Getting Started

If you’re looking for a chicken breed that’s a perfect combination of a pet and a practical backyard bird, Cochin chickens are a great choice. These fluffy, feather-footed pets have captured hearts worldwide with their teddy bear-like appearance. Their remarkably docile nature makes them one of the most beloved heritage breeds in poultry keeping. What … Read more

Growing up, I always considered our chickens a bit of a motley crew, but nothing prepared me for the awe-inspiring presence of the Brahma chicken. The first time I saw one, I was struck by its sheer size, feathered feet, and calm demeanor. It was less like a chicken and more like a feathered, feathery-legged … Read more

The Wyandotte chicken stands as one of America’s greatest poultry success stories—a true heritage breed that combines stunning beauty, exceptional hardiness, and reliable dual-purpose production. Developed in the 1870s in upstate New York and Ontario, Canada, these magnificent birds were originally called American Sebrights before being renamed to honor the Wyandotte (Wendat/Huron) Native American tribes … Read more

Are you looking for a chicken that’s both a top-tier egg layer and a friendly pet? The Australorp chicken might be the perfect fit for you. This Australian breed holds a world record for egg-laying, but its true charm lies in its remarkably gentle nature. The black australorp chicken has won the hearts of backyard … Read more

As a backyard chicken keeper, few moments are as exciting as opening the nesting box to a basket of eggs in every shade of the rainbow. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What is an Easter Egger chicken?”, you’re likely drawn to the same joy of colorful egg layers that has made this bird so … Read more

The first time I saw a Buff Orpington, I was completely charmed. A fluffy, golden hen was contentedly taking a dust bath in a patch of sun, looking more like a living throw pillow than a chicken. When she noticed me, she didn’t scatter. Instead, she gave a curious little cluck and trotted over to … Read more

If you’ve ever had a bully hen disrupt your peaceful coop, you know how stressful it can be. What starts as a simple squabble can quickly escalate into serious pecking order problems, causing injuries, stress, and a steep drop in egg production. You’re left wondering if this is normal flock behavior or something more sinister. … Read more

Picture this: it’s a calm afternoon, the sun is shining, and you head out to the coop to collect the day’s eggs. You open the door, and there she is—your usually sweet and social hen—buried deep in a nesting box. As you reach in, she transforms, fluffing her feathers into a feathery fortress, growling a … Read more

Last Tuesday, my neighbor Karen knocked on my door with a worried look. “Are those your chickens I hear every morning?” she asked. My heart sank – until she added, “Because they’re so quiet, I’m thinking of getting some myself!” That’s when I realized I’d accidentally stumbled upon the secret of choosing the right breeds … Read more

The day you bring your first baby chicks home is an exciting milestone! The peeping sound and fluffy little bundles of energy are completely irresistible. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but from my experience raising dozens of chicks over the years, I’ve learned that preparation is everything. A little work upfront … Read more