Guides for Raising Healthy Chickens Anywhere
When I first decided to start a backyard flock, I faced a fundamental choice: should I begin with a batch of fluffy, peeping chicks or jump right to the egg-laying stage by purchasing adult hens? This is the first major decision every new chicken keeper faces, and the choice you make will significantly shape your … Read more
Backyard chickens typically live 5 to 10 years with proper care. Heritage breeds often reach 8 to 12 years or longer. The current oldest living chicken is Pearl, an Easter Egger hen verified at 14 years and 69 days by Guinness World Records on May 22, 2025. The previous all-time record-holder, Peanut, lived to 21 years and 238 … Read more
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 are not alone. This is one of the most common points of confusion for new chicken keepers. The difference is simple, yet critically … Read more
On a sunny day, it’s common to see a chicken find a patch of sun, lie down, and spread her wings. This “sunbathing” looks blissful, but it can make a caring owner wonder: can they get too much of a good thing? The surprising answer is yes, chickens can get sunburned, but it’s not as … Read more