Backyard Fowl Keepers

Make sure the boxes are easy to clean and private! Three boxes should work, but they'll fight less if they have options.

Raccoons are incredibly dexterous and smart. They've been known to get through all sorts of barriers. If you have a game camera, set it up to confirm.

I start mine on plain dirt and fine sand inside. Later, I add wood ash and DE when they move outdoors. Works well and is cost-effective!

Had a crow stealing eggs right from under my broody hen. Sneaky little thing!

For a large flock, the best method is a dewormer added to their feed or water. This way, you don't need to catch each chicken individually. I use a product like Safeguard or Valbazen, both of which work well in large flocks and can be administered without handling the birds.

Your story is exactly why I advocate for backyard chickens! They're the ultimate multitaskers,producing eggs, fertilizing soil, managing pests, and even composting waste. It's a sustainable cycle that reduces dependency on store-bought fertilizers and pesticides. I love how you embraced the natural ...

Day 23 came with uncertainty. Three eggs remained under my broody hen, but there were no signs of internal or external pipping. Curious and concerned, I decided to investigate. Carefully, I opened one of the eggs, expecting to find a fully developed but lifeless chick. Instead, to my horror, the ...

Marek's is most effective at hatch, but you can still give it now. Wait at least two weeks before giving fowl pox.

If they're not acting lethargic or sick, they might have just been on a low-calorie diet. Up their protein intake with chick grower feed for a few weeks, and see if they fill out.

My friend has a broody hen who successfully hatched a clutch of eggs. She got some of the eggs from another friend and two from me. The hen now has six healthy chicks, and my friend plans to give them all away once theyre older. She offered to let me take my two chicks while theyre still little so ...