The Best Eggshell Crafts

Spring is so close here in Minnesota, we can almost feel it! It’s been a long winter here, and we’re looking forward to warmer days With these longer days, come more eggs!

Chickens need 12-16 hours of light to produce an egg So, the girls are coming out of their winter rest and we are getting an abundance of eggs once again

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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 still remember the first day a Lavender Orpington joined our backyard flock I had been researching breeds that were beautiful, friendly, and dependable in the nest box, and this one checked every single box With soft, silvery-gray plumage and one of the gentlest personalities in the chicken world, it is easy to see why the breed has become such a backyard favorite The Lavender Orpington is one of the calmest, most beautiful dual-purpose chickens you can add to a small flock, and once you meet one, you will probably want a few more

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

The Best Crème Brûlée Recipe

We recently went to our friend’s house for a fancy dinner It was so much fun! And can you believe it, when it was time for dessert, they pulled out one of my all-time favorites? crème brûlée! This light and delicious dessert isn’t hard to make and it’s a crowd favorite!

 

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All About the Mystic Onyx Breed: A Striking Addition to Any Backyard Flock

 

If you have been searching for a chicken that turns heads the moment visitors walk up to your run, the Mystic Onyx breed belongs on your shortlist Developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in recent years, this bird pairs glossy dark feathers with the rare trait of black skin It was originally created as a meat bird, but its good looks and friendly nature have helped it take backyard flocks by storm Below, we will walk through everything you need to know before you bring a few Mystic Onyx chickens home

Winter Blues and Breathing Problems, too!

I know some people thrive in the colder weather, enjoying the snow sports and getting outside as much as possible, but for animal people, this year has been depressing… and wet I live in Mid-Michigan and my flock and me have the winter blues! I do not mind the cold weather one bit, it is why I chose to live in Michigan It’s a relief when we have cold weather, because a lot of the bugs pass away or go dormant and we do not have