Feeding & Nutrition

Most backyard chicken owners should switch from starter to grower feed between 6 to 8 weeks of age, once birds are fully feathered and weigh roughly 1.5-2 pounds. This transition timeline is supported by agricultural experts at the University of Georgia Extension and Purina Mills, marking a critical nutritional shift as your chicks’ protein needs … Read more

As a backyard chicken keeper who has battled through eight harsh winters in the Midwest, I’ve watched my flock approach the first snowfall of the year with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. I remember looking out the window during the polar vortex of 2024, watching my Rhode Island Red hen, Penny, pecking enthusiastically at … Read more

⚠️ VETERINARY CONSULTATION REQUIRED: Before changing your flock’s feeding routine, consult with an avian veterinarian familiar with your birds’ specific needs and health status. Raising backyard chickens in cold climates presents a dilemma. For years, many homesteaders have relied on warm oatmeal to provide comfort to their flocks during freezing winters. However, treating chickens requires … Read more

When temperatures drop below freezing and your backyard chickens huddle together in their coop, you might wonder what to feed chickens in winter to help them stay warm and healthy. After raising mixed-breed flocks for 12 years—first battling -20°F wind chills in Iowa and now managing high-altitude cold in Colorado—I’ve learned through trial and error … Read more

Last January, I walked out to my coop at 6 AM and found my chickens clustered around a solid block of ice where their water should have been. The temperature had dropped to 15°F overnight, and I learned the hard way that standard waterers freeze fast in extreme cold. If you’re facing frozen chicken water … Read more

Finding the best organic and non-GMO chicken feeds for your backyard flock shouldn’t feel like decoding a nutrition label at midnight. After spending three years testing different feeds with our mixed flock of 25 hens—including Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, and picky Silkies—we’ve learned that feed quality directly impacts egg production, shell strength, and overall … Read more

Standing in your kitchen with a bunch of overripe, brown bananas, you’ve probably wondered if your backyard flock can help you avoid food waste. You hate throwing food away, and your hens always seem hungry. But are bananas actually safe for them? The short answer is yes, chickens can eat bananas, and they can even … Read more

Yes, chickens can absolutely eat lettuce, and most backyard flocks love it as a healthy treat. However, not all lettuce types are equally nutritious, and feeding guidelines matter for your hens’ health and egg production. As a backyard chicken keeper for over seven years with a happy flock of Rhode Island Reds and Orpingtons, I’ve … Read more

Yes, chickens can eat ripe tomatoes safely. They provide great nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. However, not all parts of the tomato plant are safe. Tomato leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes contain toxic compounds called solanine and tomatine that can harm your flock. Ripe, red tomatoes with the stems removed make an … Read more

You might think chickens are simple creatures, happy with just food, water, and a place to roost. I thought so, too, until I noticed my flock was getting into trouble. My favorite hens were starting to peck at each other, and they seemed restless and unhappy. That’s when I realized: my chickens were bored. This … Read more