Valerie Taylor

When you are building a backyard paradise, you might feel that chickens and plants are made for one another. And they are! Chickens can be your best friend when you are trying to raise fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Plus, those very plants that you are growing can help nourish the flock. To begin building a … Read more

Owning chickens is one of life’s simple pleasures. You get to enjoy a flock of personalities that also gift you with farm-fresh eggs and, sometimes, meat. However, there is also one issue that comes with raising chickens: predators. Many chicken owners find that creatures like skunks are attracted to the coop, but do skunks eat … Read more

Have you given much thought to your chicken’s crop? Probably not. You might know that the crop is an essential part of the digestive tract and that a chicken’s food is held there. However, you might not know that the crop can be infected, causing health problems for your unlucky chicken. What is sour crop … Read more

If you are raising chickens, you may find yourself in a predicament much like many other owners out there. You head out into the coop to pick up eggs and find yourself holding one that looks like it came from a bantam chicken. Except, you don’t have any bantams. So what is this? Turns out … Read more

Chickens are extraordinary and varied. These days, you can find chickens in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Some lay green eggs and others, like the Whiting True Blue chicken, lay ones the color of robin’s eggs. The stunning blue color of their eggs, along with their winning personalities, make the Whiting True Blue … Read more

Nothing beats a good night of shut-eye. But have you ever wondered what your chickens are doing overnight while you rest? Just like you, your flock is catching some serious Z’s. Chickens have fascinating sleep habits, both in when and how they sleep. If you ever wondered what chicken sleep is like, those questions and … Read more

As a chicken owner, there is one thing you need to prepare yourself for, even if it seems like a long time away. One day, one of your chickens is going to die. However, it may not be from old age. One moment, you are watching your hens run around the garden. The next, a … Read more

There are many breeds of chickens out there in the world. Some of them are dual purpose. A few are ornamental. Many are ideal for laying eggs. One of those hybrids that are ideal for getting hundreds of eggs throughout the year is the Black Star chicken. With a name that sounds like a rock … Read more

Looking for a chicken breed with a striking appearance, that lays plenty of eggs, and has a good personality? Sure, many chicken breeds may be able to fit the bill on two out of the three. The Sapphire Gem is one that checks all the boxes. Even though the Sapphire Gem is a hybrid not … Read more

Chickens are omnivorous and enjoy a broad spectrum of foods. Yet, if you are just starting out as a chicken owner, you may not know exactly what to give your chickens. For instance, do you know what kind of leafy greens, like spinach, to give your chickens? Spinach is an excellent treat for chickens, but … Read more

Although you can buy chicken breast at the grocery store or as an entree at a restaurant, there may be some things you do not know. For instance, chicken breasts are very different from mammal breasts. Due to that, you might find yourself wondering, “Do chickens have nipples?” Here are some interesting facts about chickens, … Read more

For anyone who loves chickens, the Black Orpington is certainly a sight to behold. Not only is the Black Orpington breed among the most successful, it is also one of the most popular throughout history. There is no doubt that the Orpington chicken is worthy of a place in your flock. If you are looking … Read more

There are few people out there who do not enjoy the flavor of farm fresh eggs for breakfast or for baking. But did you know that there is a wide variety of egg sizes? Some chickens can lay a very tiny egg, while others can lay jumbo eggs. In the middle of the road, you … Read more

Do you want chickens that lay plenty of eggs to keep you, family, and friends well off for years to come? Then you should know about the Cinnamon Queen chicken. This is one hybrid that is very popular among those who want dual purpose chickens. Before adding a Cinnamon Queen or several to your flock, … Read more

When you first begin keeping chickens, you start to wonder about a lot of questions you may have never asked. For instance, can chickens get wet? Are they OK in a rainstorm? Chickens do not have waterproof feathers, but they are resilient creatures. Most breeds of chicken are comfortable with getting a little wet. Here … Read more

Raise your hand if you thought only roosters crowed. Think again! Roosters may be more compelled to shout so the rest of the neighborhood can hear, but they are not the only chickens who are capable of crowing. Hens can do it, too. And most of the time, a hen crowing is considered normal. Now, … Read more

