Winter weather brings new challenges for backyard chicken keepers. While chickens are surprisingly cold-hardy, there are limits to what they can tolerate. So how do you know if your chickens are too cold—and what can you do about it? This guide will help you identify the signs of cold stress in your flock, what temperatures…
Raising chickens starts with one crucial decision: how big should your chicken coop be? Whether you’re planning a cozy backyard flock or a self-sufficient homestead setup, coop size directly affects egg production, behavior, and overall flock health. This guide breaks down exactly how much space chickens need—indoors and outdoors—plus expert tips for building a coop…
If you’ve spent any time around chickens, you’ve probably noticed a variety of sounds—from clucks and crows to squawks and chirps. But one of the most unexpected and heartwarming sounds is a soft, vibrating noise that sounds a lot like… purring. Yes, chickens can purr—and it means more than you might think. In this guide,…
Sapphire Gem chickens are one of the newer and most visually striking breeds in backyard flocks—but what about the roosters? If you’ve got a male chick from your Sapphire Gem hatch, you might be wondering: What will he look like? Is he aggressive? Should I keep him? In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you…
If you’re raising backyard chickens, the day your pullets lay their first egg is exciting. That tiny, oddly shaped egg represents months of care and anticipation. But you might be wondering—can you eat that first egg? Is it safe? Does it taste different? This article answers all your questions about a hen’s first egg: safety,…
If you raise backyard chickens and have pine trees nearby, you’ve probably noticed pine needles scattered across your yard or even inside your run. But are pine needles bad for chickens? Can they safely scratch around in them or accidentally eat them? This comprehensive guide explores whether pine needles are harmful or helpful for chickens,…
Have you ever reached into the nesting box only to find an egg with a rubbery, soft shell—or no shell at all? It’s alarming, especially if your hens have been laying normally. Soft-shelled eggs are one of the most common issues backyard chicken keepers face. This guide breaks down why your chickens might be laying…
Raising chicks in a mixed flock brings up an important question: can you trust your rooster around baby chicks? Some chicken keepers swear by their rooster’s gentle, protective nature—while others warn of unexpected aggression. In this article, we’ll explore whether roosters attack baby chicks, why it happens in some cases, and how to manage rooster…
If you’ve ever found a hen refusing to leave the nesting box, fluffing up and growling when you approach—congrats, you’ve met a broody hen. But how often do hens go broody, and what does it mean for your backyard flock? This in-depth guide explains broodiness in hens, how frequently it occurs, which breeds are more…
If you grow herbs in your backyard, chances are you’ve got cilantro in the garden or fridge. But before tossing that leftover bunch into the chicken coop, you may be wondering—can chickens eat cilantro? Is it safe, and are there any benefits? This article covers everything you need to know about feeding cilantro to chickens,…