What is Water Belly?

I remember when our son, Jett, decided to raise a few broiler chickens He did all the right things and took care of them diligently Yet one day, a couple weeks in, there was a chicken who didn’t look so well She moved slow, was lethargic (yes, I know we’re talking about broilers here!) and wasn’t as “active” as the others

My First Experience with Water Belly

What to Do With Aging Hens

It’s springtime! And for many of you that means the exciting time of bringing home new chicks and eventually integrating them into your flock The joy of new life, new egg colors and new personalities in the coop is so fun, isn’t it? But what about the hens that have been around for a few years?

I

All About the Lavender Orpington Breed

I remember the first day Rosie came to our house I had been doing some research on different breeds to figure out which ones I was going to add to our backyard flock I was so excited to have a wider color variety wandering around the yard, but wanted to make sure I was getting a breed that was a good egg layer yet docile and hearty The Lavender Orpington was of my top picks

What is Marek’s Disease?

Have you ever heard of Marek’s Disease? If not, today is your lucky day! You’ll learn all about the causes, if it’s treatable and how to sanitize your coop after Marek’s strikes your flock This way you won’t have an unnecessary panic attack like I did the first time I thought I had a chicken with Marek’s

 
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Can I Use Straw in My Chicken Coop?

For many years I have used pine shavings in my brooders and coop while raising backyard chickens There are a few different bedding materials out there, but pine shavings are easy to use and make great compost When you go to your local farm supply store there will be different types of wood shavings

Make sure you stay away from

The Baby Chick Success Guide

We are kicking off this week with a giant, possibly record-breaking snowstorm here in Minnesota Yikes! However, the good news is that it’s almost March, so whatever snow we get, won’t last too long But as we wait for the snow, I’m sitting here dreaming about all things Spring! That includes baby chicks!

 

I usually add to

All About the Mystic Onyx Breed

The Mystic Onyx breed was originally developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in very recent years Their beautiful feathers and black skin are striking While they were created to be a meat bird, they are taking backyard flocks by storm!

The Mystic Onyx breed is absolutely gorgeous and make a great addition to a backyard flock These chickens were created by combining a Silkie and a meat

How to Tell Your Chickens Apart

How to Build a Winter Dust Bath for Your Chickens

Have you ever seen chickens rolling around in the dirt? That’s known as a dust bath, and it helps chickens keep their feathers clean and dry But what happens when temperatures drop below freezing? Your chickens still need to dust bathe in order to stay healthy and clean!

Fortunately, there is a way to keep your chickens cozy and clean this winter with an indoor dust bath Read on for tips and steps on