All About the Bielefelder Chicken Breed

I was flipping through the Hoover’s Hatchery catalog the other day when I spotted a breed I’ve had my eye on for years, the Bielefelder chicken A friend added them to their first flock and absolutely loved them If I were expanding my own flock of 40 (don’t worry, I’m not… this year!), the Bielefelder would be at the top of my list

Let’s take a closer look at what

How to Care for Cracked Eggs in an Incubator

Incubating eggs is an exciting but sometimes stressful journey I’ll never forget the first time I hatched Silkie chickens—it was both thrilling and challenging! Out of a dozen eggs, I managed to hatch five adorable chicks Along the way, I learned just how critical factors like temperature and humidity are for successful hatching

Why Aren’t My Hens Laying Eggs? Common Reasons and Solutions

 

It’s a cold January here in Minnesota and I’ve had a number of people reach out as to why their hens aren’t laying eggs Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience, especially when you enjoy the fresh eggs they provide However, it can be concerning when your hens suddenly stop laying! There are a few different reasons why chickens stop laying eggs and today we’re going to look at each one of those

Why Do Chicks Peck Each Other and How to Help

Every spring, I get the itch to add to my backyard flock! All it takes is one peek over the edge of the chick brooders at our local farm supply store and I am hooked! While it is hard to resist those cute little fluff balls, it is important to remember they grow fast and so do their instincts

When to Switch Chicken Feed: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Flock

When to switch chicken feed is a common question for new backyard chicken keepers I get it! I had a lot of the same questions when I started out

Knowing when to switch chicken feed is essential to ensure your flock remains healthy and productive throughout their life stages But, before we dive into the timing of switching feeds, it’s important to understand the various types of feed available for each stage of life

Rare Chicken Breeds to Add to Your Flock

It’s chick season! Whether you’re adding to your flock or just dreaming about new feathered friends, now is the perfect time to explore rare chicken breeds! My go-to hatchery is Hoover’s Hatchery in Iowa They consistently provide high-quality chicks, and some of my all-time favorite birds have come from their selection

Did you know that Hoover’s Hatchery offers 44 rare breeds? If you’re looking to add unique and colorful birds to

Are Chickens Omnivores?

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

Chicken Lice 101: What You Need to Know

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

Can Chickens Eat Eggshells

Chickens are known for their quirky eating habits and foraging for interesting snacks right in your backyard If you’re new to raising backyard chickens you might be wondering what’s safe for our feathered friends and what things might be harmful to them I remember starting out thinking that the sharp eggshells would slice their throats or something I was wrong!

Can Chickens Eat Eggshells?

Yes! Chickens actually enjoy eating eggshells

What Vegetables Can Chickens Eat?

My chickens absolutely love our garden! Our chicken run and garden are separated by a tall fence and the chickens stand at the fence and beg me for their favorite vegetables It’s hilarious! I’ll toss over some cucumbers, zucchini, a few tomatoes or other rainbow-colored snacks They go wild and it’s fun knowing they love these treats so much all while being good for them