Backyard Fowl Keepers

If culling isn't an option and adding hens isn't feasible, a bachelor coop is your best bet. Roosters often adjust well to life without hens, but watch for dominance struggles. Giving them space and enrichment, like different perch levels and dust baths, can help reduce tension. Keeping them within ...

The fact that it stops peeping when you enter suggests it might be lonely or seeking security. If it's not showing distress otherwise, you might have a chick that just wants extra attention! Keeping a gentle hand in the brooder for a few minutes at a time could help ease it.

If you wait too long, they'll be tough. I prefer butchering roosters first at 16 weeks and hens later if needed.

I also supplement with oats, but I balance it out by adding some extra mealworms or sunflower seeds to keep the protein up. Have you noticed if your hens lay less when you add more oats?

Short breaks are natural, but if she starts staying away longer or seems restless, there could be an issue. Keep an eye on her behavior over the next few days.

I just had a successful hatch of seven adorable chicks! Theyre active, chirping, and doing great so far. Id love to give them a little treat, but Im unsure whats safe for them at this age. I have other birds and was wondering if something like crushed parakeet seed would be okay, or if theres a ...

I use bird netting on top of my run, but only because my main concern is hawks. If you have raccoons, foxes, or opossums in your area, they could easily tear through it.

I've found that hens usually reach their full size in height around 6 months, but their weight and overall body shape don't fully develop until about 8 months. For my chickens, I noticed they weren't filling out as expected until that point, and then they just filled out more!

I'd start with Tiagard. It's specifically for respiratory infections and has worked well for my flock in the past.

I'd suggest painting some test boards first. Leave them outside for a few weeks to see if the paint peels or chips. You don't want the chickens ingesting any flakes!