Backyard Fowl Keepers

If youve kept both ducks and chickens, how do they each interact with your garden? I know chickens can be great for pest control but also love to scratch and dig sometimes at the expense of my plants. Ducks, on the other hand, seem more focused on slugs and bugs without disturbing the soil as much ...

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 ...

Check for gape worm or respiratory symptoms, just in case. If she eats, drinks, and acts normal, it's likely nothing serious.

Try adding electrolytes and vitamins to their water while they recover. Respiratory issues can weaken their immune system, and extra support might help them fight off whatever is making them sick.

Could be hormonal! Some hens have higher testosterone levels and take on rooster-like behaviors, even without a male challenging them.

I had a hen with similar symptoms, and amoxicillin worked well for her. I'd start with that if you already have it.

My hens refused to eat oyster shell at first, so I started mixing it into their feed a little at a time. Eventually, they started taking it on their own. Maybe that could help others with picky birds!

Hey everyone!

I like to mix whole oats into my flocks feed when the temperatures drop, as Ive heard it can help with energy and warmth. In the past, Ive just eyeballed the amount, but Id like to be more precise this year to make sure Im not over- or underfeeding.

Right now, Im feeding a 22 ...

The buff leakage in your cockerels is concerning. Mottled Javas should be strictly black and white. It's possible your birds aren't purebred, or they carry genes from another breed.

Try putting up a temporary barrier in the coop while the pullets are laying. If she can't get to them, she may lose interest in guarding the boxes so aggressively.