Understanding the Growth Stages of a Hen: From Chick to Mature Layer

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

How to Candle an Egg (and Spot a Growing Chick!)

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

All About the Frizzle Chicken Breed

Everyone loves a yard sprinkled with different colors and breeds of chickens Well, at least people who love chickens do! Chickens come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and each is fascinating in its own unique way

But few are as charming and eye-catching as the Frizzle chicken breed With their flipped-up feathers and sweet personality, Frizzles have captivated chicken lovers around

How Many Eggs Does a Chicken Lay in a Day?

It’s spring, and you know what that means! Backyard flocks are booming Thanks to rising egg prices, baby chicks are flying off the shelves as more people dive into the joys of raising chickens And while the eggs are certainly a bonus, it’s the fun, quirky personalities of chickens that make them truly lovable

What Are the Differences Between a Rooster and a Hen?

If you’re not familiar with backyard chickens, you might not automatically know the difference between a hen and a rooster It’s something most of us in the Midwest probably take for granted and even wonder how people couldn’t know the difference
 

It reminds me of the time growing up when my cousin from the Twin Cities came to visit She was

What is Sour Crop in Chickens and How to Treat It

I remember walking out to check on the girls one hot summer day a few years back I do regular health checks on my flock, so I immediately noticed Nugget, my black Silkie, hanging back by the fence looking off One look and I knew she wasn’t feeling right I picked her up and felt her crop, and when I bent over to grab something off the ground, a smelly liquid shot out of her mouth Gross! That was my first experience with sour crop in chickens

Which Vegetables and Flowers Shouldn’t Be Started in Eggshells?

I remember having big dreams of starting my own seedlings and saving a ton of money on our garden While it can be a rewarding and budget-friendly task, the older I get, the more I lean toward just buying started plants But if you’re feeling ambitious and want to try growing from seed, planting in eggshells is a fun and eco-friendly way to get started

Can Humans Get Mites From Chickens?

The internet is full of beautiful chickens in magazine-worthy coops But let’s be real, chickens are barnyard animals, and barnyard animals can come with some yucky pests One of the biggest concerns for backyard chicken keepers? Mites

 

I’ve had people ask me, “Can mites from chickens get on humans?” It’s a good question, especially if, like me, you love snuggling your chickens! So let’s

How to Deworm Chickens: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

Deworming chickens is an essential part of maintaining a healthy flock Worm infestations can lead to weight loss, decreased egg production and even serious health complications if left untreated While worms are a common issue for chickens, the good news is that with proper care and prevention, you can keep your flock healthy and happy

Let’s dive into how chickens get worms, signs

Quick Growing Plants for Your Chicken Run

I was sitting in the chicken run last week watching my flock scratch around the dirt It got me thinking about how fast they ate the grass that was once under their feet Chickens love greens, grass and plants! Free-ranging gives their nutrition a boost and cuts down on food costs However, if your run looks like mine, there isn’t much green (or any!) for them to pluck