If you happen to live in an area of the world where snakes are common, you may be worried that your chickens are going to end up as one’s dinner. Chickens are not exactly the most willing birds when it comes to defending themselves against predators, but snakes are sometimes a different story. Do chickens … Read more

If you are keeping chickens and ducks for their eggs or meat (or both), then those two flocks definitely intermingle. Often, it is normal to see a rooster attempt to mate with a female duck or male ducks chase after the hens. That may have raised the question: Can a chicken and a duck mate? … Read more

There are many ways to get a backyard flock up and running. You could purchase or adopt fully grown chickens from a friend. You may be able to obtain fertilized eggs then hatch them using an incubator or a broody hen. Hatcheries also sell one day old chicks. Or you could buy “started” chickens, which … Read more

If you let your chickens out into the yard to forage, you may have questions about the mushrooms that pop up in the lawn. Can chickens eat mushrooms and are they safe? That patch of mushrooms in the yard may be okay for them to eat. As a rule, chickens can eat any kind of … Read more

If you have a chicken or several, you have probably learned more about the species by observing than from any other form of research. That said, there are some things that you may not have an answer to yet. Many new chicken keepers often end up scratching their heads and asking, “Do chickens pee? How?” … Read more

Chickens are remarkably hardy creatures that can withstand many conditions when cared for properly. As a chicken owner, one of your duties is to keep your flock in good health. What would you do if you noticed one morning that a hen has developed a strangely bloated belly? Do you know what this could mean? … Read more

Let’s face it. You enjoy watching your chickens gobble up whatever you give to them. It makes sense that you would want to know what foods are safe and which ones aren’t. The good news is that there are far more treats that do your chickens good than those that could harm them. But what … Read more

In much of the animal kingdom, males cannot lay eggs or carry fetuses, as they do not have the anatomy for it. But if eggs come from chickens, do roosters lay eggs? Are they built for that kind of thing? While the answer to that is no, there are some things you should know about … Read more

Some chickens have an exquisite appearance that is just as lovely as their personality and characteristics. One of those chickens happens to be the Jubilee Orpington. These lovely birds are becoming increasingly common in North America, but they are still considered rare. Therefore, if the Jubilee Orpington has caught your eye, raising a couple is … Read more

Are you looking to develop a small or medium sized flock that produces loads of eggs without fail? Then you are going to want a hybrid chicken like the California White. Fast-growing and highly productive, these hybrids do well in backyards and farms. There is much to learn about the California White chicken, especially if … Read more

Looking for a chicken that can load you up with hundreds of eggs within the span of 2-4 years? Then you are going to love the Amberlink hybrid chicken. The Amberlink is a hard-working chicken that has all the traits someone running an egg business would want, including a friendly personality. But is the Amberlink … Read more

There are many breeds of chickens out there, some of which you would have never fathomed. Enter the Swedish Flower Hen, a breed with a name so charming, you might think they were from a fairy tale. Though Swedish Flower Hens are indeed rare, they are also very real and worthy of consideration for your … Read more

The tiny Serama chicken is one of the breeds with a huge personality (and price tag). As a true bantam, the Serama chicken is relatively new to the Western world but has been a popular breed in Singapore and Malaysia for many years. In North America, the number of Serama chickens is still low compared … Read more

One of the most popular breeds of chicken out there is the Orpington. You may have even heard of the Buff Orpington. What about the lavender variety, though? Beautiful to see in person, Lavender Orpington chickens are considered rare. Yet, if you can get your hands on one, you will have plenty of eggs and … Read more

The American Poultry Association has recognized more than 50 chicken breeds since it was founded. Among those breeds, as well as those the APA has not acknowledged, there are chickens who have a lot of attitude. And by attitude, we mean fluff. Check out these 15 most fluffy chicken breeds to see if one is … Read more

The humble cabbage is a commonly used vegetable around the world. From a quick stir fry to stews and more, cabbage is a great addition to all kinds of recipes. But you probably also have some cabbage leftover. So can chickens eat cabbage if you give it to them? And are there any risks involved? … Read more

Your chickens run around every single day. No wonder it seems odd when one of them decides they want to lay down and not move. For some chickens, lounging around once in a while is normal. However, if your chicken is laying down all the time and has other symptoms, then there may be something … Read more

