One sick hen can stop you in your tracks. I remember the first time I noticed something was wrong. My pullets were about 6 weeks old, normally darting around like they owned the place. Then one morning, I spotted one hunched in the corner, feathers puffed, eyes half closed. By afternoon, the droppings told the […]
Preventing Coccidiosis in Chickens: What Every Backyard Keeper Should Know Read Post »
When you first bring chickens home, it feels simple: grab a bag of feed, fill the feeder, and walk away. Then one morning you notice a pale comb, rough feathers, or a hen laying a soft egg, and the questions start: Am I feeding them right? I still remember standing in my kitchen one summer
What Do Chickens Eat? Secrets to Superior Chicken Feed Read Post »
A Forager’s Guide to Feeding Backyard Birds When I first started raising chickens, I was convinced I needed to buy every fancy feed on the market. Pellets, crumbles, supplements, grit mixes with herbs I couldn’t pronounce. I spent more time reading feed labels than cereal boxes at the store. But then something shifted. It started
There’s not much my chickens won’t at least try once. You drop something into the run, and before it even hits the ground, someone’s pecking it. Grapes? Gone in seconds. Celery? They’ll tug at the strings like they’re doing yard work. Even the occasional watermelon rind gets pecked into a thin shell. But the first
Can Chickens Eat Bananas? What My Flock Had to Say About It Read Post »
One morning last fall, I opened the coop and saw something no chicken keeper wants to see: a splatter of loose, watery droppings right under the roost. Not the usual cecal poop. Not one of those “normal weird” ones. This one looked… off. I waited and watched. Within a few minutes, I saw Betty take
Diarrhea in Chickens: Causes, Treatment, and What I Do When It Hits the Coop Read Post »
I was raised to believe that chickens could eat just about anything. Table scraps, garden trimmings, yesterday’s toast. If it wasn’t moldy or meat, it went to the flock. So when I dropped some potato peels into the scrap bucket one evening, I didn’t think twice. The next morning, I scattered them into the run
Can Chickens Eat Potatoes? What I Learned the Hard Way Read Post »
I thought feeding chickens would be the easy part. You scoop the feed, fill the dish, walk away. Right? At least, that’s what I believed… until Doris started bullying the others at breakfast, Henrietta stopped laying, and Marlene looked like she was trying to enter a “plumpest hen” contest. That’s when I realized: I wasn’t
How Much Should You Feed Chickens Per Day? (Hard-Won Lessons From My Coop) Read Post »
You’re cleaning up after breakfast and spot half an avocado on the counter. Your chickens are staring at you, hoping for a treat. It’s green, it’s fresh, and you’re tempted to toss it in the run. But wait. Before you share, know this: avocado can be dangerous, even deadly, for your flock. If you’ve ever
Can Chickens Eat Avocado? The Risk Every Keeper Should Know Read Post »
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen with celery in hand and a flock of pet chickens watching you, you’re not alone. Many beginners wonder: can chickens eat celery? I made this guide to cover the facts, clear up common questions, and help you make snack time safe and fun for your backyard flock. Can
Can Chickens Eat Celery? The Crunchy Truth for Every Pet Chicken Keeper Read Post »
As a pet chicken owner, you’ve probably found yourself snacking on grapes and wondered, “Can my pet chickens eat grapes?”. It’s ok, you’re not alone. Grapes are a staple in many kitchens, and backyard chicken keepers are always on the lookout for healthy, fun treats for their flocks. The good news: chickens can eat grapes,
Can Chickens Eat Grapes? A Beginner’s Guide to Safe Treats and Happy Pet Chickens Read Post »
Poultry owners in need of quick feeding with healthy flocks have widely adopted chicken treadle feeders. These treadle feeders which are nearly always made of galvanized sheet metal are feed boxes with lids that can only be opened up if a chicken steps on them. The concept is pretty simple, a typical rat weighs around
If you are a backyard chicken owner like me, you have probably asked yourself this question: can chickens eat oranges? After all, chickens are famous for pecking at almost anything within sight, from grains to insects and sometimes the occasional fruit. But when it comes to oranges, the answer is not as simple as you
Have you ever wondered what can baby chicks eat? Maybe you already know what adult chickens should eat, or perhaps you have just bought cute baby chicks and have no idea what to feed them. If so, then this article will help you. It is crucial to provide your chicks with a healthy diet in
What Can Baby Chicks Eat? 7 Nutritious Foods That are Safe to Feed Read Post »
If you own a chicken, you are probably wondering about the do’s and don’ts of feeding your flock and can chickens eat tomatoes or not. Chickens are naturally curious and will peck at anything, but that doesn’t mean it is safe for them to eat. For example, tomatoes are a common garden staple, but can
You could be giving your feathered friends the best chicken feed out there, but if nutritional supplements for backyard chickens are missing in the equation, your ladies aren’t getting all the nutrients they need for optimal health. Even with nutrient-packed commercial feeds (we can do better than that!), chickens need a nutritional supplement. This enables
Best Nutrition Supplements for Backyard Chickens Read Post »