Out of all the various animals that you might raise as livestock or just as companions, chickens are probably the most appealing. With so many varied breeds, a low bar to entry, and plenty of personalities, it is no wonder that chickens are extremely appealing to farmers and to backyard keepers alike. However, some chicken …
Homesteaders, like everyone else, enjoy having pets – after all, they need cuddle therapy too occasionally. Of course, you’ll have to take certain precautions around your pets and keep them away from your livestock. While they’re a popular choice of pet, cats will sometimes go after birds. This can pose a serious problem for chicken …
Small eggs can be a frustrating mystery for backyard chicken keepers. Why is my chicken laying small eggs? What’s causing this, and how can I fix it? When you finally get your chicken coop set up and your hens start laying eggs, it’s a real feeling of accomplishment. After all, you’ve provided them with the …
So Why’s My Chicken Laying Small Eggs? 6 Reasons Why Read More »
Chickens are thought to be hardy and easy to care for, and much of the time they are, at least compared to mammals. However, some chicken owners might not consider that their feathered friends can fall victim to a number of parasites, the same as larger livestock. You’ll rarely hear of this discussion among prospective …
If you’ve been paying attention to homesteading magazines and farming websites lately, you may have noticed the term “chicken tractor” a time or two – or twelve! But what exactly is a chicken tractor – and why do you need one? If you raise chickens, using a chicken tractor is one of the best things …
Chickens are wonderful. They provide us with plenty of eggs, useful fertilizer and, of course, we eat them for food. But plenty of other creatures also love to eat chickens, with hawks being one of the biggest threats to backyard and barnyard chickens alike. If you’ve got a flock of chickens, you’ll want to do …
10 Surefire Ways to Protect Your Chickens from Hawks Read More »
When I was very little, we had chickens and, of course, chicken coops. While I may not remember much about that part of my childhood, I do remember going to the coop to gather eggs. Unfortunately, and this is common for all farmers, we also had flies on the property. Now, flies can be either …
22 Ways to Get Rid of Flies in your Chicken Coop Read More »
Originating in America in 1910, professor ‘Red’ Richardson with input from local farmers and the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station began the process of creating the New Hampshire hen. This was in response to poultry breeders desire for hens that are fast feathering and chickens that grew and matured quicker than the Rhode Island Red …
The chicken tractor is a wooden or PVC enclosure that is meant to serve as a mobile chicken coop. It is the ultimate solution to providing your flock with the fresh air, exercise, and quality pasture they need. Despite the benefits, however, they do have limitations – particularly in regards to how many birds they …
I’ve said this before but it’s something that bears repeating homesteaders really appreciate their animals. Whether it’s their dogs and cats, or livestock animals, they understand and appreciate the value of having healthy stock. This is especially true when it comes to chickens and other birds which have a much more…stringent diet. The health of …
