Valerie Taylor

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

So you got your coop, either from the store or as a result of your handiwork. Now, it’s time to make the ramp. Should be easy. Well, when you get started on building a chicken coop ramp, it sure won’t seem that way. You’ll soon realize that there are plenty of variables when making a … Read more

When you want a beautiful bird for the flock, look no further than the gorgeous Black Copper Marans. Although this is a dual purpose bird, the Black Copper Marans is bound to be a popular addition to your yard. If you’re looking to get some new Black Copper Marans chickens, this complete breed guide will … Read more

Are you looking for a breed of chicken that can give you both eggs and meat? There are many dual purpose backyard chicken breeds out there, but one is gaining a lot of popularity among chicken keepers. The Red Ranger is primarily a meat bird, but it can also lay more than enough eggs. Not … Read more

Unique looking chickens always make a great addition to the flock. You can talk about them with your friends. One breed that makes for an excellent conversation starter is the Belgian d’Uccle, which comes in several brightly colored varieties, like the Mille Fleur d’Uccle. If you’re shopping around for friendly and adorable chickens for your … Read more

Chickens peck at everything, that’s a given. But when they start pecking at each other, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Some chicken breeds are far more accepting of others, while some breeds have a tendency to bully the newer or weaker members of the flock. While an occasional peck between hens might seem … Read more

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