Backyard Fowl Keepers

The temperature change could be a factor. If you lowered it and noticed a change in behavior, it might be worth slightly increasing it again and observing. Some chicks are just more sensitive than others.

Twice a year, like clockwork, the coop gets a full clean-out. Straw, hemp bedding, and a hefty dose of chicken manure pile up, leaving me with a mountain of soiled bedding. I know its compost gold, but Im trying to figure out the best way to turn this messy mix into rich, usable soil through hot ...

Every night, my coop is absolutely swarmed with mosquitoes, and my poor hens are miserable. Ive noticed them getting really irritated, and Im worried about the risk of diseases like avian pox.

Ive tried keeping the area as dry as possible, but the mosquitoes still seem relentless. Does anyone have ...

I remember my grandmother talking about this method, but she never had consistent results. It might have worked by chance for some, but I wouldn't rely on it.

Breeds age differently! Some show wear sooner, while others retain bright coloring. Looking at molt patterns and egg size can also provide clues.

Your setup sounds fine overall, but storage temperature can definitely play a role. If you don't have a cooler space, try rotating them frequently during storage. Some people even keep hatching eggs in a basement or insulated box to maintain a more stable temperature. Keep an eye on the developing ...

From my experience, smaller eggs from new layers can still hatch, but they might take a bit longer in the incubator. The chick may also be a little weaker than a chick from a larger egg. If you're eager to start, though, go ahead and incubate them!

Hi all,

Our coop is inside the run, and we manually open/close the door daily. I'd love an automatic system so they can head out earlier in the morning.

There are so many optionswhats the best one thats reliable, easy to install, and budget-friendly?

Any recommendations?

A simple fix is to rake out the top layer of dirt more frequently. I do mine every 3–4 days instead of once a week, and it helps keep things fresher.

Australorps all the way! My girl laid 300+ eggs her first year. Plus, they're calm and easy to handle.