Chickens

If there is one feature of a chicken coop that is truly iconic, it is probably the cleated ramp that leads out of the door down to the ground. It seems like whatever the style of the coop, and wherever it is located, it will always have a ramp. Why is that? Are these ramps

All domestic chickens need a coop to call home. The coop serves as the resting area and safe haven for the flock when the sun goes down. It is also an important shelter during rain and cold weather. And it is this latter issue that generates plenty of debate among chicken keepers. Some people think

Chickens are interesting creatures, and probably the very best animals you can keep as livestock. Aside from keeping our properties mostly free of bugs they happily give us a daily delivery of the freshest eggs you can possibly get. Chickens are inexpensive, hardy, and easy to handle, so it adds up to a pretty good

Chickens are pretty adventurous eaters. You might even say they are a little indiscriminate. Chickens eat all kinds of things, from bugs and grass to small mammals and even dirt. So it’s not surprising that some people assert that chickens will also eat their own poop. Yikes, that seems like a bit much, and it

Chickens usually subsist on a diet that is mostly chicken feed, but these omnivorous birds can eat all sorts of whole foods, including many types of fruits and vegetables. But nonetheless, there are certain kinds of products that chickens should not eat. How about yellow squash? Can chickens have yellow squash? Yes, chickens may safely

For homesteaders, chickens have a lot to recommend them. They lay lots of eggs, they can provide you with nutritious meat, and compared to many other animals they are far cheaper and easier to keep. What is not to love? Well, for one thing, they create tons of poop. Like, tons and tons of poop,

Chickens are often seen as simple creatures, but they are actually quite complex and interesting animals. I’m not just referring to their physiology or social behavior, but also their emotions. Chickens have their own moods and changing attitudes depending on what is going on in their world. Chickens can and will show affection, both to

Chickens are routinely the target of infestation by mites, fleas, and other tiny, biting parasites. Much of the time these critters will take up residence in the coop and emerge at night to feast on some chickens while they sleep. At first it is an annoyance, but over time they can spell real trouble for

Chickens are generally hardy, healthy birds but even they can fall victim to various diseases. Perhaps none are more horrendous than chicken fowl cholera. Also known as avian cholera, this highly contagious and often fatal disease affects chickens of all ages, although old birds are most susceptible. Chicken fowl cholera can strike quickly and without

I don’t think it is any stretch to say that the most iconic image of a precious little baby chick the average person has is of a little, perfectly yellow fuzzball. This idea is so common that 99% of the time you see a chick depicted anywhere in media, for any purpose, it will be