I think one of the most stressful parts of raising backyard chickens is the thought of one, or many, of them getting sick. As chicken keepers, we do everything we can to keep our birds healthy and happy. So when you hear a chick sneeze, it can definitely make your heart skip a beat. The good news? Most chick sneezing is caused by something harmless, like dust or bedding irritation. But sometimes, sneezing can signal a bigger issue. Understanding the difference can help you re

Raising baby chicks is super fun, fascinating and honestly? I don’t get much of anything else done when I have baby chicks because I always find myself watching them in their brooder! Their instinctive behaviors are mind blowing. When a mama hen hatches her chicks, she teaches them the ropes on eating, dust bathing and how to stay safe. But what about the chicks that are hatched in an incubator or hatchery? These chicks still seem to know what to do! Creation is amazing. One

Baby chick with a splayed leg A Real Story: Bleu the Silkie A number of years ago, I hatched a small group of Silkies in an incubator. That was an experience in and of itself, so fun and honestly, a little stressful. It always makes me wonder in awe how mama hens do it so naturally. Chicks need just the right temperature and humidity to hatch. It’s incredible. All of my Silkies hatched healthy and spunky except one little lady I named Bleu. Bleu had a harder time during hatch

Raising healthy baby chicks takes more than starter feed and fresh water! Early nutrition plays a huge role in immunity, feather development and long-term flock health. That’s why more backyard chicken keepers across the U.S., especially here in the Midwest where chick season hits hard every spring, are talking about sea kelp. Sea kelp is a mineral-rich sea vegetable that delivers powerful benefits when used correctly, especially during a chick’s first few weeks of life. What

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.

Picture credit: Hoover's Hatchery If you’ve spent any time raising backyard chickens, you know how it starts. At first, you just want a few nice hens that lay eggs. Simple enough, right? Then suddenly you’re learning about different egg colors, feather patterns, personalities and before you know it… you’re planning your next  chicken addition. That’s exactly where I’m at. While scrolling through Hoover’s Hatchery (as one does), I came across a breed I hadn’t seriously conside

Picture credit: EurekAlert! If you’ve been around here long enough, you know I’m passionate about poultry and all things eggs. But I’m fairly sure I’ve never talked about quail or their cute, itty-bitty eggs. So today, we’re cracking into the similarities and differences between quail eggs and chicken eggs, and which one makes the most sense for everyday use. Eggs are a staple in many diets and a reliable source of high-quality protein. When it comes to choosing between chick

When it comes to eggs, not all are created equal. I never fully understood just how different they could be until I started raising my own backyard flock. Whether you’re making a quick weekday breakfast or baking something special, the difference between store-bought eggs and farm-fresh eggs really can show up on your plate. So let’s crack open this topic (sorry, I had to 😉). What Are Store-Bought Eggs? Store-bought eggs are what you’ll find at grocery stores and big-box ret

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,

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

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...