Backyard Fowl Keepers

Could she be cold even in the garage? Lower temps and stress can affect digestion. A heat lamp or extra bedding might help her stay comfortable.

I had a similar issue and ended up using a deep litter method with wood chips and leaves. It not only cushioned the ground but also helped control odors and moisture. The bonus? As it breaks down, it enriches the soil, making it easier to work with long-term.

Some breeds, like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, are more active breeders and could handle a larger number of hens, while others may struggle with more than 10.

Both breeds are super friendly and fluffy, so they should be a great match! Just be mindful of space, feeding access, and perch height for the Silkies.

It's possible the snake was just passing through, but if you saw one, there could be more. Chickens won't necessarily attract them, but their food, spilled feed, and shaded areas might. Try keeping the area clean, removing debris, and making sure all openings are covered with hardware cloth. If you ...

I've done this before! Ducks and chicks can live together once fully feathered, but make sure they have plenty of dry areas since ducks love to splash water everywhere.

You could test a small batch by adding some to a separate area and seeing if it develops mold before using it in the coop.

That's an amazing mix! Your egg basket is going to be gorgeous with all those colors. Hope you get a great hatch rate!

Some keepers never worm unless there's a confirmed issue, while others do it twice a year. If you're unsure, testing first is a great option.

This is really helpful! I'm new to chickens and was planning to use just eggshells. I'll make sure to get oyster shell now. Thanks for the heads-up!