Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out the best way to manage the ground in my chicken run. The area outside the run, where we walk, is getting covered with pea gravel because the chickens destroyed the grass. They used to free range in our backyard, but we now have a dog with a high prey drive ...

If you want fresh meat on demand, you'll need a steady cycle of hatching and growing birds. I'd recommend incubating small batches every few weeks so you always have some at processing age. A breeding group of about 6 hens and 2 roosters should give you plenty of fertile eggs to keep things going.

We moved our 20+ chickens into a new coop and run inside our vegetable garden since they kept jumping fences to get in. Now, I want to let them free range without destroying the garden.

My idea is to add small doors in the fences with tunnels leading out, so they cant get sidetracked by the veggies ...

I,ve found that keeping the dust bath under a roof or cover helps with moisture control. If it,s exposed to the elements, the dirt can get too dry. Also, you could add a little bit of coconut coir or peat moss to reduce the dustiness while still keeping it effective.

I've planted a chicken garden with plants like mint, basil, and oregano. They love these, and they're really good for digestion too. The only thing is, chickens will eat just about anything, so it's important to watch them to ensure they're not eating anything harmful.

Egg production can also provide clues. Pullets start laying between 18-24 weeks, often producing smaller, pullet-sized eggs at first. Peak laying occurs in the first two years, then gradually declines. If a hen lays inconsistently or takes longer seasonal breaks, she's likely older. Molting patterns ...

Some chickens develop repetitive behaviors when they're separated from their flock. Could be a sign she's feeling lonely or a bit stressed. Does she react differently when you interact with her?

Ive been introducing a variety of treats to my chicks, but Im wondering about sunflower seeds specifically. I still have a bunch left to give them, but Im unsure if theyre old enough yet. I dont want to introduce something too early that might be hard for them to digest.

So, at what age is it ...

Even if you don't see mites, consider treating for them. Dust with poultry-safe DE or permethrin and check the coop for signs of infestation.

If there's no internal pip, I'd wait longer. If there is one but no progress, you can try a safety hole. Just be sure to keep the humidity up to avoid shrink-wrapping the keet inside.