Backyard Fowl Keepers

Keep their bedding dry and clean! Cornish Cross are prone to leg issues, so good footing is key. Deep litter helps prevent sores.

Older hens may have faded or worn-down beaks, longer toenails, and less vibrant feather coloring compared to younger birds.

Im looking for ways to keep nighttime predators away from my coop weve got everything from raccoons and foxes to the occasional owl. Has anyone had success with motion-activated lights or noise deterrents? Do they really work long-term, or do the predators just get used to them? Id love to hear ...

I think the trough could work well if you design it thoughtfully. Maybe install it on rails so it slides out easily, and add a removable grate on top to keep the chickens from kicking bedding into it. If you use straw, make sure to keep it dry, or it'll turn into a heavy, soggy mess. You could even ...

What are some cheap but effective ways to enclose a chicken run? I want to keep my flock safe from predators without spending a fortune. Any creative DIY solutions or affordable materials youve had success with?

I usually buy bales of straw from a local supplier to use as bedding in my chicken coops, but hes completely out and isnt expecting any more anytime soon. With colder weather coming, I need to get something in the coop quickly, but I also dont want to spend a fortune on alternative bedding.

I was ...

Wild game is a great seasonal supplement, but it shouldn't replace a nutritionally balanced feed. If you're feeding a lot of protein, consider extra calcium sources to balance things out. Chickens handle raw meat well, but parasite concerns with fish are valid. Freezing or a quick boil can help ...

You made the best decision with the information you had at the time. Now you know more, and that experience will help you in the long run.

That yellow-green tinge could be bruising. Keep her crated and observe for swelling or worsening symptoms.

Im new to hatching silkies and just had my first chick successfully hatch from my incubatorso exciting! These eggs are from my silkie hens very first clutch, so this whole process has been a learning experience for me.

However, Im starting to get worried about the other two eggs. They both pipped ...