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All About the Bielefelder Chicken Breed
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...

Annie
4 days ago4 min read
105


Does Oregano Work as a Natural Dewormer in Chickens?
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...

Annie
May 164 min read
131


Quick Growing Plants for Your Chicken Run
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...

Annie
May 123 min read
444


How Many Eggs Does a Chicken Lay in a Day?
It’s spring, and you know what that means! Backyard flocks are booming. Thanks to rising egg prices, baby chicks are flying off the...

Annie
May 83 min read
410


All About the Delaware Chicken Breed
Picture credit: Morning Chores The Delaware chicken breed is one of the most versatile and loved breeds for backyard chicken keepers....

Annie
Apr 282 min read
290


How to Candle an Egg (and Spot a Growing Chick!)
Picture credit: Scratch cradle It’s spring, and for many backyard chicken keepers, that means one thing: new chicks! I usually order mine...

Annie
Apr 253 min read
1,299


Easy Maraschino Cherry Cookies with Hershey Kisses
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...

Annie
Apr 152 min read
65


Why Do Chicks Peck Each Other and How to Help
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...

Annie
Apr 104 min read
1,037


How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise in 5 Minutes with 5 Ingredients
Everyone stop what you’re doing! I am SO excited to share this super simple homemade mayonnaise recipe with you today. Why? Because it...

Annie
Apr 22 min read
149


All About the Java Chicken Breed
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...

Annie
Mar 283 min read
182


Rare Chicken Breeds to Add to Your Flock
It’s chick season! Whether you’re adding to your flock or just dreaming about new feathered friends, now is the perfect time to explore...

Annie
Mar 103 min read
3,304


Can Chicken E-lixir Be Used for Chicks?
One of the most common questions I get is, “Can Chicken E-lixir be used for chicks?” The short answer? Yes! Today, we’ll dive into why...

Annie
Mar 72 min read
347


Easy and Delicious Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Photo Credit: Magnolia Kitchen Last week, it was -15°F in Minnesota, and today it’s 50°F. That's a 65-degree swing! Only in the Midwest,...

Annie
Feb 272 min read
64


What Do Chickens Need to Lay Eggs?
Most people start raising backyard chickens for the fresh eggs, but they quickly realize their hens become beloved pets, too. It’s truly...

Annie
Feb 214 min read
1,554


How to Introduce New Chickens at Night for a Smooth Integration
Introducing new chickens to an existing flock can be a tricky process, and how you do it matters! The integration phase is crucial for...

Annie
Feb 144 min read
2,309


Understanding the Growth Stages of a Hen: From Chick to Mature Layer
There is nothing better than getting little chicks. I love listening to their tiny peeps and spend hours just observing their behaviors....

Annie
Feb 64 min read
10,318


How to Treat Respiratory Infections in Chickens
Raising backyard chickens is so rewarding and fulfilling ! There’s nothing better than watching your girls flock toward you or collecting...

Annie
Jan 283 min read
390


How to Deworm Chickens: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment
Deworming chickens is an essential part of maintaining a healthy flock. Worm infestations can lead to weight loss, decreased egg...

Annie
Jan 133 min read
1,390


Why Aren’t My Hens Laying Eggs? Common Reasons and Solutions
It’s a cold January here in Minnesota and I’ve had a number of people reach out as to why their hens aren’t laying eggs. Keeping chickens...

Annie
Jan 133 min read
1,602


When to Switch Chicken Feed: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Flock
When to switch chicken feed is a common question for new backyard chicken keepers. I get it! I had a lot of the same questions when I...

Annie
Jan 133 min read
2,532


How to Care for Cracked Eggs in an Incubator
Incubating eggs is an exciting but sometimes stressful journey. I’ll never forget the first time I hatched Silkie chickens—it was both...

Annie
Dec 30, 20244 min read
3,900


All About the Holland Chicken
Pictured: Barred Holland Chicken Picture Credit: Braided River Farm Holland chickens are a rare and special breed with plenty to offer....

Annie
Dec 27, 20242 min read
473


The Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for Christmas
Picture Credit: PKP Way Merry Christmas, everyone! Today, I’m excited to share one of my family’s favorite holiday recipes—our delicious...

Annie
Dec 23, 20242 min read
66


What Chickens Lay Pink Eggs?
Picture Credit: Spectrum Poultry I know what you’re thinking…pink eggs?!?! Stick with me. I’m not talking about bright pink eggs. While...

Annie
Dec 17, 20244 min read
7,933


What Essential Oils Are in Coop Recuperate Orange Spice?
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know it’s not a secret. Coop Recuperate is hands down, one of my favorite...

Annie
Dec 10, 20242 min read
147


How to Treat Thrush in Birds
Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that affects birds and is caused primarily by the Candida species. It can lead...

Annie
Dec 3, 20243 min read
819


What Are the Best Seeds for Chickens
As we know, raising healthy and productive chickens requires a well balanced diet. One of the best ways to ensure your chickens get all...

