Valerie Taylor

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

Raising healthy chickens means getting more eggs and meat from your birds. But in order to keep your flock happy, healthy, and laying plenty of eggs, you need to give them a proper diet. Since chickens are incredibly active, they need foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. As you may know, peanuts … Read more

Many backyards have a blackberry plant growing, as they are easy enough to grow and yield delicious berries throughout the warmer months. You may be wondering, “Can chickens eat blackberries?” Are such berries safe for your flock? These are all good questions for responsible chicken owners to keep in mind whenever trying new foods. Let’s … Read more

Chickens love a bit of variety in their diet. It makes sense, being that chickens are omnivorous, like humans. In fact, life may seem like an endless buffet line for your flock, especially when they can freely roam and are given treats regularly. Knowing what kind of fruit to give your flock is important, which … Read more

One of the best parts about keeping a backyard flock of chickens is that you never have to worry about them being picky. Chickens will eat just about whatever you throw at them, whether the food is healthy or not. That is why knowing which table scraps and meats to toss their way is important … Read more

Want to give your chickens a healthy snack that you can feel good about? There are many treat options for chickens, including many fresh fruits and vegetables. How about corn? Though corn is commonly seen in commercial bird seed, you may be wondering, “Can chickens eat whole corn?” Today, you’re going to learn if corn … Read more

Popcorn is touted as a wonderfully crunchy snack that can be served up a dozen ways. From popcorn slathered in movie theater butter to healthy, air-popped options at home, there seems to be a kind of popcorn for every occasion. You may think that your flock would love to sample some of your buttered or … Read more

There are many fruits and vegetables and even roughage from the backyard that chickens can eat. Chickens are by no means picky, and they often have enough sense to stay away from the things that could harm them. But since chickens will eat avocado flesh, does that mean it’s okay? Can chickens eat avocado? There … Read more

Did you know that in some countries, mangoes are called the “Kings of Fruits.” There is no denying that mango is scrumptious. So if you want to let your chickens sample mango, no one is going to blame you. But is that really a good idea? Can chickens eat mango? The good news is yes, … Read more

You could say that chickens are feathered garbage disposals, as there are plenty of foods out there for them to consume. Yet, being that you are a responsible chicken keeper, you know the importance of researching which foods are safe. Can chickens eat onions? In small quantities, onions have been proven to be safe and … Read more

Backyard gardens and chicken keeping tend to go hand-in-hand. That means you have chickens scrabbling about the garden once in a while or that you toss them the fruits and veggies you don’t want. With that habit comes the question of what is safe for chickens to eat, such as peppers. Can chickens eat bell … Read more

Chickens are by no means picky eaters. Throw them just about anything, and they will peck at it inquisitively. Yet, as their keeper, you need to know what kind of fruits, vegetables, and table scraps are safe and healthy for your chickens to eat. This includes broccoli. Can chickens eat broccoli? Is there any benefit … Read more

Owning chickens and feeding them scraps is part of life. Your chickens are omnivorous, after all, and they like to eat whatever they can peck. Although chickens can consume a wide variety of fruits, you may be wondering where apples fall. Can chickens eat apples? While the flesh of the fruit is safe, there are … Read more

Asparagus is an odd looking vegetable with loads of flavor and character. Humans love munching on asparagus a dozen ways, but can chickens eat raw asparagus? Are there any benefits? Turns out chickens adore both raw and cooked asparagus as much as people do. Here is everything you need to know about giving asparagus to … Read more

Are your hens avoiding the nesting boxes? Finding damaged eggs when they do use the boxes? There is a simple solution to such problems: nesting box curtains. The simple nest box curtain has been in use for many years, and they serve many purposes — not just aesthetic ones. Once you know how useful nesting … Read more

Looking for a hardy, low maintenance chicken with a history of being a survivor? Check out the dual purpose Dominique chicken breed. Although nearly identical to the Plymouth Barred Rock, the Dominique breed has been in America for much, much longer. Ready to learn about America’s oldest breed? Here is everything you need to know … Read more

Dust baths are essential to a happy flock of chickens. Because of that, knowing how to make a dust bath, as well as what to put in it to optimize effectiveness, is important. Obviously, you want your chicks and chickens to live the best life possible. So today, you are going to learn how to … Read more

Have you ever pondered all the possibilities of chicken egg colors? Many people assume that the only two eggshell colors out there are white and brown, but they are mistaken. Chicken egg colors are heavily influenced by blue and brown pigments, and many breeds have the potential to create some gorgeously colored eggs. Let’s take … Read more

Chickens might be a common sight throughout the world, but there are hundreds of breeds. Many countries have their local breeds, while other chicken keepers might have a preference, depending on what they are using the chickens for. However, there are some breeds that you might never see because they are so rare and coveted. … Read more

Have you thought about trying your hand at raising chickens? Building a more sustainable home is all the rage these days, and having a few chickens around the yard can certainly help. Yet, while having an endless supply of eggs is great, does raising chickens actually save you any money? How much does it cost … Read more

Lively and hardy, chickens are a welcome addition to the backyard or farm. They are also mostly self-sufficient, except for when it comes to certain complications. Chickens are susceptible to many physical maladies, including a condition known as bumblefoot. What is bumblefoot and how do you treat it? Today, those questions and more will be … Read more

There may come a time when you notice that one of your chickens can’t stop looking at the sky. The position might look like your hen is simply stargazing, but the longer you look, the more you will realize that something isn’t right. Holding the neck and head in such a position is referred to … Read more

