Search found 26 matches

by TheEggMaven
Tue Mar 04, 2025 9:06 pm
Forum: Planning Your Coop
Topic: How Much Space Do Chickens Really Need in the Coop and Run?
Replies: 7
Views: 8823

Re: How Much Space Do Chickens Really Need in the Coop and Run?

Overcrowding causes stress and health issues. I always go for extra space when I can , fewer problems that way!
by TheEggMaven
Tue Mar 04, 2025 2:10 pm
Forum: Health and Wellness
Topic: My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?
Replies: 5
Views: 4754

Re: My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?


Hi everyone, Im really worried about one of my hens. Shes usually active and curious, but today shes been acting really strange. Shes moving slowly, keeps puffing up her feathers, and seems like shes straining or pushing, but nothings happening. Shes also been sitting a lot, and when she walks ...
by TheEggMaven
Tue Feb 18, 2025 9:41 pm
Forum: Brooding Chicks
Topic: Do I Need a Red Heat Bulb for My Brooder? Understanding Heat Sources for Chicks
Replies: 8
Views: 18966

Re: Do I Need a Red Heat Bulb for My Brooder? Understanding Heat Sources for Chicks

Heat plates allow chicks to rest in darkness, just like under a mother hen. A red bulb isn't required, but it's better than white if using a lamp.
by TheEggMaven
Tue Feb 18, 2025 5:58 am
Forum: Coop Bedding Choices & Care
Topic: Is My Mulch Safe for Deep Litter?
Replies: 236
Views: 38626

Re: Is My Mulch Safe for Deep Litter?

Have you noticed any respiratory issues in your flock since adding the mulch? If they seem fine, it's a good sign. Just keep an eye out for sneezing or wheezing, as that can indicate mold exposure.
by TheEggMaven
Tue Feb 18, 2025 4:49 am
Forum: Planning Your Coop
Topic: Best Automatic Coop Door Recommendations?
Replies: 6
Views: 13031

Re: Best Automatic Coop Door Recommendations?


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?




We installed an ...
by TheEggMaven
Sun Feb 16, 2025 6:53 pm
Forum: Selective Breeding
Topic: Two Brothers, Different Looks How Will Their Offspring Turn Out?
Replies: 238
Views: 28885

Re: Two Brothers, Different Looks How Will Their Offspring Turn Out?

Do you know if either parent had a crest? If only one parent had it, then the crested rooster inherited the dominant gene, while the other got the recessive form. This would affect their offspring as well.
by TheEggMaven
Fri Feb 14, 2025 2:20 pm
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: New to Chickens, Looking for Tips!
Replies: 241
Views: 41511

Re: New to Chickens, Looking for Tips!

Backyard chickens bring joy every single day! Whether you're collecting fresh eggs, watching their funny behaviors, or just enjoying their company, there's nothing quite like having a flock. Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you'll be giving advice to new chicken keepers too!
by TheEggMaven
Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:23 am
Forum: Integrating Poultry with Gardening
Topic: Letting Chickens in the Garden Helpful or Harmful?
Replies: 11
Views: 25299

Letting Chickens in the Garden Helpful or Harmful?

Im curious to hear from others who have experience with letting their chickens roam in the garden. I love the idea of them helping with pest control and soil aeration, but I also worry about potential downsides.

For those who allow their flock into the garden, have you found it to be more of a ...
by TheEggMaven
Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:21 am
Forum: Feeding and Nutrition
Topic: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Replies: 17
Views: 32967

Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?

Ryegrass and white clover make great forage crops that chickens will happily eat. Might not replace 75% of their feed, but could help reduce costs.
by TheEggMaven
Mon Feb 10, 2025 7:31 am
Forum: Health and Wellness
Topic: Why Do My Young Chicks Have White or Pale Feet and Toes?
Replies: 18
Views: 18228

Re: Why Do My Young Chicks Have White or Pale Feet and Toes?

Keep monitoring them over the next few weeks. If they stay active and continue growing normally, it's probably just a natural variation. However, if they become weak or develop other symptoms, a vet visit might be a good idea.