Valerie Taylor

When you think about the numerous creatures on this green and blue planet, you may think that humans have the largest population. That is not the case. There are other animals — livestock — that far outnumber humans. No, it’s not cows. They number around 1.5 billion. It’s not pigs, either. No, the animal with … Read more

Chickens have been around for a long time, having become domesticated from a form of jungle fowl. For the 5,000 years or so that chickens have lived alongside humans, language has evolved to describe that thing chickens do when together.  You may know a group of chickens to be called a flock, but did you … Read more

If you were to go back in time to seek out junglefowl in the wild, you would be stumped to find that the chickens of the past looked nothing like the ones we have today. Long ago, junglefowl weighed less than 2 pounds (0.9 kg). These days, domesticated chicken breeds are heavier, but how much … Read more

Keeping backyard chickens is a joyful experience, especially when you have a flock of comical friends running around all the time. More than that, you get yet another space to decorate from top to bottom. Though the coop is primarily used to protect the flock from weather and predators at night, it is also a … Read more

When you are raising chickens, one of the things you eagerly await is the bounty you get to collect from the nesting boxes. If your chickens are showing signs that they are going to start producing eggs, then you are probably wondering, “What time of day do chickens lay eggs?” Well, there is not a … Read more

Naming the members of your flock is serious business. You want the personalities of your chickens to shine, after all. If you are looking for funny — and even a little punny — chicken names for your roosters and hens, you have come to the right place. This list of 228 names has something for … Read more

There are a number of reasons why someone would consider eating their rooster. Maybe they can’t have more than one male chicken in their yard. Maybe the bugger is really aggressive and would be better suited in a stew. Of course, these thoughts often lead to the more pressing question of, “Can you eat a … Read more

Giving a name to the coop your chickens call home is important, kind of like naming a ship. After all, you have given your chickens names like Countess Cluck, Hennifer Aniston, and Barbecue, why not give your coop the same treatment. Keep in mind that coops are necessary for chickens, so if you don’t have … Read more

The Cuckoo Marans, like many other variations of the Marans breed, has seen a recent surge of popularity in recent years. However, obtaining a Cuckoo Marans or two for your flock may be difficult. That is because the Cuckoo Marans color variety is still rather rare in North America. It is important to find a … Read more

The rare and mystical Ayam Cemani. Hailing from Indonesia, the Ayam Cemani is a breed steeped in lore. It is a prized breed among the Javanese people. Even throughout the world, this stunning breed has gained a reputation — and even some misunderstandings. If you are looking to add this rare and expensive breed of … Read more

Potatoes are a staple in many diets around the world. However, that is only true in human diets. Should chickens eat the same? Although chickens are omnivores, not everything is safe for them. Some fruits and vegetables have toxins that are not dangerous to humans but could affect chickens adversely. As such, you may be … Read more

Finding the ideal breed of chicken can be challenging, especially when there are so many breeds in existence. It is important to consider your goals when forming a productive flock. If you are looking for hens that lay plenty of eggs throughout the year, or if you want to add a bit of dazzle to … Read more

Chicken roosts are an essential part of the chicken coop. The same way you need your comfortable mattress to get a good night’s rest, your chickens need a secure perch. In this article, you are going to learn why your flock needs roosts, what materials are used to construct them, and some common problems you … Read more

If you are a fan of chickens, then you are probably looking to see if your favorite breed is considered cute by others. Yes, there are a number of adorable chicken breeds out there. From fluffy bottoms to stunning plumage and beards, there are chickens with distinct looks that make you say, “Aww.” Keep reading … Read more

Beautiful chickens that lay loads of eggs are a joy to have around the yard. Entering the spotlight is the Mystic Marans, a hybrid between a Copper Marans rooster and Barred Rock hen. These stunning birds have quickly become a favorite among those who live in the suburbs, especially since they supply massive amounts of … Read more

Raising chickens in your backyard when there are other houses nearby can be difficult. Most cities and suburbs will allow you to keep chickens, but only if they are quiet. Besides, you don’t want people complaining about your chickens making too much noise. Fortunately, there are plenty of quiet backyard chicken breeds for you to … Read more

When you get your first batch of chicks, you are probably too excited to think about when they are going to start giving you eggs. How long do you need to wait? How fast do chickens grow, anyway? The average length of time for a chicken to get to full size depends on genetics, but … Read more

When keeping chickens, you want to do everything in your power to keep them safe. You made your fence nice and high, secured the posts, and even put your chickens into a secure coop. This keeps away the wild dogs, foxes, cats, and raccoons. You also thought about putting mesh over the windows of the … Read more

