Guides for Raising Healthy Chickens Anywhere
Oladepo
Raising a backyard flock of laying hens has become increasingly popular across America, with millions of households now keeping small flocks for fresh eggs. When your hens produce more eggs than your family can eat, selling the surplus can help offset costs and turn your hobby into a small income stream. This guide breaks down … Read more
Imagine two identical flocks of chickens. One lays 205 eggs over a 14-week period. The other, fed a different diet, lays an astonishing 499 eggs in the same timeframe. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the result of a scientific study comparing a national brand to Nutrena NatureWise chicken feed. When I first heard that … Read more
When I first started raising chickens, I thought all feed was pretty much the same. That changed last March, right when egg prices skyrocketed and my flock’s egg production took a nosedive, and the yolks looked pale and sad. It sent me down a rabbit hole of research, and that’s when I discovered Kalmbach Henhouse … Read more
Based on years of experience, most flock losses come from inadequate predator protection. Don’t learn the expensive way. The heartbreak of finding a coop breached is something every chicken keeper fears. This comprehensive guide will transform your coop into a fortress, providing you with the knowledge and tools to build a truly predator-proof chicken coop. … Read more
If you’ve ever found a soft-shelled egg in your nesting box or watched a hen struggle to walk, you’ve witnessed the devastating effects of calcium deficiency firsthand. As someone who’s raised chickens for over a decade, I’ve learned that calcium management is one of the most critical—yet often misunderstood—aspects of chicken health. Calcium deficiency affects … Read more
Egg production naturally slows down in winter due to shorter daylight hours. However, winterizing chicken coop with ample natural light can help maintain a more consistent laying schedule. Providing 14-16 hours of light per day with a low-wattage, warm-colored bulb can help encourage laying. Three winters ago, I woke up to find frost inside my … Read more
Making your own chicken feed transforms the way you raise backyard chickens. After mixing my own feed for seven years, I can confidently say the benefits extend far beyond the 20% cost savings. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to make your own chicken feed, providing you with recipes, tips, and the knowledge … Read more
Apple cider vinegar has become a staple in many backyard chicken coops, and for good reason. After raising chickens for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how this simple, natural supplement can transform flock health when used correctly. Let me share everything I’ve learned about how to use apple cider vinegar for chickens, including the … Read more
Dust bathing is one of the most fascinating behaviors I’ve witnessed in my years of keeping chickens. The first time I saw my hens enthusiastically rolling in what looked like a dirt tornado, I thought something was wrong — until I realized they were having the time of their lives. This natural behavior is essential … Read more
Discovering a rat or mouse infestation in a chicken coop is a common and serious issue for many flock owners. These pests are more than just a nuisance; they steal valuable feed, contaminate the henhouse with their droppings, and pose a significant threat to the health and safety of your birds. With a single female … Read more