Chickens

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

Chickens are like every other domestic animal in some ways. For instance, they depend on us to keep them safe from a variety of threats. Yes, your average chicken is still fairly in touch with the instincts passed down to it by its ancient jungle fowl ancestors, but ask any veteran keeper, and they will

One of the most interesting, and sometimes most challenging, aspects of owning chickens is learning about all of the different breeds out there. All chickens have different advantages, disadvantages, and traits that will make a difference in your quality of life when raising them. In this article, we will be doing a deep dive on

If you ask me, one of the very best parts about being a homesteader is raising chickens. And lots of other folks agree! In terms of value, chickens are at the top of the pile when it comes to livestock. They are generally easy to care for, cheap, fun, and can keep you stocked up

Raising your own flock from chicks is always an exciting time, but it can be one that is fraught with anxiety if you don’t know what you’re doing. Chicks are really delicate and need lots of support at this young and vulnerable stage of life, and the only life they know for a time will

Chickens might look small and harmless, but if you think that, that’s only because you’ve never been chased or flogged by them! If your birds are distrustful and aggressive with people, it’s only going to make your life a whole lot harder. When it’s time to do anything from administering medicine to inspecting or cleaning

I don’t think I’m overstepping when I assert that the vast majority of chicken keepers start raising their own flock of birds for the eggs. If you’ve never tried a genuine farm-fresh egg before, you don’t know what you’re missing: the flavor and texture compared to the chilled cartons you get at the grocery store

I think everyone understands that every living thing can benefit from optimum nutrition, and the same certainly counts for our chickens. They depend on getting the right amount of calories and, just as importantly, the correct micronutrients in the correct ratios to thrive. Speaking of micronutrients, one of the most important for chickens overall is

You know what a bantam chicken is? If you do, you probably think it just means a small chicken. And that’s true, but it means much more than that! Bantams are breeds unto themselves, and there are many out there. This includes true bantam breeds that have always been tiny, and developed breeds that are

Good chicken owners stay in tune with their flocks. If you are close with your birds, you will learn to read their moods. You’ll know when they’re anxious, happy, uncertain, or sometimes just a little off. Nothing seems wrong at first, but you notice a decrease in egg production, listlessness, and agitation. Everything seems fine.