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

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. ContentsWhy 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