Roosters are often seen as the protectors of the flock, but they need just as much care and attention as hens. Whether you have a single rooster or multiple, ensuring they remain healthy, happy, and well-behaved is key to maintaining harmony in your backyard. Here’s everything you need to know about looking after roosters year-round. […] The post How to care for your rooster appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Extreme weather events like cyclones (hurricanes in the U.S.) can be particularly destructive, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. For backyard chicken keepers, preparation is key to ensuring your flock stays safe before, during, and after the storm. Here’s what you need to know to protect your chooks (or hens) when severe weather strikes. […] The post Looking After Your Flock During a Cyclone or Hurricane appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

As backyard chicken keepers, we often focus on raising chicks and maintaining egg production. But what about our older hens? Just like any pet, senior chooks deserve love, care, and a comfortable retirement. If your flock includes aging ladies who no longer lay as frequently (or at all), here’s how you can ensure they enjoy […] The post Caring for Older Hens: Keeping Your Senior Chooks Happy and Healthy appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Keeping backyard chickens healthy and happy starts with regular chicken health checks. Chickens are experts at hiding illness, and by the time they show obvious symptoms, they may already be quite sick. A quick weekly health check can help you catch early warning signs, prevent disease, and ensure your flock thrives. In this guide, we’ll […] The post Basic Chicken Health Check appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Keeping your chickens healthy and clean is essential for their well-being and productivity. One issue that many chicken owners encounter is the dreaded poopy bum. While it’s a common problem, the good news is that it’s preventable with proper care and attention to their diet, hygiene, and gut health. In this guide, we’ll explore the […] The post Top Tips for Preventing Poopy Bums in Chickens appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

As a chicken owner, finding dirty eggs in the nesting box can be frustrating. Clean, spotless eggs are not only more appealing but also safer for consumption. If your chickens are consistently laying dirty eggs, it’s a sign that something in their environment, health, or diet needs attention. Here are some of the common causes […] The post Why Your Chickens May Be Laying Dirty Eggs: Causes and Solutions appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

If you’ve noticed small, dark brown to black pests clinging stubbornly to your chickens’ combs, wattles, or around their eyes, you may be dealing with stickfast fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea). These tiny but resilient pests can cause discomfort, irritation, and even health complications for your flock. What Are Stickfast Fleas? Stickfast fleas (sometimes known as sticktight […] The post Stickfast Fleas on Chickens: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Summer is a beautiful time of year, but for chickens, it can also be challenging. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to ensure your flock stays cool, comfortable, and healthy. Heat stress can take a toll on your hens, affecting their health and egg production. Here are some essential tips to keep your chickens happy and […] The post Summer Chicken Care: Essential Tips to Beat the Heat appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Hatching Day: What to Expect and How to Support Your Chicks Hatching day is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in the process of raising chicks. After nearly three weeks of careful incubation, your eggs are finally ready to hatch, and new life is about to emerge. Understanding what to expect during this […] The post How to hatch chicks appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more

Candling eggs is a method used to check the development of embryos inside the eggs during incubation. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to observe the contents, which can help determine whether the egg is fertile and how the embryo is progressing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to candle eggs: Step-by-Step […] The post How to Candle Eggs – Step-by-Step appeared first on The Good Life Backyard ..read more