Backyard Fowl Keepers

I think the small eggs should be fine for incubation, but you might want to wait just a bit until the eggs are slightly bigger. That said, I've hatched eggs from first-time layers and had success. The key is that the eggs are fertilized, and as long as you maintain proper incubation conditions, they ...

My flock is free-range most of the day, so my run stays relatively clean. I do a weekly rake-through and add fresh bedding when needed. For ground cover, I use a mix of sand and gravel, which drains well and prevents muddy areas. Every few months, I do a deep clean, removing any compacted material ...

If your garage is heated, a brooder plate should work fine. If it's drafty, consider partially covering the brooder to trap warmth.

If you want a truly unique egg basket, try adding some Isbars! They lay mossy green eggs and do well in cold climates. Pair them with Ameraucanas and Welsummers for a great mix!

I had the same issue with Buff Orpingtons! Some are just heavier birds and less likely to fly, but if they're determined, you might need to clip again or add a fence deterrent.

Ive been adding fresh herbs to the brooder alongside Chick Start for my week-old chicks, and so far, it seems to be going well. Ive noticed they peck at the herbs occasionally, and I like the idea of giving them something extra for enrichment and potential health benefits. Does anyone else do this ...

Duckweed itself is highly nutritious and used in animal feed worldwide, but where it grows matters. Septic lagoons contain not just waste but also potential pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals. The fact that your lagoon only receives overflow helps, but it doesn't guarantee safety ...

Lice eggs are tricky to get rid of. A fine-tooth comb can help remove them from feathers, especially around the vent area where they tend to cluster.

If they're acting normal, they may just be putting energy into bone development rather than weight gain. Some birds fill out later!

Try flushing the nostril with saline and applying an antibiotic ointment. If the swelling is severe, oral antibiotics may be needed.