Valerie Taylor

When you are first setting up a chicken coop, you know you have to find a safe location and figure out a doorway. Most people overlook the importance of ventilation. Often, chicken coop ventilation is forgotten until problems occur, and chances are, you’ve made some mistakes along the way, bringing you here. You’re in good … Read more

The Jersey Giant chicken is an aptly named giant of a bird with a lot of personality and versatility. It’s no wonder you are interested in this amazing breed. Well suited for the homestead, farm, or backyard, the Jersey Giant chicken can make an excellent pet, egg-producer, or even provide meat for a family. But … Read more

One phenomenon always perplexes chicken keepers when it first happens: the mysterious soft egg or shell-less egg. Surprise! Chickens really can lay eggs that are soft or rubbery, without any hard shell at all. Why do chickens lay eggs without shells? Well, there are many reasons. Obviously, it’s a cause for concern, because you don’t … Read more

Once you start raising chickens, you’re going to find that there are a lot of things you don’t know, like what chickens can and can’t eat. You might have been shocked to see chicken keepers feeding their chickens yogurt. Can chickens eat yogurt? Is there any benefit to it and should you do the same? … Read more

Many people who own chickens come around to this task eventually. That’s right, we’re talking about sexing a chicken. When you have fluffy little balls of yellow running around the yard, you can’t help but think what they’re going to cluck or crow once they’re mature. For some chicken keepers, you might only want a … Read more

You want to learn about rooster anatomy? Smart choice! Having knowledge about the external and internal anatomy of a rooster can help in a number of ways. From discerning a breed to figuring out if a young chicken is male or female, or even talking to a veterinarian about a health problem, knowing basic rooster … Read more

When you’re raising a flock of chickens, the coop is something you can’t do without. Chickens need a safe place to roost during the night. When a predator comes knocking, you’re going to want a secure chicken coop door, too. If you are struggling to decide what kind of door is best for your flock, … Read more

You want a unique flock, yes? Well, there are only a few chicken breeds compare to the beautiful patterns and stylish hairdos of the Appenzeller Spitzhauben. With a dalmatian-like pattern on their features, inquisitive eyes, and a vivid personality, these are quirky little chickens that will also lay eggs throughout the week. If you have … Read more

On both traditional and urban farms, chickens are an excellent addition. You can sell the eggs or use the chickens for pest control. Starting a flock is also a fun challenge, but you probably have some questions about chickens, too. One common question that new chicken owners have is how much do chickens eat? And … Read more

Owning chickens teaches you a lot of things, like how unique chickens are as animals. For instance, you may have learned already that chickens don’t have teeth, and because of this, they needed to develop a digestive system that is similar to earthworms, crocodiles, and alligators. Since chickens don’t have a means of mechanically breaking … Read more