Backyard Fowl Keepers

My Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers keep beetles and ticks in check. I rotate them through different garden sections after harvest to avoid plant damage while still getting pest control benefits.

I saw that Murray McMurray sells cranes, and Id love to get some someday. Does anyone have experience or advice on keeping them?




Some cranes are protected species, requiring permits and inspections. They need wetlands or large pens, fresh fish or specialized diets, and minimal human contact ...

I use a mix of dirt, sand, and chopped straw. The straw keeps things drier, and the sand helps prevent compaction. Plus, they love scratching through it!

Chickens have different aging patterns just like people do. Some develop droopier skin, while others lose feathers or slow down a bit. If she seems happy and active, I wouldn't stress too much about it.

Chickens can be super picky! If she's determined to lay in that spot, it may be easier to just let her have it rather than fight her instincts.

Some people rake the sand daily instead of scooping,loosens everything up and helps dry it out faster. Might be worth a try!

Keep monitoring and let us know if their symptoms change. Hopefully, it's just stress and they bounce back soon!

You're doing it right by letting them see but not touch. I'd give it at least a few days before testing a short, supervised interaction.

I'm preparing for my new chicks and wondering about cleaning the brooder. I've read mixed advice on using bleach versus vinegar,some say bleach is harmful to chickens, while others say vinegar isn't enough to disinfect. If I use bleach, how long should I air it out, and should it be diluted? How ...

I've had success using old chest freezers as feed storage. They're airtight, rodent-proof, and easy to organize.