So, how do you determine the sex of those just-hatched fluff balls in your incubator? And how do you tell a rooster from a hen? Sexing a chick can be easy (sex link chicks), or it can be a mysterious art form that takes years to perfect (vent sexing). This article will give you some […]
I have to smile at this article about the broody hen. Since I currently have two hens determined to be broody! Fortunately for us Northern chicken keepers, broodiness is pretty much confined to the summer months. Broody hens can mean trouble for your flock and egg supply! To make matters worse, broodiness can often spread […]
The Australorp is a fairly recent arrival on the chicken scene. Still, it has made a huge impression on chicken keepers and the poultry industry the world over in its relatively short history. The name is a contraction of Australian black Orpington. Several different names called the breed before Australorp was settled upon. Since Australians […]
We have all heard of it, but what exactly is it? The egg float test is a simple test that checks for the egg’s freshness. But is it just an old wives’ tale, or does this test actually work? Today’s topic is just that. We’re going to explain the egg float test, how to do […]
Your hen is squawking whenever you approach her, and she won’t leave her nesting box. What’s wrong, is she ill? Far from it, and chances are she is just a broody and wants chicks. If you aren’t planning on having chicks, this can be problematic because the hen in question will stop laying eggs. Whatever […]
Purchasing ducks is a big commitment, even if you are only buying a handful of these adorable little creatures. Taking on the responsibility of caring for another life should never be entered into lightly. Before opening your wallet, you must KNOW that you have the time, space, and the money to properly care for the […]
How to Deal with a Loud Rooster If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can have roosters, you probably won’t think twice about the rampant crowing. You wouldn’t be wrong, either! Most areas that are very rural or zoned agricultural are pretty rooster-friendly, so it would never be an issue that […]
Chickens today are spoiled beyond belief when compared to Grandmas’ hens. Hens of the past (1900s) had no regular access to basic commodities such as water and feed- this severely limited their egg laying rate and also the size which they grew. The chicken really wasn’t considered a necessary ‘livestock’ animal on the farm. The […]
Sounds simple doesn’t it? When I first started out with chickens and had a handful of ladies it was simple. They all knew and trusted me – so I could easily scoop them up and do whatever was needed. When I was done, I would plop them down and give them a treat so they […]
Calling all flock keepers and backyard chicken enthusiasts, prepare for your next DIY adventure… Building a Chicken Coop! Once you have decided you want to raise chickens, you will have many questions: How can I build a chicken coop? Where do I purchase/find hens? How do I feed and raise my hens? A chicken coop […]