Happy New Year, everyone! January has a way of making us think about getting back to healthy habits, especially during these long Minnesota winter weeks when simple, hearty meals are a lifesaver. What if most of us make eating healthy more complicated than it needs to be? Nutritious food can still be fun, it’s really about moderation and saying no to the “good things” that keep us from our best. I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions, but I do see January as a clean sl

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery Every so often, I come across a chicken breed that makes me pause and think, maybe someday . The Buckeye is one of those breeds for me! I don’t have them in my coop right now, but I’ve spent plenty of time reading about them and appreciating what they bring to the table for backyard chicken keepers. If you’re drawn to practical, hardy chickens with a good balance of eggs, personality and cold weather hardiness, the Buckeye is one worth gettin

Discover the family story behind Strong Animals Chicken Essentials made in the USA in Marshall, Minnesota, backed by science and family-owned for over 50 years.

I know what you’re thinking: “Really, Annie? A whole blog about toys and stocking stuffers for chickens?” And honestly, if you had asked me this back when I first started keeping chickens, I probably would’ve rolled my eyes right along with you! But stick with me, there’s a reason this little tradition has become one of my favorites. Why Winter Gifts Matter for Your Chickens Winter in Minnesota is long. Like… six-months-of-snow long. And when the weather keeps your flock indo

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I’ve always loved this holiday, there’s something special about slowing down, gathering with family and friends and soaking up that feeling of gratitude. Recently, we had a friend visiting from South Africa who was excited for his very first Thanksgiving dinner… until he realized his flight home was three days before the holiday. So, we did what any good Minnesota host would do, we cooked a full Thanksgiving meal early! And because stuffing almost n

Picture credit: Feathered Acres I still remember the day I fell down a Google rabbit hole searching for unique egg colors to diversify my egg basket. When I discovered black eggs, I was convinced someone was joking. But it led me straight to the beautiful Cayuga duck, a breed known for laying those stunning dark eggs. Now, I never ended up adding ducks to our flock (as much as the kids begged!), but I did learn a LOT about this fascinating waterfowl. And if you’re thinking ab

When the temperatures drop here in Minnesota, my family instantly switches into soup mode. But breakfast soup? I’ll admit, when someone challenged me to make a crockpot breakfast soup, my first reaction was, “That can’t be good.” I’m happy to report I was very wrong! This recipe turned out to be one of the easiest crockpot soups I’ve ever made. Throw it together the night before, wake up to a hearty, warm breakfast that tastes like a hug! It’s packed with potatoes, sausage, b

Molting is a natural and essential part of a chicken’s life! It’s when they shed old feathers and grow new ones. Some hens molt lightly, while others go through a dramatic hard molt where it looks like they exploded feathers everywhere. Either way, it can be stressful for both the flock and you but it’s completely normal! Because feathers are made mostly of protein, molting requires a lot of energy. During this time, chickens often slow down or pause egg production as their b

If you’ve ever seen my tiny chicken, Tinkerbell, you know why people stop and ask, “What kind of chicken is she?” Mini chickens, or bantam chickens, are quickly becoming a backyard favorite. They’re adorable, full of personality and perfect for people with smaller yards or urban setups. But what exactly are mini chickens, and are they right for you? What is a Mini Chicken? Mini chickens, also called bantams, are smaller versions of standard chicken breeds, or naturally small

There’s something so special about walking out to the coop to collect fresh eggs! The hard shells, rich yolks and buttery taste of farm fresh eggs can’t be rivaled. But when it comes to cleaning those fresh eggs from your flock, there’s often some confusion about the best way to do it. Proper egg washing is key to keeping your eggs safe, clean and fresh whether you’re collecting for your family, gifting to friends or selling at a local farmers market. Here’s everything you ne

Backyard chicken keepers are some of the most resourceful people out there. A quick search online will bring up countless opinions, recipes and debates on what to feed your chickens. If you’re considering making your own chicken feed, whether to save money or to know exactly what your flock is getting, there are a few important things to keep in mind! Why Nutrition Matters for Backyard Chickens One of the biggest keys to a healthy, productive flock is what goes into their fee

Have you ever noticed at the end of a long, lazy day of foraging that your chickens have a little bulge in their chest area? That’s their crop, a cute, specialized storage pouch that plays a big role in how chickens digest their food! Understanding the crop can help backyard chicken keepers better care for their flock, spot health issues early and keep hens thriving year-round. What is a Chicken’s Crop? The crop is an expandable, muscular pouch located at the lower end of the

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery Thinking of adding Wyandotte chickens to your backyard flock? These gorgeous birds are known for their striking laced feathers, cold-hardy nature, and dependable egg production. But as with any breed, every chicken has its own personality, and some can surprise you! My Experience With Wyandottes I’ll be honest, Henrietta and Hazel, my Silver Wyandottes, were the only hens I ever had to rehome. They were gorgeous, but super aggressive toward m

Backyard chicken keepers love the little surprises their hens leave in the coop, and one of the most curious finds is the tiny “fairy egg.” These miniature eggs are adorable, but they also raise a common question: are fairy eggs safe to eat? Let’s explore what they are, why they happen and whether you should be concerned! What is a Fairy Egg? A “fairy egg” (sometimes called a fart egg, dwarf egg or wind egg) is an unusually small chicken egg. Unlike normal-sized eggs, fairy e

Picture credit: What Molly Made It’s only the second week of school around here and if your family is anything like ours, you’re already hunting for quick, healthy breakfast recipes. Honestly? These breakfast nachos work for any meal of the day! We’re definitely “breakfast for supper” people. The best part? Everyone can build their own plate with toppings they love! Ingredients for Breakfast Nachos Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe: Tortilla chips Cooked breakf

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery When you think of backyard chickens, popular breeds like Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds often come to mind. But there’s another breed you should absolutely consider when starting or expanding your flock, the Black Australorp. Known worldwide for their "egg-ceptional " laying ability, hardiness and striking black plumage, Black Australorps have become a favorite among chicken keepers. The Origin of the Black Australorp

I live in Minnesota where the summers are long and hot, and the winters feel even longer! When I first started raising backyard chickens, I thought winter was the toughest season for them. I worried about keeping my flock warm, not realizing that the summer months can actually be harder, thanks to their built-in down coats! Raising backyard chickens isn’t difficult, but there are a few essentials that make the experience healthier for your flock and more enjoyable for you. Ou

I’ll never forget the first time I thought my hen, Coco, laid her first egg. I was so excited I told the whole internet about it… only to...

Raising happy, healthy chickens often starts with what you feed them. One increasingly popular practice among backyard chicken keepers is...

Picture Credit: Hoover's Hatchery If you’ve pursued pictures of beautiful chickens like I have, surely you’ve come across a Speckled Sussex! In my opinion, they’re absolutely gorgeous and on my list to add in the future. If you’re looking for a chicken breed that combines beauty, egg production and personality, the Sussex chicken might just be the perfect addition to your backyard coop. A favorite among backyard chicken keepers, this classic British Heritage breed has charmed