Feeding & Nutrition

Every chicken keeper knows the thrill of finding a full nesting box with perfect, warm eggs, and the slight panic when production dips. You start to wonder, “What foods can I give my hens to get things back back on track?” I’ve spent years figuring out which treats actually move the needle and which are … Read more

The first time I saw my favorite hen, Clementine, panting heavily with her wings held out from her body, my heart sank. I didn’t know what to do. I worried she was on the verge of heatstroke, and I felt completely helpless. This guide is the emergency plan I wish I’d had then. Heat stress … Read more

Every chicken keeper has been there. You’re standing in the feed store, surrounded by sacks of chicken feed, and you spot two bags that look similar but have different names: one for grit and one for oyster shells. You’ve heard that chickens need both, but you’re completely confused. Do they serve the same purpose? What’s … Read more

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of collecting your first fresh eggs from your own backyard flock. The secret to a consistent supply of delicious eggs, as well as happy, healthy birds, is a well-planned and consistent feeding schedule. As a backyard chicken keeper for over 5 years, the one thing I’ve learned is that … Read more

Watching your flock peck around the yard, it’s tempting to share a tasty snack from your kitchen. But what’s a healthy treat and what’s potentially harmful? This guide provides clear, definitive answers on whether chickens can eat watermelon, tomatoes, and bananas, along with a comprehensive reference for many other common fruits and vegetables. By the … Read more

Want healthier chickens and lower feed bills? Moving toward a self-sufficient lifestyle often means taking control of every aspect of your homestead, and that includes what you feed your flock. Many new chicken keepers are surprised to learn they can mix their own feed from scratch. This article is your simple, step-by-step guide to crafting … Read more

Have you ever stood in the feed store, faced with a wall of bags—Starter, Grower, Layer, Pellets, Crumbles—and then a separate bag of “Scratch Grains,” and felt completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common points of confusion for new chicken keepers. The difference is simple, yet critically important for your … Read more

Wondering if tossing kitchen scraps to your chickens could land you in legal trouble? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: It’s not illegal federally, but in many U.S. states, feeding chickens meat, dairy, or spoiled scraps can lead to fines—especially for commercial flocks. When I first got my backyard flock, I pictured them happily … Read more

Have a backyard flock and kitchen scraps? Many common food items are safe and beneficial for your chickens, reducing waste and providing treats. This guide helps you safely repurpose kitchen waste for your flock. However, some foods are dangerous. Understanding what’s safe and what’s not is crucial for their health. What Kitchen Scraps Are Safe … Read more