Chickens are usually seen running all around the yard. It may then be surprising and even concerning to see one of the members of the flock hobbling around. You ask yourself, “Why is my chicken limping?” Well, there happen to be several common reasons to consider. Sometimes, the limping is caused by an injury, but … Read more

When you are building a productive flock of chickens, you want to make sure you have all the bases covered. Roosters may not seem necessary, but they do have essential roles within the flock. Yet, how do you know which breed of rooster to choose? There are many types of roosters out there, but today … Read more

If you have chickens, there are two things you cannot do without: a coop and a run. Building a chicken run is usually tied into constructing a chicken coop from scratch, but sometimes you want to renovate or remodel your setup. For that, this article has 15 easy to build chicken run ideas that you … Read more

There are many joys to raising chickens, but food time can be a major drawback. Chickens can make a mess of their meals. Bugs, parasites, and other vermin seek out their feed, and it can also attract dangerous predators. You may think you need to go and purchase a fancy automatic chicken feeder to stop … Read more

Who said gray was a boring color? Gray chicken breeds are here to prove those naysayers wrong. There is a broad variety of chickens, and many of them are being bred to show off more popular colors, including a rainbow of grays. From egg-laying pros to bantam companions, there are plenty of gray chickens to … Read more

Fighting chickens have been bred to be extremely aggressive and have almost supernatural lengths of strength and endurance. The best fighting rooster breeds, also known as gamefowl, are also incredibly beautiful, meaning that you can introduce these birds to exhibitions and shows. As such, while cockfighting is banned in the US and many other countries … Read more

Even the most ordinary of chickens can be eye-catching and entertaining to watch, but have you ever seen a chicken with an afro? There are a wide variety of crested chicken breeds out there. Some with plumes of feathers or tufts that stick straight up. The breeds are all unique in their own way, and … Read more

Whether you think of Brussel sprouts as vile weeds or delicious vegetables, there is one thing for certain: most chickens love them. So if you were wondering, “Can chickens eat Brussel sprouts?”, you now know the truth. The answer is yes. Not only can chickens eat Brussel sprouts, they most definitely will. Sure, some chickens … Read more

Peaches are a luscious fruit that can be used to make many delectable treats. If peaches are in season, you may have some extra ones laying around that you don’t want going to waste. Aside from making jams and pies, why not give a peach or two to your chickens? Before you do that, you … Read more

Beans, beans, they are good for your heart, right? For humans, beans are magical and make a lot of dishes taste phenomenal. But should beans be given to your chickens? Turns out, beans have a bit of a bite, especially when they are either raw or dried. That bite means they are toxic to many … Read more

Chickens are one creature that love to eat a varied diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits. Knowing what your feathered friends can have also means that you can introduce to them a variety of flavors they may not know about. For example, have you thought about giving your chickens something exotic, like kiwi? … Read more

All living things on this planet we call Earth require adequate nutrition to stay alive. Without food and water, even the greatest of creatures perish. The same is true for the humble chicken. But how long can chickens go without water or food? What determines how fast their condition worsens? Let’s find out. Why is … Read more

Many breeds of chicken have adapted to Earth’s mixture of climates. One such chicken is known as the Hedemora, which has a long history and incredible ability to survive in cold temperatures. These chickens also do not require an expert handler to keep them. Newbies to the chicken world will find the Hedemora breed to … Read more

Summertime is supposed to mean fun in the sun. Unfortunately, the sun and heat can be too much for some people and animals. Your chickens are no exception. In order to keep your flock from getting roasted this summer, you should know how to keep them cool. Many breeds of chickens are fully capable of … Read more

Are you looking for an active bird that will lay an incredible amount of eggs throughout the year? There are many hybrid breeds out there that are up to the task, but few have the capabilities of the Prairie Bluebell Egger. If you are interested in a bird that is capable of foraging and easy … Read more

Sometimes you do not want your flock to be only for meat but for beauty. There are many striking breeds of chicken out there. Yet out of all the chickens, only a few breeds have long tail feathers. Most long-tail chickens are ornamental companions who are docile and friendly. Not only that, but they add … Read more

When you are just starting out as a chicken owner, you want to choose a breed that is resilient and forgiving. Otherwise, you will end up with a yard filled with chaos and clucking. Enter the Columbian Wyandotte, a beautiful bird with loads of personality. The Columbian Wyandotte has everything a beginner is looking for … Read more

Does it feel like something is missing from your chicken coop’s décor but you don’t know what? Every chicken owner needs a fun chicken coop sign! Hung on the walls or over the coop’s door, chicken coop signs are a great way to brighten up the structure, chicken run, or tie your whole backyard together. … Read more

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