Backyard Fowl Keepers

This is a reminder that nature works on its own timeline. You learned something important, and your future chicks will benefit from it.

Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this ...

If she's still not using the leg much, she may need more than just rest. You could try splinting or gently wrapping the joint for support.

If you love the ground-level look, go for it! Just make sure the coop is well-ventilated, and consider laying a concrete or hardware cloth base underneath to keep out burrowing pests.

Young chickens can be quite vocal at night if they feel insecure. Since they quiet down after a while, it's likely just part of their adjustment period.

Have you considered using natural fire ant deterrents, such as a mix of boiling water and salt? It's non-toxic to chickens and works pretty well on mounds. You can also try sprinkling some cinnamon or coffee grounds around the fire ant colonies, as they don't like those, and it's chicken-friendly!

Lavender is a great option! It has calming properties and smells amazing in the brooder. Plus, the chicks seem to enjoy pecking at it.

I would recommend gently cleaning her feathers if the mess is significant, but only use warm water to avoid irritating her skin. Avoid harsh chemicals or soaps, as these could harm her. If she's not wet and just a little dirty, it might be best to leave her alone, as broody hens don't always take ...

If you want fun and quirky, Polish chickens might be a great choice! They're friendly and hilarious to watch, but their crest can make them a bit skittish.

If your partner is worried about fresh manure in the garden, consider a system where you only let the chickens into garden beds that won't be used for months. Otherwise, compost their droppings separately for safety. Many gardeners use a “coop-to-compost-to-garden” cycle for perfect soil enrichment.