of their diet.

4. Kitchen Scraps: Leftover vegetables, rice, pasta (not coated in sauce or cheese) and bread can be given to chickens, but again, avoid salty, sugary or fatty foods.

5. Specialty Feeds: High-quality commercial feeds are designed to ensure chickens get a balanced diet. These feeds often include essential nutrients like calcium and proteins to support egg production.

A balanced diet is crucial for chickens to maintain their health, produce quality eggs and lead a happy life. And I can’t stress this enough, always ensure they have access to fresh water and avoid feeding them harmful foods.

What I Feed My Chickens

Free-ranging chickens tend to have a more balanced diet made up of what they find naturally free ranging, while chickens kept “cooped up” or caged may require a more carefully planned diet.

I always provide my flock with a good high quality feed along with their free range time. My chickens don’t always get to free range either because of predators which is another important reason to have a high quality food. I spotted a coyote mid day last week running through the alfalfa field right behind our house. Yikes!

The girls are throwing a fit every time I keep them inside their run, but it’s for their own good right now. In cases like this, keeping high quality chicken food for them is to make sure their cute little bodies are getting all they need to stay healthy. I also always provide access to clean water, as hydration is a vital part of their diet. I always include Chicken E-lixir in my chicken’s water. It’s a daily vitamin for your flock that includes organic oregano oil, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, calcium and electrolytes to keep your chickens at their best!

I love giving my chickens daily treats. Our go-tos are Happy Tract and Golden Graze. While I occasionally share their favorite fruits and veggies like watermelon and zucchini, I have peace of mind knowing that Happy Tract and Golden Graze are safe, nutritious treats that boost their immune systems and improve egg quality!

Ultimately, chickens are smart and usually know what they can and cannot eat. They also have their favorites which include both meat and plants! So, the next time you’re chatting with someone and the topic of chicken diets comes up, you’ll be all set to explain that chickens are indeed omnivores. They love variety and are quite the foodies in their own right!

Until next time,

-The Wing Lady

Chicken lice may not be the most glamorous topic, but they’re a critical concern for chicken owners everywhere. These pesky pests are becoming more prevalent, especially among free-range flocks and backyard flocks.

Let’s take a closer look at chicken lice, understand why they’re becoming more problematic and uncover effective treatment and prevention strategies, including the role of diatomaceous earth.

Why Are Chicken Lice Becoming a Bigger Problem?

Lice aren’t exactly new to the poultry scene, but recent research has highlighted their increasing significance. Historically, lice were not considered major pests for chickens. However, a groundbreaking study by UC Riverside, published in Parasites & Vectors, has changed that perspective.

The study revealed that lice are feeding on the skin and blood of free-range chickens, infecting them at much higher rates than caged flocks. This is particularly relevant in states like California where cage-free egg production is the norm.

The research uncovered unexpected findings, including skin lesions associated with chicken body lice, which had not been documented before.

Signs and Symptoms of Chicken Lice

Recognizing chicken lice early can save you a lot of trouble. Here’s what to watch for:

• Bald Spots and Feather Loss: One of the most noticeable signs of lice infestation is bald patches or a significant loss of feathers. Lice feed on the skin, which can lead to irritation and feather loss.

• Excessive Pecking and Itching: Chickens with lice often peck at themselves more than usual and preen excessively as well as exhibit signs of itching or discomfort. This behavior can lead to more feather loss and skin damage.

• Reduced Egg Production: Lice infestations can stress your chickens, leading to decreased egg production. If you notice a drop in eggs, it might be worth checking for lice.

• Visible Lice: Sometimes, you may see the lice themselves. They’re small, wingless insects that can be hard to spot without close inspection. They typically live close to the skin and feathers and look similar to sesame seeds.

Picture source: Life and leisure blog – Lice on a chicken

Picture source: Infovet – Chicken lice under a microscope

Preventing Lice on Chickens

Prevention is always better than a cure, and with chicken lice, there are several proactive steps you can take:

1. Maintain Clean Housing: Regularly clean and disinfect your chickens’ coop and nesting areas. Lice thrive in dirty environments, so keeping things clean can help deter them.

