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 […]
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, […]
Read More… from Chapter Five: Chickens Molting During Winter
Chicken anatomy is a huge subject to cover in one article, so we have really pared it down to the basics for ease of understanding. The references provided will give you greater in-depth knowledge if you want to delve further into chicken anatomy. The areas we will cover here today are: Feathers and skin Digestive […]
Read More… from Chicken Anatomy 101: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re confused about the Cornish Chicken and the Cornish Cross, you aren’t alone. Even for a chicken fanatic, digging up the correct information on these two varieties of chickens can take time. So, let’s sort that out right off the bat—the Cornish chicken is not the same as the Cornish Cross broiler. The Cornish […]
Read More… from The Cornish Chicken Breed Profile – All You Need To Know
For those of us who love our chickens and their endearing little ways, the difference between a chicken and hen might seem like a ‘no-brainer. But, if you have never raised chickens, then it’s a fair question. It’s one of those questions that we chicken folk doesn’t even think about – but what actually are […]
It’s only a matter of time before a chicken lover decides it’s time to add a duck, or five, to the flock. With their adorable good looks and humorous farm antics, ducks are tough to resist. It quickly becomes a homesteading staple raising chickens and ducks together. It has been said that ducks are the […]
Read More… from What You Should Know About Raising Chickens And Ducks Together
Barnevelder Chicken, or ‘Barnies’ as they are affectionately known, are relative newcomers to the world of chickens. That hasn’t held them back though, they have a firm following, and rightly so. They are low-maintenance hen with a fun personality and good looks! Once the darling of the Dutch egg industry, the Barnevelder now finds favor […]
Read More… from Barnevelder Chicken: What You Need To Know Before Buying
Salmon Faverolles are the barnyard comedians. They are enthusiastic about everything they do, curious to the point of nosiness, and quite talkative! They will always run to you when they see you coming hoping for treats, but even without treats, they seem genuinely happy to see you. This chicken breed is just about perfect for […]
Read More… from Salmon Faverolle All You Need To Know: Personality and Egg Color
Cock-a-doodle-do, is a universally known sound that just about everyone knows. Roosters are loud and proud and like to let everyone know they are in the neighborhood! But seriously, why do they crow? There are several reasons why a rooster may crow, and we will run through those here, but maybe a rooster crows just […]
The vast majority of chickens have chicken combs, but why is that? It is a very unique and important part of the chicken, as we shall learn. Scientists found the first ‘combs’ on the dinosaur remains of the Edmontosaurus (one of the last dinosaurs on Earth). Today we will explore exactly why chickens have combs, […]
Read More… from Everything You Need To Know About Chicken Combs