Understanding your flock’s behaviour is key to ensuring their well-being and happiness. Let’s decode some common chicken behaviours and what they mean. 1. Pecking Order: Establishing Social Hierarchy One of the most fundamental aspects of chicken behaviour is the pecking order. This social hierarchy determines the ranking of each bird within the flock. Chickens establish this order through pecking, chasing, and occasionally aggressive behaviour. Why It Happens: The pecking order helps maintain order and reduces conflict within the flock. The dominant birds get first access to food, water, and ..read more

Maintaining a healthy diet for your chickens during the winter is crucial as they need more energy to stay warm and maintain their overall health. Here are some tips on how to ensure your flock is getting the nutrients they need: High-Energy Feed Quality Feed: Start with a high-quality layer feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens. This feed should provide a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Additional Protein: During the winter, chickens need more protein to help them stay warm and healthy. Consider adding protein-rich treats like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, o ..read more

Chickens as Pets: Bonding and Enrichment Chickens, often synonymous with farm life, are increasingly finding their way into suburban and even urban backyards as beloved pets. While they may not purr like cats or fetch like dogs, chickens have a charm and personality all their own, forming unique bonds with their human companions. In this article, we’ll explore the special relationship between chickens and their owners, along with tips for enriching their lives through interaction and creative DIY projects. The Unique Bond Between Chickens and Their Owners Contrary to popular belief, chickens a ..read more

Raising chickens in your backyard can be immensely rewarding, offering fresh eggs and natural pest control. However, keeping your chickens healthy is essential to ensure their well-being and productivity. This comprehensive guide explores the most common ailments affecting chickens, including viral diseases, parasites, and other health issues. We also provide detailed prevention strategies and tips on recognising early signs of illness. Maintaining good health in chickens involves proactive management and an understanding of the diseases and parasites that commonly affect them. By learning abo ..read more

Embracing Chickens for a Greener Lifestyle In the quest for sustainable living, every step counts, and one such step that is gaining popularity is backyard chicken keeping. This practice goes beyond just having fresh eggs; it plays a pivotal role in creating an eco-friendly lifestyle. Let’s delve into how chickens contribute to sustainability, particularly focusing on waste reduction, soil improvement, and the broader environmental benefits. Reducing Waste: Chickens as Eco-Friendly Composters Chickens are natural composters. By feeding them kitchen scraps, you can significantly reduce househol ..read more

Just like any pet, chickens benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their overall health and happiness. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple yet effective ways to keep your flock in top form, ensuring they lead a clucking good life! 1. Spacious Coop Design Start by providing a spacious and well-ventilated coop. A comfortable living space allows chickens to move freely, stretch their wings, and engage in natural behaviours like scratching and dust-bathing. Check out our guide here, on how to build a chicken coop. 2. Outdoor Time Allow your chickens access to a safe out ..read more

The comb is the fleshy, red crest on top of a chicken’s head, and is an important part of the bird’s physiology. It helps regulate body temperature, aids in mate selection, and can even indicate the bird’s health status. While the comb is normally red and smooth, it can sometimes develop black spots, which can be a sign of an underlying issue. Firstly, it’s important to note that some degree of darkening on the comb is normal in chickens as they age. As chickens get older, their combs may become darker or even turn black. This is typically not a cause for concern, as long as the chicken is oth ..read more

Feather picking, also known as feather pecking, is a common behaviour observed in chickens that can be concerning for poultry keepers. This behaviour involves chickens pecking and damaging the feathers of themselves or other flock members. Feather picking can result in feather loss, skin injuries, and increased stress levels among the birds. In this post, we explore the reasons why chickens engage in feather picking and provide practical strategies to help prevent and stop this behaviour. Understanding the underlying causes of feather picking is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. Som ..read more

If you’re a backyard chicken keeper, you know that keeping your feathered friends healthy and happy is no easy task. In addition to providing them with food and water, there are a number of essential items that every chicken keeper should have on hand. Here are 10 must-have items that every backyard chicken keeper needs: A secure coop: A sturdy and secure coop is essential for protecting your chickens from predators and the elements. Make sure it is spacious enough to allow your chickens to move around and access their food and water easily. Quality chicken feed: Providing your chickens with ..read more

If you have chickens, you know how important it is to keep them healthy and happy. Today, I wanted to talk about a common issue that chickens can face: sour crop. Sour crop is a condition that occurs when the food in a chicken’s crop doesn’t move through properly and begins to ferment, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast. This can cause discomfort and illness for your feathered friends, but there are steps you can take to help them feel better. Sour crop is a condition that can affect chickens, and it’s important to recognize the signs so you can take appropriate action to help your ..read more