There are many factors you have to consider when you are choosing a breed of chicken for your farm or backyard. Perhaps you are tired of black and white breeds or want to jazz up the flock. Red chicken breeds are a wonderful addition to the backyard, especially when you choose the right breed. While … Read more

There are so many chicken breeds to choose from. How do you know which one to bring home? Sometimes it is best to make a colorful choice, especially when there are so many beautiful black and white chicken breeds out there. Black and white chickens look amazing, and they are sure to become a conversation … Read more

When you are raising chickens or any farm-type animal, you may find yourself encountering interesting and confusing jargon. For example, there are some chicken keepers who may refer to their chickens as fowl. That raises a question: Is there a key difference between a fowl and a chicken? How should you refer to your egg-laying … Read more

Can you name a breed that is a dynamo at laying eggs but also has a sweet personality and is sex-linked? If you said “Golden Comet,” then you are correct. But maybe you haven’t been introduced properly to this plucky little hen. The Golden Comet chicken breed is not really a recognized breed, but it … Read more

Looking for a unique chicken breed that will gift you with many eggs? Then the Deathlayer chicken breed may be exactly what you need. Aside from the cool name, the Deathlayer has plenty of benefits to those who want a beginner-friendly chicken. Easy to care for, the Deathlayer is good at what it does, so … Read more

Whether you are new to raising baby chicks or are preparing for chicks that will be hatching soon, there is a lot to take into account. Like any baby animal, chicks can be difficult to raise when it is your first time. Keeping your baby chicks warm and healthy is part of it. For that, … Read more

You may already know something about other blue chicken breeds or maybe own a few Wyandotte chickens. However, you probably are unfamiliar with this little gem of a bird known as the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte. There is a lot that meets the eye when you see this stunning birds, but they have far more … Read more

Looking for a uniquely cute chicken breed to brighten up your yard? A Frizzle Showgirl Silkie is an adorable breed with some of the wildest traits around, including a naked neck and button-like plume. These chickens are going to be the talk of the town when you introduce them to your flock. Here is everything … Read more

Did you ever stop to wonder if the colors of the egg yolks matter? You might be wondering if that sunny yellow yolk is any better for you than the deep orange one, or if there is nothing different. While the rainbow of colors that eggshells can come in has nothing to do with the … Read more

Some chicken breeds have history. Others have unique traits. Then there is the Bielefelder chicken breed, which seems to have a little bit of everything you are looking for. The Bielefelder is a stunning looking bird that offers plenty of benefits. This complete guide to the Bielefelder will tell you everything you need to know, … Read more

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, but does that mean your chickens should have them? If you are thinking about giving your chickens bananas, you definitely should. Chickens happen to love bananas, as well as all the benefits that they get from them. You may even be shocked to find … Read more

If you are raising chickens in the backyard, you probably have some questions about what they can and can’t eat. Chances are you have seen your flock already pecking at whatever they can find. So what would happen if you plopped a cantaloupe in front of them? Can chickens even eat cantaloupe? Turns out that … Read more

Step aside, rabbits. There is another backyard creature that loves feasting on carrots — chickens! Yes, chickens love a diversified diet that is rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables. In fact, you should be supplementing your chicken’s diet with a number of treats throughout the week. Carrots are a perfectly safe and nutritious snack for … Read more

Bread may seem like an innocent offering for a bird, especially a chicken. But can chickens eat bread without repercussions? Chickens happen to love bread of all types, though that doesn’t necessarily mean bread is safe. Before you start gathering up bread crusts and slightly stale loaf ends, it’s time to read up on whether … Read more

Chickens are known for being scavengers and opportunistic eaters who will go whatever they can. There are many kinds of foods they shouldn’t be allowed to get their beaks into, however. So that raises the question: Can chickens eat rice? Should you be giving them uncooked rice, or are they in the same danger as … Read more

Pineapple is a sweet and juicy fruit that is known to have a number of health benefits. But can chickens eat pineapple? They can, and there’s benefits to it, too.

Chickens also want to start their day off on a healthy note, so it is no wonder they get excited when they see a bowl of oatmeal coming their way. Oats, for humans, are highly beneficial for digestive health. But do chickens get the same benefits? Can chickens eat oats? While oats are sometimes added … Read more