Protecting your flock and keeping them healthy requires a bit more work than a coop and food. You need methods for dealing with pests and other challenges that arise with keeping chickens. More and more, chicken owners are jumping onboard the all-natural wagon and using diatomaceous earth for their chickens and coops. But what is … Read more

Some people might believe that chickens are fairly commonplace and bland-looking, but the more you know about chickens, the more majestic they become. Some chickens have been bred solely for their colors and ornamentation, making them ideal for winning chicken shows. Today, you’re going to be introduced to the prettiest show chickens in the world. … Read more

Chicken keepers are always looking for new foods to give their feathered friends, such as apples and tomatoes. What about grapes? You may have been tempted to toss your chickens a juicy grape but thought better of it. The good news is that grapes are safe for chickens to eat in moderation. Here is all … Read more

No, happening upon a blue-colored chicken isn’t something that happens once in a blue moon! Blue feathered chicken breeds have been around for many years already, and more blue breeds are being introduced. There is no denying that blue chickens are an absolute marvel, but are there blue breeds you can add to your flock? … Read more

Do you like a rainbow-colored basket of eggs? Then you are going to love the Sapphire Olive Egger chicken. These hybrid chickens are similar to Olive Eggers and Easter Egger chickens in that they lay brilliantly colored eggs that have a green-tinged shell. But are Sapphire Olive Eggers a good chicken to add to your … Read more

There are many unique breeds of chicken out there, but few are as eye-catching as the Vietnamese Dong Tao. With an unusual appearance and cultural importance, the Dong Tao is certainly a breed worth knowing about. That said, due to their price and popularity, getting your hands on a Dong Tao for your flock might … Read more

While mealworms may not be the most appealing thing for humans, they are considered a delicacy in the chicken world. Dried and fresh mealworms are often used for fish and reptiles, but they will drive a whole flock crazy. Did we also mention that mealworms boast some incredible nutritional benefits? If you have been wondering … Read more

While sex links may sound like a new thing, it has been a chicken keeper practice for many years. In fact, the black sex link chicken breed is among the oldest used by poultry producers. Also known as black stars or rock reds, black sex link chickens make for excellent egg-layers and friendly companions around … Read more

When you purchase chicks from a hatchery or breeder, you know roughly how old they are. Most chicks are delivered within 72 hours of hatching, after all. But what happens when you’re gifted chicks or rescued some? Figuring out the age of chicks when you don’t know when they were born can be difficult. However, … Read more

Chickens will be chickens. That means that they will eat just about anything they can get their beak into, including fruits, vegetables, and even meat. That said, while many chicken keepers know their flock is omnivorous, spotting chickens eating mice can be shocking. This can also raise a lot of questions, like is it dangerous … Read more

As the keeper of a thriving, happy flock, you are always on the lookout for tasty, healthy snacks for your chickens. Looking at all the fruits and vegetables chickens can eat, you may ask, “Can chickens eat tomatoes?” Chickens, as you know, will peck at just about anything. Turns out, they will absolutely love eating … Read more

Chickens love to eat worms, as birds usually do. But there are some worms that do far more harm than good. Such worms, also known as intestinal or internal parasites, can cause health issues throughout the flock. Therefore, knowing how to prevent chicken worms, and what kinds of chicken wormers are the best, will help … Read more

Have you ever thought about giving your chickens oranges or orange peels? Chickens enjoy a tasty snack once in a while; and since they are omnivores, they tend to eat just about anything. However, you should always be cautious about the food you give your chickens and know what’s toxic or not. So, with that … Read more

Solar-powered utilities are true lifesavers, especially when you want your chickens to continue laying eggs throughout the year. With solar lights for the chicken coop, you don’t have to worry about keeping your lights on all the time. Solar lights are eco-friendly alternatives that will keep you coop bright for an ideal length of time, … Read more

Could that omnivorous trash panda running around the yard truly be a coldblooded killer? While raccoons are often seen eating marshmallows and cereal on social media, they are wild animals with feral inclinations. But do raccoons kill chickens? They certainly do. Because raccoons pose a large threat to your flock, you’re going to need to … Read more

Chickens have feathers, that’s obvious. But which chicken breeds have feathered feet? The feature is rather unusual, especially if you’re not used to seeing more ornamental breeds. That is why today we are going to introduce 10 breeds of chicken that have feathered feet, so you can decide if these cute and fascinating birds will … Read more

One of the biggest dilemmas you are going to run into with your coop is the color. Not only do you want to choose a paint that is going to withstand the elements, you also want a color that you enjoy. If you have been struggling with choosing the best colors for your coop, don’t … Read more

If you’re keeping chickens, you need to have a chicken coop. There’s no way around it. Chicken coops lead to happier chickens and better results. As in, more eggs or higher quality meat. But you can’t use a poorly constructed coop. You need one that is outfitted with essentials, such as food, water, roosts, lighting, … Read more

If you thought a pleasant afternoon walk with a stroller was reserved for parents and children, think again. More and more, people are setting up their pets and taking them out for long strolls. Nowadays, you can purchase strollers for your dog, cat, or even a chicken or two. Yes, there is such a thing … Read more

Quiz time: Which British breed of chicken has nearly a century of history but is still largely unknown in the United States? That would be the Cream Legbar chicken breed. These beautiful birds are starting to pop up more and more in the US, because they have some incredible traits and characteristics. If you want … Read more