Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hatching from a reputable breeder is always a good choice. It'll be exciting to see what colors you get from the Marans and Legbars!

One trick I used to keep my chickens closer to the coop was by creating a "boundary" using food. I'd place scratch or their favorite treats in areas near the coop. They would return for more food, and after a while, they started associating the coop with safety and rewards. However, in areas with ...

Using BSFL has made my backyard chicken-keeping more sustainable. Not only are my birds getting a better diet, but I feel good knowing that I'm reducing food waste and contributing to a circular economy. Win-win for me and my flock!

Go with 6' and call it a day. It's a small difference visually, but that extra foot might save you a lot of frustration in the long run.

It's a good idea to avoid any chemical-based solutions around free-range chickens, including “Over ‘n Out.” Chickens peck at everything, so chemicals can easily be ingested. A safer option might be spreading food-grade diatomaceous earth or using natural ant baits.

I was spending some time with my chicks today and noticed that a few of them (4 out of 15) have toes that are curling inward or to the side. Theyre still walking fine and dont seem to be in pain, but Im worried this could be an issue down the line. Is there anything I should do to help correct it ...

The wing-startling behavior is interesting. Could they have mites or lice irritating them? Try checking for external parasites.

Certain infections or parasites, like coccidiosis, can lead to anemia, which might cause pale feet. Watch for signs like bloody droppings, lethargy, or weight loss. If you notice these, treatment may be needed.

I've successfully used surrogate broody hens in the past to raise adopted chicks without issues, so this situation is a bit new for me. I have a broody hen whos been sitting on a nest of unfertilized eggs for about three weeks. She has never raised chicks before. Today, I received seven chicks that ...

In winter, they'll need more feed to stay warm, especially if they're not free-ranging. In summer, they'll eat less if they're foraging. Adjust accordingly!