Chickens

Most chicken keepers start keeping these ubiquitous domestic birds for one reason more than any other: a steady, almost limitless supply of the freshest, best eggs you will ever taste. But I say almost limitless because hens won’t lay eggs forever. They have two, maybe three good years in them and then will slow down […]

One of the most enjoyable things about keeping chickens is figuring out which breed is right for you. They all bring a little something different to the table, and learning more about different breeds is a fun pastime in and of itself. To help you zero in on your next addition to your flock, I’m

Thinking of getting your own flock of chickens? You aren’t the only one, but there’s a lot you’ll need to know if you’re going to do a good job of it. Yes, chickens are generally easy to care for and they’re extremely easy to get. A quick trip to your local livestock store or Tractor

You’ve heard the old saying before: “his chickens came home to roost.” But have you ever wondered what the roost at home looks like for those birds? The domestic chickens we keep today are similar to their ancient jungle fowl ancestors from Asia in many ways. One of those traits is that chickens still prefer

Chickens don’t take baths in water like other animals. Instead, they take a bath of sorts in dust, sand, or loose, dry dirt. This dust bathing is critically important for chickens since it helps their feathers stay in good shape, wards off external parasites, and, if you can believe it, helps them stay cleaner overall.

One of the best things about keeping chickens is that they tend to be pretty healthy compared to other animals. These birds are tough, hardy, and, aside from a few typical illnesses, generally have little to worry about. But one typical issue that every keeper is going to deal with, sooner or later, is sour

It’s always a good time to get a flock of chickens that you can call your own. These ubiquitous birds are cheap and readily available pretty much everywhere. Grab yourself a coop, a box of chicks, and a bag of feed, and you are all set. Well, you’re mostly all set. Despite there being almost

If you want to keep chickens, they’ve got to have a coop to live in. No ifs, ands or buts. I don’t know if you’ve checked the prices on pre-made coops and kits from your local hardware superstore or farm store, but these things have gotten outrageous! If you’re like me and most other homesteaders,

Chickens are a fantastic livestock choice for homesteaders, even for total beginners. They’re cheap, widely available, versatile, and can be kept even on a small property with the right setup. Whether you want meat, eggs, or both, you can’t go wrong! It’s easy to see why these birds are so popular, and in truth, they

For homesteaders, having your own flock of chickens, even if it’s just a small backyard flock, is kind of a rite of passage… For so many of us, chickens are the most accessible livestock around, and also one of the most efficient: they will supply you with meat and eggs, and they are just tons