Backyard Fowl Keepers

Anatolian Shepherds are amazing! Independent and super protective. They bond well with their flock and keep predators away.

This behavior might be about warmth or comfort, but it can also signal insecurity. Chickens sometimes look for physical closeness when they feel uneasy. Given the cold snap you mentioned, your LB might just be trying to stay warm. That said, if she's pushing others up on their claws regularly, it ...

Red Rangers or Freedom Rangers are great for free-ranging. They grow faster than heritage breeds but are much more active and hardy than Cornish Cross.

I have a ground-level coop and haven't had rodent problems, but I use hardware cloth on all openings and check regularly for any chew marks or holes.

If you're patient, you can let the pile do its thing and harvest the outer layers first. By spring, the center might still need time, but you'll have some finished compost ready to use!

It's inspiring to see how chickens helped transform your garden! They make everything so much more sustainable, from pest control to composting. More people should realize that keeping chickens isn't just about eggs,it's about building a better ecosystem.

If your flock is used to a light at night, they might be a little confused at first, but they'll adapt quickly. Just make sure their roosting area is safe and predator-proof.

Hairy vetch can be toxic in large amounts, but if it's not in your pasture, you're probably fine. Clover, ryegrass, and chicory are great options for overseeding!

Sounds fascinating! I've always been told you can't sex an egg before hatching, but maybe there's some truth to this? I might try it on my next hatch just for fun.

We did something similar but left a radio playing on a timer near the coop to deter predators. It seemed to work!