Backyard Fowl Keepers

If you want shade and durability, try planting a small fruit tree protected by a wire cage around the base. Chickens enjoy fallen fruit, and the tree stays safe.

Duckweed is great, but from a septic lagoon, it's risky. Even with a septic tank first, there's still a chance of contamination. Better safe than sorry!

How do you keep an outdoor brooder comfortable for chicks when temperatures swing between hot and cold? I know its important to keep them warm enough when its cool and cool enough when its hot, so they need space to move where theyre comfortable.

Also, how do you block direct breezes without ...

We recently brought home five hens from a backyard flock that was being downsized. As soon as I picked them up, I could tell something wasnt right. They felt way too light, almost fragile. They dont have the usual plump, healthy look I expect in my birds.

Now Im wondering could this just be their ...

Ive been looking into different treat options for my flock and was wondering about feeding rice. Ive heard mixed opinions on whether its safe for chickens to eat cooked or uncooked rice. Some people say its perfectly fine, while others claim it can cause digestive issues or even crop problems.

Has ...

Have you checked her diet? Extra protein and calcium can help with post-molt recovery and encourage laying again.

Have you tried adding sand to the run? It drains well, dries quickly, and is easy to rake clean. I use it in my run and it really helps with odor control.

Check her crop in the morning,if it's still full, she might have an impacted crop, which can cause lethargy and digestive issues. That could explain the lack of droppings.

Chickens will generally free-range on moss without issue. They might not be super interested in it since it's not a typical food source, but I wouldn't worry about them eating it. It's not harmful in small amounts.

I have four 22-week-old pullets (two Sapphire Sky and two Light Brahmas) and one 10-month-old Black Australorp. She survived a bear attack that killed my original flock, and her last remaining flockmate recently passed, leaving her as the only older hen.

This past week, one of my Sapphire Skies ...