Backyard Fowl Keepers

CluckWhisperer wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 4:22 pm Im thinking of getting a livestock guardian dog to help protect my flock. What breeds have you had the best experience with around chickens? Looking for calm, protective, and chicken-friendly!

Sarplaninac dogs require strong leadership but reward you with fierce protection and loyalty.

Hey everyone! Im a bit worried about my 9-month-old Black Australorp hen. For the past couple of weeks, Ive noticed undigested feed in her poop it looks kind of like mushy feed, not her usual droppings.

On top of that, her comb has gotten pale at the top, and shes been a lot less active. Shes been ...

It sounds like she could be suffering from a crop issue, such as sour crop or impacted crop. Try gently feeling her crop in the morning before she eats,if it still feels full or hard, that might be the problem.

You'll probably need around 25-30 quail in rotation for a steady meat supply and eggs. A staggered hatching schedule can help keep things consistent!

I bet your Mosaics will be the flashiest birds in your flock! They have such unpredictable but beautiful feathering as they grow.

I recently read about a farm that replaced 75% of its chicken feed with Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic plant, and saw improved egg production and stronger shells. It sounds like an amazing supplement!

I keep a flock of 100 layers and plan to expand this year, so Id love to find a similar feed ...

I wouldn't worry too much if they're getting around just fine. Some chickens live long, healthy lives with minor toe issues. If it starts affecting their ability to scratch or roost, then intervention might be needed.

You might also consider adding extra entertainment for them if you confine them,like a hanging cabbage or a dust bath.

Make sure he's getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin A. Respiratory infections can sometimes be linked to deficiencies.

I found that a well-secured run, even if it's just a small area next to the coop, helps keep chickens from wandering too far. The security from predators is key, so ensure the run is predator-proof. Adding a little corn scratch near the coop might help, but it's not a long-term solution. You could ...