Backyard Fowl Keepers

Check their crops in the morning before feeding. If they're empty every time, they might not be eating enough, or they could have a digestive issue. If that's the case, you may need to tweak their diet or check for parasites.

Septic lagoons can contain pathogens, even if they look clean. The duckweed could absorb harmful substances,personally, I wouldn't risk it.

A walk-in coop is a game-changer! I use poop boards covered with a layer of PDZ, and it keeps everything super dry and easy to scoop. Your trough idea sounds good, but make sure it's not too deep,otherwise, airflow gets restricted, and things can get pretty gross fast. If you do go the deep litter ...

I recently discovered that my flock has lice, and Im looking for effective treatment options that dont require harsh chemicals or an egg withdrawal period. My family relies on these eggs, so Id prefer to avoid anything that would make them unsafe to eat.

Ive heard that permethrin is commonly used ...

Good idea to ask first! I painted mine with an exterior-grade, water-based paint. It held up well, and my flock never had any issues. Just avoid anything oil-based or with strong fumes.

Chickens are surprisingly low maintenance once you get a good routine going. They provide food, fun, and even a little farm feel to any home. Stick with it, and you'll soon wonder how you ever lived without them!

Every batch of shipped eggs is different, but I usually start turning between 24-48 hours if the air cells aren't detached. Hand-turning gives you better control over how much movement they get. Try to avoid sudden or sharp tilts, and candle again at day 7 to check stability. It's a bit of a waiting ...

It might be a good idea to mow and observe what grows back before letting your birds out. Some weeds like Jimsonweed and nightshade can pop up in pastures, and geese may nibble at things chickens won't. A safe poultry forage mix with clover, alfalfa, and chicory would be a great addition!

I had the same problem with flies! What helped me was using food-grade diatomaceous earth. I sprinkle it in the run, and it cuts down on both flies and smell. Just be careful not to overdo it since it can be dusty.

Try dipping your finger in water and touching their feed,they'll peck at it out of curiosity, which helps them transition to solid food if they're hesitant.