What to Know About Homemade Chicken Feed

Homemade Chicken Feed: What Your Flock Needs to Thrive

Backyard chicken keepers are some of the most resourceful people out there A quick search online will bring up countless opinions, recipes and debates on what to feed your chickens If you’re considering making your own chicken feed, whether to save money or to know exactly what your flock is getting, there are a few important things to keep in mind!

 

What Are Mini Chickens? (And Why People Love Them)

If you’ve ever seen my tiny chicken, Tinkerbell, you know why people stop and ask, “What kind of chicken is she?” Mini chickens, or bantam chickens, are quickly becoming a backyard favorite They’re adorable, full of personality and perfect for people with smaller yards or urban setups But what exactly are mini chickens, and are they right for you?

 

What is

Sunflower Seeds for Chickens a Protein Boost During Molting

Molting is a natural and essential part of a chicken’s life! It’s when they shed old feathers and grow new ones Some hens molt lightly, while others go through a dramatic hard molt where it looks like they exploded feathers everywhere Either way, it can be stressful for both the flock and you but it’s completely normal!

 

Because feathers are made mostly

What is the Purpose of a Crop in Chickens?

Have you ever noticed at the end of a long, lazy day of foraging that your chickens have a little bulge in their chest area? That’s their crop, a cute, specialized storage pouch that plays a big role in how chickens digest their food!

Understanding the crop can help backyard chicken keepers better care for their flock, spot health issues early and keep hens thriving year-round

All About the Wyandotte Chicken Breed

Thinking about adding a few Wyandotte chickens to your backyard flock? These gorgeous birds are famous for their striking laced feathers, their cold-hardy nature, and their dependable brown eggs They’re a favorite among homesteaders and first-time keepers alike, and for good reason But like any chicken, every Wyandotte has its own personality, and some may surprise you with a bit of attitude If you want a bird that looks beautiful in the yard, handles harsh winters, and still fills the egg basket, the Wyandotte chicken breed belongs on your short list

What Are the Top 3 Diseases That Affect Backyard Chickens?

Top Chicken Diseases Every Backyard Keeper Should Know

The internet is full of beautiful chicken coops, elegantly feathered chickens and chicken keepers who are followed around by sunbeams and gorgeous landscapes And, while some of these things are absolutely beautiful and out there no doubt, raising backyard chickens isn’t all rainbows and butterflies There are plenty of yucky things that can plague the coop and the feathered friends who live there Today we’re going to look at the top three diseases that affect chickens today!

Can I Eat Fairy Eggs

Backyard chicken keepers love the little surprises their hens leave in the coop, and one of the most curious finds is the tiny “fairy egg” These miniature eggs are adorable, but they also raise a common question: are fairy eggs safe to eat?

All About the Black Australorp Chicken Breed

When most people picture a backyard flock, breeds like Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Leghorns, and Rhode Island Reds usually come to mind first But there’s one bird that deserves a spot near the top of every keeper’s list: the Black Australorp Famous around the world for its remarkable laying ability, easygoing personality, and glossy black feathers, the Black Australorp chicken breed has quietly earned a loyal following among first-time owners and seasoned homesteaders alike If you want a chicken that fills the egg basket and enjoys your company, this is a breed worth knowing

What is the Benefit of Fermenting Chicken Feed?

Raising happy, healthy chickens often starts with what you feed them One increasingly popular practice among backyard chicken keepers is fermenting chicken feed But what exactly is fermented feed, and why might you consider it for your flock?

What is Fermented Chicken Feed?

Fermenting chicken feed means soaking grains, seeds and other feed ingredients in water to kick-start natural fermentation This process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria and yeasts

How Old Are Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs?

I’ll never forget the first time I thought my hen, Coco, laid her first egg I was so excited I told the whole internet about it… only to find out someone had slipped a fake egg into my coop! It didn’t crack the next morning, and I was crushed Two days later, Coco really did lay her first egg, and yes, I made just as big of a deal about it Not long after, the rest of my flock followed