Health & Wellness

After more than a decade of raising chickens, I can tell you one thing for sure: nothing signals a happy, healthy flock quite like the sight of them blissfully wiggling in a dust bath. It’s their spa, their social club, and your first line of defense against mites. Creating the perfect dust bath involves setting … Read more

I’ll never forget the dread that washed over me when I first saw them—tiny, creepy crawlies skittering in the cracks of my coop. My heart just sank. If you’re staring down a mite infestation, trust me, you’re not alone. It’s an incredibly common problem, and these stubborn parasites are a huge headache for chicken keepers … Read more

Ever watched your chickens scratch at the dirt and wondered what’s really going on? That isn’t just random digging; it’s a deep, natural instinct. Understanding how to encourage natural foraging behavior for happier, healthier chickens is one of the most important things you can do for your flock. After years of raising my own backyard … Read more

It’s distressing to see your chickens struggling to breathe. A sudden sneeze, a watery eye, or a rattling cough can be the first sign of a respiratory infection, leaving you worried and unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone. Many backyard chicken keepers face this challenge, and in my 10 years of experience, … Read more

If you keep chickens, dealing with internal parasites is a matter of “when,” not “if.” I’ll never forget the morning my favorite Buff Orpington looked listless and pale. Her usual happy clucking was replaced by a concerning silence, and she just wasn’t herself, which was my first real scare with a heavy worm burden. You’re … 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

How it was created: Hands-on examination techniques documented over 144+ monthly health checks across my mixed flock of Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Buff Orpingtons, consultation with three avian vets, and reference to peer-reviewed poultry health literature. Why it exists: To help backyard flock owners catch health issues early, reduce mortality, and maintain happy, productive … Read more

Discovering pests in your flock is every chicken keeper’s nightmare, but don’t panic. Mites and lice on chickens are incredibly common external parasites that can cause stress, anemia, and a noticeable significant drop in egg production. They are a nuisance, but they are also completely manageable with the right plan. As Dr. Robert Porter, a … Read more

Winter can be a beautiful time on the homestead, but for chicken keepers, it often comes with a unique worry: the health and safety of your flock in the cold. The most common cold-weather issue for poultry is frostbite, a painful and potentially dangerous condition that primarily affects the exposed fleshy parts of a chicken’s … Read more

Hearing a sneeze, cough, or gurgle from your chicken coop is a sound that can make any flock owner’s heart sink. Is it just a bit of dust, or the start of something serious? This guide is designed to help you identify the potential causes, know what immediate steps to take, and understand the crucial … Read more