Annie
Nov 20, 20243 min read
2,020


How to Predator-Proof Your Chicken Coop and Keep Your Flock Safe
Keeping your chickens safe from predators is one of the biggest challenges for any backyard chicken keeper. Recently, I’ve had a couple...

Annie
Nov 11, 20243 min read
2,129


How Long Can Chicken Eggs Stay in the Coop Before Harvesting?
When it comes to raising backyard chickens, one of the most rewarding moments is collecting fresh eggs. A question I get asked a lot is,...

Annie
Nov 4, 20243 min read
5,444


Gramma’s Apple Dip Recipe: A Sweet and Easy Recipe for Any Gathering
I have the perfect side dish for you to bring to your next gathering! Sure, it’s easy to grab a bag of chips or cookies, but I promise...

Annie
Oct 28, 20241 min read
115


What Chickens Lay White Eggs?
When it comes to backyard poultry, one of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is about the color of the eggs their hens will...

Annie
Oct 16, 20244 min read
9,180


How to Treat Mites on Chickens
Today, we’re talking about the not-so-fun side of chicken keeping...mites! Yuck! I think mites and lice are every backyard chicken...

Annie
Oct 8, 20244 min read
1,573


All About the Cinnamon Queen Chicken
Picture Credit: Hoover’s Hatchery The Cinnamon Queen chicken breed is a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers. Known for their...

Annie
Oct 1, 20242 min read
26,213


Best Apple Butter Crock Pot Recipe: Easy, Delicious and Perfect for Fall
Are you guys ready for a super easy recipe for apple butter? Hurry up and go pick those apples hanging from your tree! Or if you don’t...

Annie
Sep 16, 20243 min read
1,148


Easy Vegetable Egg Roll Ups
Fall is in the air, and while I’ve been holding on to the last days of summer, it’s time to face the reality of sending the kids back to...

Annie
Sep 3, 20242 min read
103


What Chickens Lay Blue Eggs?
I remember when I started raising backyard chickens. The only thing I was concerned about was having nice chickens that loved me and laid...

Annie
Aug 27, 20245 min read
38,581


How Far Can a Chicken Fly?
I’ve been raising chickens for nearly twenty years, and a question I often hear is, “How far can chickens actually fly?” Since chickens...

Annie
Aug 21, 20243 min read
3,266


All About the Silver Laced Polish Chicken
Polish chickens are one of my all-time favorite breeds. They are quirky, hilarious and such fun chickens to watch! I’ve had a few...

Annie
Aug 14, 20244 min read
6,039


Are Chickens Omnivores?
Believe it or not, chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals in the world, providing us with eggs, meat, and incredible...

Annie
Aug 6, 20245 min read
690


Chicken Lice 101: What You Need to Know
Chicken lice may not be the most glamorous topic, but they’re a critical concern for chicken owners everywhere. These pesky pests are...

Strong Animals Team
Aug 2, 20245 min read
6,755


How to Keep Chickens Cool in Summer: Easy Tips & Hydrating Treats
It’s hot here in Minnesota! The heat index has been in the high 90s and low 100s for the last week. The air is heavy with humidity and we...

Annie
Jul 29, 20243 min read
333


Can Chickens Eat Eggshells?
Chickens are known for their quirky eating habits and foraging for interesting snacks right in your backyard. If you’re new to raising...

Annie
Jul 23, 20243 min read
4,684


What Vegetables Can Chickens Eat?
Discover which veggies your chickens can safely enjoy! From leafy greens to pumpkins, these treats will keep your flock happy & healthy.

Annie
Jul 16, 20243 min read
17,275


Can Turkeys and Chickens Live Together? Here's What You Need to Know
Photo Credit: Cackle Hatchery I remember when our kids begged us to add a couple of turkeys to our flock. While the idea sounded fun, we...

Annie
Jul 10, 20243 min read
7,643


Best 4th of July Mocktails
Photo Credit: Sugar Maple Farmhouse Our family loves the 4th of July! Celebrating our country’s independence while hanging out with...

Annie
Jul 1, 20242 min read
507


Treats for Chickens: Easy Homemade Recipe
It’s summertime and for the most part our flock loves to free range as much as possible during the day. They love to scavenge the yard...

Annie
Jun 21, 20242 min read
6,805


Can I Have Chickens Where I Live? And How to Find Out
Keeping chickens as backyard pets and for egg production has become very popular among homeowners! I feel like since covid hit, backyard...

Annie
Jun 19, 20243 min read
5,461


Cowboy Bean Recipe for Your Next Picnic
I have incredible memories of our kids’ birthday parties. One of my favorite memories is listening to my grandpa swoon over my baked...

Annie
Jun 10, 20242 min read
309


Can Chickens Get Fleas?
Summer has officially started in the Midwest, and we are so excited! The luscious green grass, trees and landscape are especially...

Annie
Jun 3, 20243 min read
3,433


What Chickens Lay Green Eggs?
When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t think much about egg color. I was more focused on having healthy, fresh eggs for...

Annie
May 21, 20243 min read
20,348
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