Testing Chicken Treats

Testing Chicken Treats: What Backyard Hens Love Most

Sometimes our chickens are just like kids Put a serving of steamed kale on one side of a child’s dinner plate and balance it with ice cream on the other side Which disappears first? It’s no mystery

 

We wanted to see what treats our hens favored When they were outside basking in the late winter sunshine we put three bowls on the coop floor Into one went a handful of dried soldier fly larvae Another held black oil sunflowers and the third baby marshmallows

 

Then we let the chickens in to test which treats

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 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

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

When to Switch Chicken Feed: A Healthy Flock Guide

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

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

What Vegetables Can Chickens Eat?

Vegetables Chickens Can Eat: Healthy Treats for Your Flock

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

All About Chicken Feed: How Much, What to Avoid & Best Practices

This week, we’re talking all about chicken feed This is a common question for new backyard chicken owners There are so many options to choose from, so I will share what I use as well as how often I use it Let’s start there

 

Why Feed Oyster Shells?

WHY IS FEEDING OYSTER SHELLS SO IMPORTANT?

For an adult hen who is laying eggs, calcium is pulled from the hen’s body to create the egg An egg contains 94-97% calcium carbonate That’s a lot of calcium to pull from a hen who isn’t getting extra calcium supplemented to her! This can cause problems for our little feathered friends The great news is that if you leave oyster shells out all the

VIDEO: Pat Foreman Presentation on Heritage Breeds, Soil Health and Nutrition