Founding Flocks, Part 4: The Wyandotte

Some American breeds came over with the settlers The Wyandotte came from here Developed in New York and named for the Wyandot people, it is a true American original, a breed Americans created rather than imported Week four of our Founding Flocks series belongs to the bird that wears lace and shrugs off winter

Top 3 Takeaways

  • An American original The Wyandotte was developed in New York, which makes it one of the breeds that America can call its own creation rather than an import
  • Built for cold A low rose comb that resists frostbite and a dense, well-rounded body

America 250 Series, Part 3: Barred Plymouth Rock

Close your eyes and picture a chicken Odds are you just pictured this one The black-and-white striped hen scratching around the barnyard is the Barred Plymouth Rock, and for the better part of a century it was the most common chicken in America Week three of our America 250 series belongs to the bird that became the picture of the American backyard

Top 3 Takeaways

  • It’s the chicken everyone pictures The barred black-and-white hen is the storybook American farm chicken, and it was one of the most popular breeds in the country for

Wyandotte Chickens: A Complete Guide to America’s Cold-Hardy Beauty

Few backyard breeds turn heads quite like Wyandotte chickens With their richly laced feathers, rounded bodies, and easygoing confidence, these birds have earned a loyal following among flock keepers across the country Wyandottes are one of the earliest chicken breeds developed in the United States, and they have been gracing farms and backyards for well over 100 years Whether you want a steady supply of eggs, a hardy bird for cold winters, or simply a stunning addition to a mixed flock, the Wyandotte delivers on every front

All About the Black Australorp: A Gentle, Record-Setting Layer

If you want a backyard hen that is as sweet-natured as she is productive, the Black Australorp belongs at the top of your list This glossy black beauty is one of the best brown egg layers in the world, gentle enough for children to handle and tough enough to thrive in nearly any climate The breed even set an egg-laying record that still impresses chicken keepers a century later Whether you are after a full egg basket, a friendly pet, or both, the Black Australorp delivers on every front Here is everything you need to know about this remarkable

All About the Dominique Breed: America’s Oldest Chicken

At first glance, you might mistake a Dominique for a Barred Rock The two breeds share the same handsome black and white barred feathers, and telling them apart takes a close look The secret is in the comb The Dominique chicken is one of America’s most historic breeds, a calm, hardy heritage bird that has been part of American farms since colonial days Beautiful, friendly, and dependable in the nest box, the Dominique earns its place in any backyard flock Whether you are drawn to its rich history, its gentle nature, or its steady supply of brown eggs, this

How Cold Can Chickens Tolerate?

How to Keep Chickens Warm and Healthy Through Winter

One of the most commonly asked questions I get while raising backyard chickens is how I keep my chickens warm in the winter I live in Minnesota after all so it’s a valid question!

When I first started, I was actually pretty concerned about this, too Our winters can get really cold and harsh My coop wasn’t insulated, and I’d heard that running a heat lamp all the time wasn’t safe I would lay in bed wondering if my chickens would

All About the Rhode Island Red Chicken: Eggs, Traits, and Care

Most of us grew up with the story of the Little Red Hen and her lesson that hard work pays off It is a fitting introduction to the Rhode Island Red chicken, one of the most hardworking and recognizable breeds in America Energetic, friendly, and famously productive, the Rhode Island Red has earned its place as a backyard favorite and a true icon of American poultry If you have ever seen a chicken pictured on a feed sack or a farm sign, there is a good chance it was a Rhode Island Red Whether you want a reliable layer,

Black Jersey Giants: The Gentle Giant of the Backyard Flock

If you have ever wanted a chicken that is big, beautiful, and surprisingly sweet, Black Jersey Giants deserve a spot at the top of your list These birds are the largest purebred chicken in the United States, yet their size is matched only by their calm, friendly nature I have raised plenty of breeds over the years, and the Black Jersey Giants remain one of my all-time favorites They are majestic to look at, gentle to handle, and they lay some seriously impressive eggs If I had to rename them, I would call them the Gentle Black Jersey Giants,

Brahma Chickens: The Gentle Giants of the Backyard Flock

Today we are talking about one of my all-time favorite breeds Who am I kidding, it feels like every breed is my favorite! But if you are looking for a sweet, affectionate, and hardy bird, the Brahma chicken is hard to beat These gentle giants are excellent egg layers with calm personalities, and they come in beautiful varieties that turn any backyard into a postcard I keep six of them in my coop, from full-size hens down to the tiniest Bantams, and they are some of the friendliest birds I have ever raised

Should You Heat Your Chicken Coop in Winter?

When the snow starts to fly and the thermometer drops, one question lands on nearly every backyard flock owner’s mind: Should you heat your chicken coop, or leave the birds to their own devices? Some keepers say absolutely not, while others wonder why you wouldn’t give your hens a little warmth on a brutal night The honest answer is that the decision to heat a chicken coop comes down to your climate, your setup, and your comfort level Here’s the information you need to make the right call for your flock