Backyard Fowl Keepers

I think it's a great experiment! Even if just one hatches, it'll be an interesting experience. Keep us updated-I'd love to see if any chicks make it!

Some chicks are just more sensitive! If she's otherwise acting fine, I'd just monitor her and continue cleaning her eyes until she grows out of it.

Motion-activated lights or sprinklers might help deter snakes at night. They don't like sudden disturbances.

If she's a dedicated broody, she may try to hatch them all. I had a hen sit an extra three days once, but it's a gamble,some do, some don't.

Neem oil, when diluted properly, can be sprayed around the coop to repel mosquitoes. Just be careful not to spray directly on the birds.

I love both Silkies and Buff Cochins and want to keep them together. Since Cochins are larger, will that be a problem?

Any advice from experienced owners? Thanks!




I've had Silkies and Cochins together without issues. They're both gentle, but Silkies need special considerations like ground ...

Broody hens are surprisingly adaptable. She may look for them at first, but as long as she has others to raise, she'll settle down fast.

Hi everyone,

Im raising a flock of dual-purpose chickens and trying to plan ahead for when and how to process them. Heres what I have right now:


3 Rhode Island Reds
4 Barred Plymouth Rocks
2 Buff Orpingtons
3 Black Australorps
2 Delaware
4 Wyandottes (Silver or Gold Laced ...

My chickens love eating grass, so I've let them free-range in a section of the yard where I grow clover and dandelion. They also get some herbs like parsley and cilantro. The eggs are fantastic!

For weeks, my broody hen has been dedicated to her unusual clutchguinea fowl eggs. Shes fluffed, turned, and protected them like they were her own.

On day 25, the first little keet broke free, a tiny bundle of fluff peeking out from beneath her wings. By day 26, another had joined.

But now, its ...