Backyard Fowl Keepers

If it continues, try feeling her crop in the morning. A full, soft crop is normal, but a hard or squishy one may indicate a problem.

Recycled materials are your friend! I used scrap lumber and leftover fencing from a neighbor's project. Total cost? Practically nothing.

Feed impacts egg size too! Make sure your hens get enough protein and calcium to support larger egg production.

If you have access to black soldier fly larvae, they could be a great alternative. They're high in protein, easy to farm, and can thrive even in mild climates.

For baby chicks, I recommend a blend of fine sand and sifted wood ash. Sand helps keep it from getting too dusty, and ash offers parasite control. Make sure the ash is from untreated wood and completely cool before adding it. Also, a low-sided plastic container will keep the mess contained while ...

I have a 3-year-old hen (not sure of the breed) who was healthy at the start of winter, but recently she has become very lethargic and barely moves. She has almost no appetite, and her crop stays empty all day unless I hand-feed her food and water.

Her poop is very runny but doesnt seem to have ...

Selling extra eggs and meat is a great plan! Just be sure to check local regulations on selling quail products,it varies by state and country.

I love that you're thinking outside the box for alternative feed! Freezing is easy, but yes, thawed caterpillars might get messy. One trick is to lay them out on trays, freeze them individually, then bag them up,that way, they don't clump together. Boiling can help firm them up and remove bacteria ...