Backyard Fowl Keepers

Today during my routine egg collection, I noticed that one of my 3-month-old pullets had a bloody vent and her tail feathers were plucked out. I suspect that the feather loss might be from pecking, possibly triggered by the bloody vent. However, Im also concerned because her vent appears much more ...

I recently got some chickens, but Im unsure of their exact age. Are there any signs or physical traits I can look for to estimate how old they are? I know younger chicks develop at a certain rate, but what about older pullets or full-grown hens? Do things like feather growth, leg color, or comb ...

I'd ask the builder for references from past customers with ground-level coops. First-hand experience is the best proof of rodent resistance.

This early internal pip could be due to slightly higher incubation temps, which speed up development. Make sure your humidity stays high , 65–70% is ideal. The chick is breathing air now, so peeping is a great sign! External pip usually follows within 12–24 hours, but sometimes it takes longer ...

I wonder if air sac positioning has more to do with storage and handling rather than chick sex. Did all your eggs come from the same hens?

If you're using well water, a simple carbon filter might remove bacteria without needing chlorine. I'd be more worried about keeping the incubator itself clean rather than trying to sanitize humidity water.

Your pile is halfway there! Just turn it weekly, and in a few months, you'll have rich compost. As for the garden, chickens do wonders,just plan accordingly.

I spotted a Pygmy Rattlesnake on my porch last night! Thankfully, my Great Pyrenees alerted me before anyone got hurt. We havent seen snakes here in over ten years, and my hens arent laying yet, so its not an egg issue.

Because of the heat, I leave my Omlet Cube door open at night for ventilation ...

I noticed that my hens also ignore certain vegetables like you've mentioned. They love tomatoes, though! For squash, I have to cut it into smaller pieces and mix it with some of their favorite fruits or veggies. That seems to do the trick!

Im new to keeping backyard chickens and have noticed something strange with my three 6-7 week-old chicks. Every night when the sun starts to set, they begin making soft whistling noises, almost like theyre anxious. Its not loud, but since I live in the city, I want to keep them as quiet as ...