Backyard Fowl Keepers

Sometimes it's genetic , some hens just lay differently shaped eggs. If the hen's healthy and the shell's strong, I wouldn't worry.

Bleach and Dawn work well, but Virkon S offers broader disinfection. I'd apply it, let it dry, then lightly rinse high-contact areas like feeders. F10 SC is another great daily spray.

Hello everyone,

Were new to chicken keeping and could use some help diagnosing an issue in our flock. Our hens are around 7-8 months old and all actively laying. At first, we thought we were dealing with bullying, but now were not so sure. One particular hen seems more passive than the others and ...

Frostbite is a strong possibility, but other factors could be at play. Cold weather can cause circulation issues, and a purple comb sometimes suggests oxygenation problems. Have you checked his feet? Sometimes frostbite affects both the comb and toes. Keep him dry, warm, and well-fed with high ...

You can store eggs for a maximum of 7 days before putting them in the incubator, although shorter storage times are generally better. Keep them in a cool room (50-60°F) and turn them gently once or twice a day. Do not refrigerate eggs unless necessary, as it can affect hatch rates. Before placing ...

Hi everyone,

Ive been dealing with worms in one of my hens, and I just cant seem to get rid of them. Ive tried multiple treatments, including praziquantel and fenbendazole, but I keep finding worm segments in the poop.

The hen seems active and healthy but has lost weight, has a very prominent ...

If nothing else seems to work, you might want to do a round of deworming. Internal parasites can sometimes cause poor feather regrowth since they steal nutrients from the bird. A fecal test from a vet can confirm if that's the issue.

I'd recommend stirring the mulch before adding it to the coop. This helps release any trapped spores and ensures that you're not introducing anything harmful to your birds. Also, deep litter thrives on a mix of materials,consider adding some straw or pine shavings to balance things out.

It's unlikely to cause any serious harm, but it may cause some digestive upset due to the high fat content. Keep an eye on their behavior and waste for any signs of discomfort or diarrhea. They should be okay, but you might want to reduce the larvae feeding going forward.

Your experiment is proof that good soil takes time and effort. Well done!