Stressors like predators, sickness, disease, molting, extreme heat, cold weather and pecking order changes can all take a toll on your chickens. Along with keeping a close eye on our birds, we use Strong Animals Chicken Essentials every day to help keep our flock and coop in tip-top shape! A little care really does go a long way in keeping backyard chickens healthy. Some of the most common questions we get are: What is the difference between Chicken E-lixir and Flock Fixer? D

One of my favorite chickens I’ve ever had was Paris, my Prairie Bluebell Egger. Her personality matched her gorgeous plumage, and she brought so much joy to the coop. If you’re looking for a chicken that lays beautiful blue eggs and fits well into a backyard flock, the Prairie Bluebell Egger chicken is definitely one to consider. These birds have become increasingly popular with backyard chicken keepers because they combine dependable egg production, eye-catching feather colo

Picture credit: Freedom Ranger Hatchery Chickens, like any other animals, can run into health issues from time to time. The good news? A lot of those problems can be prevented with good nutrition, a clean coop and a little daily observation. But let’s be honest, sometimes things still happen in the coop. One issue that can sneak up on you is eye infections in chickens. They’re more common than you might think and can quickly impact your flock’s comfort, vision and overall hea

Photo Credit: SunnyDaysNora I find myself standing in front of the refrigerator more often than not wondering what on earth I’m going to make for supper. Does anyone else do this? Haha. I do much better when I have a plan, but let’s be honest… sometimes that plan disappears somewhere between chores, errands and everyday life. That’s why I love recipes like this one. If you have leftover Easter ham, you likely already have most of these ingredients sitting in your fridge and c

Picture credit: Serious Eats Our family loves omelettes! They’re a great source of protein, and the best part is that each person can customize their omelette to their liking. Over the Fourth of July, my brother sets up a big omelette bar for breakfast, and it’s become a family favorite. I’m usually a ham-and-cheese omelette kind of girl, but sometimes I crave something a little lighter. That’s where the Florentine omelette comes in. It’s rich, satisfying and packed with flav

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 consider

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, 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

When we think about chicken eggs, the first colors that come to mind are the familiar whites and browns. But the world of backyard chicken keeping quickly reveals a far more colorful reality. One egg color stands out as the rarest and most sought-after: the blue-green egg, famously laid by the Araucana chicken. But what makes this egg color so special, and who else lays them? The Beauty Behind Blue-Green Eggs Blue-green eggs are striking. They add a fun pop of color to your e

We’re in the thick of summer and boy is it hot! The girls are constantly looking for shade and digging deep into the dirt to try and stay cool. One of my flock’s favorite chicken treats of all time is a juicy watermelon. So, in order to help them beat the heat, I made up these frozen watermelon kabobs with Flock Fixer. They’re quick and easy, and the girls go nuts over them! Plus, I know they’re getting a healthy boost with Flock Fixer to stay hydrated and strong during the l

The internet is full of beautiful chicken coops, elegantly feathered chickens and chicken keepers who are followed around by sunbeams and gorgeous landscapes. And, while some of these things are absolutely beautiful and out there no doubt, raising backyard chickens isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. There are plenty of yucky things that can plague the coop and the feathered friends who live there. Today we’re going to look at the top three diseases that affect chickens today

Everyone loves a yard sprinkled with different colors and breeds of chickens. Well, at least people who love chickens do! Chickens come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and each is fascinating in its own unique way. But few are as charming and eye-catching as the Frizzle chicken breed. With their flipped-up feathers and sweet personality, Frizzles have captivated chicken lovers around the world. My own little Tinkerbell is a fan favorite! She’s itty bitty, but h

I remember walking out to check on the girls one hot summer day a few years back. I do regular health checks on my flock, so I...

If you’re not familiar with backyard chickens, you might not automatically know the difference between a hen and a rooster. It’s...

The internet is full of beautiful chickens in magazine-worthy coops. But let’s be real, chickens are barnyard animals, and barnyard animals can come with some... yucky pests. One of the biggest concerns for backyard chicken keepers? Mites. I’ve had people ask me, “Can mites from chickens get on humans?” It’s a good question, especially if, like me, you love snuggling your chickens! So let’s dig into what chicken mites are, whether you should worry and how to keep your flock (

I remember having big dreams of starting my own seedlings and saving a ton of money on our garden. While it can be a rewarding and budget-friendly task, the older I get, the more I lean toward just buying started plants. But if you’re feeling ambitious and want to try growing from seed, planting in eggshells is a fun and eco-friendly way to get started. That said, not every plant loves being tucked into a tiny eggshell pot. Here’s what to know before you crack into seed start

Picture credit: Hoover’s Hatchery I was flipping through the Hoover’s Hatchery catalog the other day when I spotted a breed I’ve had my eye on for years, the Bielefelder chicken. A friend added them to their first flock and absolutely loved them. If I were expanding my own flock of 40 (don’t worry, I’m not… this year!), the Bielefelder would be at the top of my list. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this breed such a standout in the coop. History of the Bielefelder Chic

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

I was sitting in the chicken run last week watching my flock scratch around the dirt. It got me thinking about how fast they ate the grass that was once under their feet. Chickens love greens, grass and plants! Free-ranging gives their nutrition a boost and cuts down on food costs. However, if your run looks like mine, there isn’t much green (or any!) for them to pluck. Quick-growing plants can help improve soil quality, reduce mud and keep your chickens happy and healthy. Th

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: Morning Chores The Delaware chicken breed is one of the most versatile and loved breeds for backyard chicken keepers. Known for their meat quality, reliable egg production and friendly personalities, Delawares are a dual-purpose breed that offers the best of both worlds. Surprisingly, I don't have one yet, but they’re high on my list! History of the Delaware Chicken The Delaware chicken originated in the United States during the 1940s, thanks to the breeding e

Picture credit: Scratch cradle It’s spring, and for many backyard chicken keepers, that means one thing: new chicks! I usually order mine from Hoover’s Hatchery, but I’ve also hatched my own a couple of times. It’s exciting, fascinating and honestly, a little nerve-wracking! But if you’re up for the adventure, I’ll walk you through how to candle an egg and spot the signs of chick development along the way. What is Egg Candling? Candling is a simple method used to check if an

I must be in my maraschino cherry phase. I don’t drink Diet Coke very often, but when I do, I always add a few maraschino cherries. Not...

Every spring, I get the itch to add to my backyard flock! All it takes is one peek over the edge of the chick brooders at our local farm supply store and I am hooked! While it is hard to resist those cute little fluff balls, it is important to remember they grow fast and so do their instincts. One behavior that surprises many first-time chicken owners is how quickly chicks start to establish a pecking order. Yes, it is a real thing, not just a saying, and it starts right in t

Everyone stop what you’re doing! I am SO excited to share this super simple homemade mayonnaise recipe with you today. Why? Because it gave me a reason to finally use my immersion blender, and oh my goodness, it did not disappoint. My immersion blender and I became besties today. We whipped up the creamiest, dreamiest homemade mayo and it is absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s fast. I’m talking 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, that’s it! No preservatives, no weird fillers. Just clea