Today let’s talk about something less fantastic when raising backyard chickens: coccidiosis. While raising chickens has been my favorite...

Today, we get to talk about a fascinating topic. I get asked quite often about things chickens can and cannot eat and if there are certain foods they prefer. Their taste preferences seem to be quite different from mine! Why is that? Let’s explore why! Do Chickens Have Tongues? Some people are surprised to learn that chickens do have tongues! While their tongues are hard to see, they’re definitely there. A chicken’s tongue is small, triangular and fits inside the lower beak.

Photo: My Pet Chicken Today we’re going to talk about a breed that looks so much like the Barred Rock, it’s almost hard to tell the...

One question I get asked a lot is, "How long will your chickens live?" As you know, my chickens are more than just egg layers—they’re my...

This week, we’re talking all about chicken feed. This is a common question for new backyard chicken owners. There are so many options to choose from, so I will share what I use as well as how often I use it. Let’s start there. Best Practices to Feed Chickens There are many chicken owners who only put the feed outside twice a day. This is actually a really great way to feed your chickens while cutting down on the pest population. By keeping food and water out of your coop, y

I realize it’s December and there probably aren’t a ton of issues with hens going broody in the cooler months. However, I have a cute little hen that won’t stop (see above)! So, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to break a broody hen. What is a Broody Hen? First of all, what does it mean when a hen goes “broody”? It simply means that she thinks she’s going to be a momma. You will find her collecting eggs, sitting on them to keep them warm, turning them and giving nasty

“Sweetie” the Silke from our first hatch. I remember when I started raising backyard chickens. I would've honestly never considered hatching chicks…until a couple of years ago. I decided if I were going to educate backyard chicken owners on every aspect of raising backyard chickens, hatching chicks would be a fun thing to try! I had always wanted Silkies, so I ordered a dozen hatching eggs from Alabama Silkies. I had done my research on all the things I needed for hatching ch

It never ceases to amaze me how great my chickens are at digging holes! They love to scratch around, wiggle down and flap around the dirt. To keep themselves clean, chickens take dust baths. This summer, I’m working on making a dedicated area for my chickens’ dust bath. I’ll keep you posted on if they actually use this area or if they continue to just dig dust baths wherever they want. Haha! Picture Credit: Weed 'em and Reap Transforming a Problem Spot into a Dust Bath Area W

This week, we’re discussing an important topic that new backyard chicken keepers might overlook—grit. While it’s easy to focus on food, grit plays a crucial role in keeping your chickens healthy and digesting their food properly. Let’s dive into why grit is so essential for your flock! What is Grit and Why Do Chickens Need it? Chickens are wonderful, but they weren’t born with teeth! When your chickens are foraging, eating treats, or snacking on larger bits of food, they can’

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Not all parts of raising backyard chickens is glamorous. Haha! For real though, today we’re...

We are kicking off this week with a giant, possibly record-breaking snowstorm here in Minnesota. Yikes! However, the good news is that it’s almost March, so whatever snow we get, won’t last too long. But as we wait for the snow, I’m sitting here dreaming about all things Spring! That includes baby chicks! I usually add to my flock each year, however, this year I’m not. We have too many things going on for our family and I won’t have the time I need to do it right. If you’re j

Photo Credit: Hoover’s Hatchery The Mystic Onyx breed was originally developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in very recent years. Their...

If you’re new to raising backyard chickens, you may think I’m a bit crazy. However, if you’ve been doing this for a while, you will...

Photo Cred : Pinterest Decorating for Christmas is a family favorite around here, and naturally, with my love for chickens, this festive...

When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t really think much about egg colors. I just imagined going out to the coop and...

As you probably know by now, chickens are a huge part of our family’s life! It may have started as my dream (haha!), but my family has...

I’m so excited to write this blog because Barred Plymouth Rock chickens are one of my absolute favorite breeds! They’re simply amazing,...

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. Not only is it cozy and beautiful, but it’s also when we celebrate my wedding anniversary,...

When raising backyard chickens, it’s important to know some basics on their anatomy and the function for each part. This way you can keep close tabs on your flocks’ health and notice any changes that might signal a problem. Chickens are gorgeous birds and were created so well. When you sit and really think about the process a chicken goes through to lay their egg, it’s astounding! Today we’re going to be talking about the basic anatomy of a chicken. You can always do a deep d

I remember when I first started out with chickens. Back then, I didn’t pay much attention to breeds—I just wanted the eggs for our...