Search found 28 matches

by EggstraSpecial
Tue Mar 04, 2025 4:44 pm
Forum: The Roost
Topic: Best Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds for Backyard Chickens?
Replies: 12
Views: 23423

Re: Best Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds for Backyard Chickens?


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!




Kangal dogs are incredible! Smart, brave, and very devoted. Just be sure to socialize them early ...
by EggstraSpecial
Sat Mar 01, 2025 7:46 pm
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: Do I Need a License to Ship Fertile Chicken Eggs?
Replies: 6
Views: 15355

Re: Do I Need a License to Ship Fertile Chicken Eggs?

If selling internationally, customs and biosecurity laws vary widely. Some countries require eggs to be disinfected or pass inspections before import.
by EggstraSpecial
Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:56 am
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Replies: 12
Views: 22051

Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?

Hens follow their instincts, and their primary concern is protecting the chicks they still have. If you take two, she might look for them at first, but with four left to care for, she won't be distressed for long. The chicks, however, will need to adjust to being without their mother. Make sure they ...
by EggstraSpecial
Sat Feb 22, 2025 3:21 am
Forum: Planning Your Coop
Topic: Building a Temporary Movable Chicken Run Is This Setup Secure?
Replies: 6
Views: 14719

Re: Building a Temporary Movable Chicken Run Is This Setup Secure?

Wind and rain can wear down your tarp and chicken wire quickly. Reinforce stress points with zip ties or strong clips to prevent sagging.
by EggstraSpecial
Wed Feb 19, 2025 11:37 pm
Forum: Choosing Your First Flock
Topic: Finding the Right Rooster-to-Hen Ratio Is There a Limit?
Replies: 20
Views: 11557

Re: Finding the Right Rooster-to-Hen Ratio Is There a Limit?

Roosters also provide protection, so if you have a large free-range flock, more than one rooster can help guard against predators.
by EggstraSpecial
Tue Feb 18, 2025 7:06 pm
Forum: Choosing Your First Flock
Topic: My Experience with Bielefelders
Replies: 235
Views: 25592

Re: My Experience with Bielefelders

I appreciate this detailed review! I was about to order some Bielefelder chicks, but the health issues and high feed costs are concerning. Have you tried any other large dual-purpose breeds?
by EggstraSpecial
Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:00 am
Forum: Flock Journals
Topic: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold
Replies: 236
Views: 38134

Re: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold

Boiling before freezing is a smart move. It helps cleanse them, prevents discoloration, and firms up their structure. Without boiling, caterpillars could turn into a gooey mess when thawed. If you want to dehydrate them later, pre-boiling helps with that too. As for drying, sun-drying is possible ...
by EggstraSpecial
Thu Feb 13, 2025 9:27 am
Forum: Lessons Learned
Topic: The Compost Catastrophe: A Chicken Keepers Lesson in Patience
Replies: 11
Views: 21234

Re: The Compost Catastrophe: A Chicken Keepers Lesson in Patience

You're absolutely right that different layers will break down at different rates. The outer layers cool faster, while the center stays hotter. If you want even decomposition, turning it every few weeks is key!
by EggstraSpecial
Thu Feb 13, 2025 1:17 am
Forum: Predators and Pests
Topic: My Chickens Disappeared Without a Trace. What Could Have Happened?
Replies: 15
Views: 11547

Re: My Chickens Disappeared Without a Trace. What Could Have Happened?

Sorry this happened to you! Losing chickens is heartbreaking. I suggest reinforcing your coop and setting up cameras,you might catch the culprit before it happens again.
by EggstraSpecial
Wed Feb 12, 2025 4:38 pm
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: New to Chickens, Looking for Tips!
Replies: 238
Views: 38830

Re: New to Chickens, Looking for Tips!

Welcome! You're going to love raising chickens.