We often get asked how many roosters should be kept with a flock of hens. What’s the ratio of hens to roosters. Although this question is a moot point for folks who cannot keep roosters because of the city or byelaws, it is a valid question for those who want to keep a few roosters […]
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The Wyandotte is one of Americas’ favorite hens. Created in the North-Eastern US it is a firm favorite of many homesteaders for its reliability in producing eggs and meat. It has the distinction of being the first American breed specifically bred to be dual purpose. It is a beautifully marked heritage bird. Sadly, it fell […]
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Does your goat struggle to burp, look distressed, salivate and walk awkwardly? These could be signs of goat bloating. It’s a severe condition that can even take your goat’s life within hours if left untreated. But what is goat bloating, and why does it happen? Those questions were probably lingering in your head and brought […]
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Small but mighty quail are hardy little birds most of the time, but if you are new to raising quail, there are a few things you should watch for when it comes to their health. The following diseases, illnesses, and ailments are all reasonably common in quail breeds, keep a watchful eye on your birds […]
The Golden Laced Wyandotte is possibly one of America’s most beautiful and beloved chickens and one that is hard to mistake with its stunning plumage. It is a breed that was created in the fairly recent past by poultry farmers looking for a homegrown dual-purpose chicken. At the time there were few truly dual-purpose breeds […]
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These beautiful birds are under-represented in the backyard world of chickens. This is a great shame as they have many outstanding attributes for the small homesteader as we shall see. They are a fairly recent addition to chicken breeds, being ‘born’ less than one hundred years ago in the Netherlands. They are popular in the […]
It might seem strange to learn that even chickens can become infested with lice. They eat bugs, after all, but these external parasites are not the typical run-of-the-mill chicken treat-type bug. They spread fast and can cause severe problems for the entire flock. Identifying an infestation early, and treating the flock quickly, is extremely important […]
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Healthy, happy hens lay more eggs. Has it been proven scientifically? I don’t know, but from my experience, a healthy hen will produce more eggs than an unhealthy, miserable chicken. Chicken treats can make your hens happy and healthy. Obviously, we can’t speed up the ‘egg clock’, but by keeping your hens in tip-top condition, […]
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So, you’ve finally given in and decided it was time to add some quail to your home, you’ve placed your order, and now it’s time to prepare a home, Quail Coop, for your new tenants. Once they arrive, they will be itching to get comfortable in the duds you have created for them. What Does […]
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In the fifth chapter of The Definitive Guide To Keeping Chickens In Winter, we look at chickens molting in winter. So, you opened up the hen house in the morning and thought it was a crime scene from CSI. Feathers strewn around the floor in heaps…you think the worst! A predator killed the girls, but no, […]
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