2. Monitor and Isolate New Birds: If you’re introducing new chickens to your flock, keep them isolated until you’re sure they’re lice-free. This will prevent any potential spread of pests to your existing flock.

3. Regular Inspections: Frequently check your chickens for signs of lice. Early detection can prevent a small problem from becoming a big issue. Make sure to quarantine birds with lice until they’re gone.

4. Proper Nutrition: Healthy chickens are better equipped to fend off pests. Ensure your flock is getting a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.

5. Pest Control: While it’s difficult to completely prevent wild birds, you can reduce rodent presence by sealing gaps, storing food off the ground or in secure containers and keeping the coop area clean. Additionally, remove eggs daily to avoid attracting rodents.

Treating Lice on Chickens

Don’t panic if you find lice on your chickens. Chicken lice are host-specific and can’t survive on humans or non-bird domestic pets. They can only feed on one or a few closely related animal species. And luckily, there are several effective treatment options available to help manage the situation and keep your flock healthy.

One of the most common treatments is using permethrin sprays. Permethrin is a widely used insecticide that effectively kills lice on contact. When using permethrin, it’s essential to carefully follow the instructions provided on the product. This ensures that the treatment is applied safely and effectively without causing harm to your chickens. It’s important to cover the entire body of the chicken, paying particular attention to areas where lice and nits (lice eggs) may hide, such as under the wings and around the vent.

For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are alternative remedies like natural dust baths. One popular choice among chicken owners is diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms.

Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled in the areas where chickens typically dust bathe like Preen Queen dust bath additive. When chickens roll in the dust, the diatomaceous earth gets into their feathers and onto their skin, helping to remove moisture and kill lice. It’s important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and to apply it in well-ventilated areas to avoid respiratory issues for both you and your chickens.

 

Myths About Diatomaceous Earth for Chickens

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular natural remedy among poultry keepers, but there are a few myths surrounding its use:

• It’s Not a Pesticide: DE works by physically damaging the exoskeletons of insects, not through chemical action. It’s not a traditional pesticide, but it can still be effective in controlling lice and mites.

• It’s Safe in Moderation: When used correctly, DE is safe for chickens. However, excessive use or inhalation of dust can be harmful. Always use it in well-ventilated areas and in moderation. Read the directions carefully on the packaging before using.

• It’s Not a Cure-All: DE can help control lice, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for severe infestations. It’s best used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Always consult your veterinarian for serious infestations.

Diatomaceous Earth for Chicken Lice and Mites

As stated above, diatomaceous earth can be a valuable tool in managing chicken lice and mites. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Application Methods

1. Dust Bath Additive:

• Usage: Mix food-grade diatomaceous earth, such as Preen Queen, into your chickens’ dust bath areas. This allows chickens to coat themselves with the powder, helping eliminate lice and mites on their bodies.

• Application: Sprinkle a generous amount of Preen Queen containing DE into the dust bath and mix it thoroughly with the soil or sand. This helps the DE reach the chickens’ skin as they bathe, providing a natural way to control parasites.

2. Litter Treatment:

• Usage: Apply DE directly to the bedding and the coop floor to target lice and mites in the chickens’ environment. We recommend using Coop Recuperate. This method helps reduce the risk of re-infestation by addressing the habitat where parasites may live and breed.

• Application: After cleaning the coop, sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE, like Coop Recuperate, across the entire floor and mix it into the bedding material. This will help keep the environment inhospitable for parasites.

 

Frequency of DE

• Regular Reapplication: Consistently apply DE, especially after cleaning the coop or refreshing the bedding. We recommend applying Coop Recuperate at least two times per week for prevention. Regular use helps maintain control over lice and mite populations, ensuring a healthier environment for your chickens.

Bottom line, while chicken lice might seem like a small issue, they can have a significant impact on your flock’s health and productivity! Remember, a clean environment, using DE and regular checks are your best defense against these unwelcome pests!

Best,

-Strong Animals Team