If you’re wondering what it’s really like to receive baby chicks shipped through the mail, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions new backyard chicken owners ask.

Oregano is a popular herb in backyard chicken keeping, and not just for cooking! Many flock owners wonder if it can also help keep worms and other parasites in check. While oregano essential oil is well-known for its natural support of digestive and immune health, its role in parasite control is still being explored. What the Research Says Oregano contains powerful plant compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which are known for their natural antimicrobial and antifungal proper

It’s spring, and you know what that means! Backyard flocks are booming. Thanks to rising egg prices, baby chicks are flying off the shelves as more people dive into the joys of raising chickens. And while the eggs are certainly a bonus, it’s the fun, quirky personalities of chickens that make them truly lovable. Eggs are one of the most popular kitchen staples around the world, and most of them come from chickens. Sure, duck and goose eggs have their place, but today we’re ta

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery Do you have a running list of chickens you’d like to add to your flock? Of course you do! Well, I have one more you should add to your list. I have this breed on my list as well. The Java breed is a heritage breed that arrived in the United States in the early 1800s, and they are gorgeous! What Makes the Java Chicken so Special? The Java chicken breed is known for being incredibly docile and friendly. If you’ve got kids, love visitors or just

Most people start raising backyard chickens for the fresh eggs, but they quickly realize their hens become beloved pets, too. It’s truly a win-win! If you think about it, it’s amazing that a chicken can lay an egg in just 24 hours. But for this process to happen consistently, your hens need proper care, nutrition and a stress-free environment. The good news? Meeting their needs isn’t as complicated as it might seem. If you provide them with the essentials, they’ll do the rest

Introducing new chickens to an existing flock can be a tricky process, and how you do it matters! The integration phase is crucial for keeping your flock happy and stress-free. I wrote an entire blog on this process, and you can find it here! One effective technique (I haven’t tried) that many experienced chicken keepers recommend is introducing new chickens at night. I have seen and read about many successful cases where it’s worked like a charm. Here’s why this method works

There is nothing better than getting little chicks. I love listening to their tiny peeps and spend hours just observing their behaviors. They are tiny, fluffy, and usually so sweet! It’s important to enjoy this stage because it doesn’t last long! Chicks grow into chickens really fast! And if you want happy, healthy hens that will lay plenty of eggs, it’s important to understand each stage of their development and provide the right nutrition and care along the way. Stage 1: Th

Raising backyard chickens is so rewarding and fulfilling! There’s nothing better than watching your girls flock toward you or collecting fresh eggs from the coop. However, not every part of chicken keeping is fun—especially when sickness strikes. Respiratory infections are one of the more serious health risks your chickens can face, and as their caretaker, it’s important to know how to spot and treat them! What Causes Respiratory Infections in Chickens? Respiratory infections

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that affects birds and is caused primarily by the Candida species. It can lead to big health issues if not addressed quickly or left untreated. In this post, we’ll walk through what thrush looks like, why it happens, how to treat it, and, most importantly - how to keep it from becoming a problem in the first place. Symptoms of Thrush in Birds The symptoms of thrush in chickens can vary, but common signs include: White,