Valerie Taylor

Owning chickens opens you up to a whole new world of questions. Like, for example, what comes first, the chicken or the egg? How do chickens mate? And do roosters have penises? Today, you are going to learn all about the naughty bits of your roosters, including whether they have a penis and how evolution … Read more

Few things are more exciting than spotting a uniquely colored egg in the nesting box. If you frequent social media, you may have seen pictures of eggs that look faintly purple or plum or even pink. Now, you are wondering how you can liven up the egg basket with some of those beautiful looking eggs. … Read more

When choosing chickens for your backyard or small farm, you may opt for the ones that lay hundreds of eggs per year. In that case, you are probably interested in hybrid chickens like the Golden Sex Link. This is one breed that is ideal for beginner chicken keepers, children, and small yards, because they are … Read more

Roosters, the often brightly colored male counterpart of the hen. Although roosters do not lay eggs like hens and tend to make loud crowing noises, these male chickens are actually very important additions to a healthy flock. What do roosters do and why are they necessary? It happens to be more than just fertilizing eggs … Read more

Chickens are incredible additions to the backyard for a couple of reasons. No one can deny that having fresh eggs throughout the week is a joy, but did you know that chickens can also reduce the number of insects? Although chickens are not going to be enough to rid your home entirely of insects like … Read more

As a backyard chicken owner, you probably have a couple of hens or a rooster you wouldn’t mind picking up and hugging. Knowing how to properly hold and handle your feather friends is important, because there are a lot of things you can do when your chickens are comfortable in your grip. That is why … Read more

Some chicken breeds are just made to stand apart from the rest of the flock. One of the best examples of this would be the Japanese Shamo chicken, a regal and unique chicken that looks every bit the fighter it was born to be. Also known as one of the tallest breeds of chicken in … Read more

Ever wonder what that fleshy looking thing atop a chicken’s head is called and what it is used for? That red, black, and purple thing is known as a comb, and it is not just an accessory. Both roosters and hens have combs, as they are an essential part of anatomy. Interestingly, there are nine … Read more

One of the great things about having chickens is that they can consume a variety of kitchen scraps that you generally don’t use when cooking. As such, you may be wondering if all those pumpkin guts you just scooped out of your jack-o-lantern are also OK for your chickens to consume. Can you give your … Read more

Keeping a backyard flock is truly fun. You get loads of eggs and some comedic relief once in a while. Plus, you can use your chickens to get rid of some of those table scraps that you wouldn’t use to cook. That said, you may wish to bring home some companions for your chickens, or … Read more

Do chickens need calcium? They sure do! Calcium is necessary for the formation of eggs, as well as keeping your hens happy and healthy. The good news is that you do not have to do too much extra to ensure your chickens do not become deficient in calcium. Here is everything you need to know … Read more

When you own chickens, you become accustomed to the wide variety of clucking, buk-buking, and squawking that goes on throughout the day. Yet, did you ever wonder if those sounds meant anything? Chickens can communicate to others using these sounds. So, learning what sounds a chicken makes and what those sounds mean can be beneficial … Read more

When you are raising chickens, you may sit back and wonder what they are. Chickens tend to have a lot in common with other animals. For example, you can see a bit of reptilian characteristics when they lock onto you with a single eye or in the scales of their legs. But then chickens have … Read more

Dealing with internal parasites in your chickens is going to be a recurring problem, unless you are proactively fighting against worms and other pests. Deworming and other preventative measures make it easier to keep your chickens healthy, but how do you know which one to use? A popular brand known as Safeguard (or Safe-Guard) is … Read more

Here’s a question for you: What happens when you have fertilized eggs, but your hen isn’t broody and you don’t have an incubator? One affordable option that can be done by anyone is known as the Warm Water Trick for hatching eggs, which involves heating water and warming the egg until the chick breaks through. … Read more

Anyone who has chickens knows that these feathered friends love eating all kinds of fruits, vegetables, insects, and other foods. Chickens, being omnivores, will make a meal out of anything edible, even if it is not safe. That is why, as their keeper, it is vital for you to know which foods are the safest … Read more

One of the main concerns with keeping chickens is that they are going to get their beaks on something poisonous. Chickens are omnivorous, and they also look to peck at whatever looks edible. As such, it is important to know which fruits and vegetables are good for them and which ones may be toxic. That … Read more

When it comes to fascinating histories, chicken breeds have some surprising stories to tell. Some chickens are bred with eggs or meat in mind. Others like the Asil, also known as the Aseel, were created for another purpose: cockfighting. Despite the dark history of the Asil chicken, they are making a comeback as ornamental or … Read more

Feeding your chickens right is important. Without a proper diet, your chickens are not going to produce any eggs or get big enough to sustain your family. Selecting high quality feed is necessary, but with all the options out there, you may be wondering, “Is cracked corn good for chickens? Or should I use something … Read more

Have you ever seen a chicken perched on a tree branch or a rooftop and wondered how they had gotten there? They have wings, but can chickens fly? The answer is yes. Chickens can indeed flap and fly, albeit they are not going to get very far. In the past, chickens may have been able … Read more

There is no denying that the sound of a fart is humorous. The smell? Not so much. While farting is a natural biological process that happens to almost any creature with a digestive system, it can also point to some health or dietary concerns. But do chickens fart? They certainly do, and just as often … Read more

Chickens are energetic creatures that are always pecking, scratching, and running around. While they can be lazy on occasion, chickens usually do not seem unenthusiastic. If you notice that your chicken is not as lively as before, it could mean they are lethargic. Knowing how to spot lethargic chickens and treat them is crucial to … Read more

Chickens may be hale and hardy creatures, but that does not mean they are impervious to certain illnesses and parasites. Having chickens means you are going to have to get used to the idea of using dewormers. As such, you need to know which dewormers are the best and safest. Many people turn to Valbazen … Read more

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