Backyard Fowl Keepers

From my experience, I store eggs for no more than 7 days before incubating them. If they need to be stored for longer, I try to keep them at a cool temperature, around 50°F, and turn them daily. I wouldn't recommend refrigerating eggs, as it can reduce hatchability. Once you're ready to incubate ...

I usually feed rice in moderation, but I prefer cooked over uncooked. Cooked rice is softer, easier to digest, and less likely to cause any potential crop issues. That said, my chickens have eaten uncooked rice plenty of times, especially when I scatter it for foraging. The key is variety,rice ...

It's heartbreaking, but every mistake teaches us something. Next time, you'll know to wait,and that patience can mean the difference between life and loss.

I thought I outsmarted the rats... but theyre proving relentless! Because of my setup, putting an apron around my run wasnt an option, so last summer, I covered the entire run floor with hardware cloth and added about 4 inches of soil on top. It workeduntil winter hit.

Now, the frozen ground has ...

After years of saying Id never raise meat birds, Ive decided to take the plunge!
This summer, Ill be starting project Do your best not to get attached to meat birds. I plan to bring home ten Cornish Cross chicks.
Since this is my first time raising meat birds, I want to make sure I do it right.

I ...

They might just be preening, but if you notice excessive feather loss or irritated skin, it could be pests. Check for dark specks or moving bugs on their skin to determine if it's lice.

Hello everyone,

Im worried about my almost 3-year-old Buff Orpington rooster. Hes always been healthy and active, but recently, Ive noticed some concerning changes. His comb has become floppy and has developed purplish-gray patches. Additionally, he seems less energetic and isnt as interested in ...

Chickens typically reach their full size at 6 months for most standard breeds. However, some may continue filling out until 8 months, especially heavier breeds. If you've got a breed like a Jersey Giant, it could even take a bit longer. Look for them to fill out around the chest and back, as that's ...

In cold weather, bedding choice is really important for warmth. Alfalfa is soft, but it doesn't insulate as well as straw. You might want to add extra bedding or even some sand underneath for better warmth.

Hardware cloth is expensive, but it's worth the investment. I've lost birds to raccoons before, and I'd never trust plastic netting to keep them safe.