If you’ve ever watched your chickens squabble over food, or chase one another across the yard, you’ve seen the pecking order in action. The pecking order in chickens is a natural hierarchy system that determines rank within a flock of poultry that brings peace and order. As a chicken keeper, understanding how the pecking order…
As the days grow shorter in the fall season, nature prepares for the coming cold weather. For chickens and all birds, molting is the natural process of renewing feathers. During the molting period, chickens shed old feathers to grow new plumage. A laying hen’s energy is redirected from egg production to feather regrowth. The length…
Raising new chickens is exciting, but if you’ve ever wandered around a farm supply store, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what to feed them. The good news is chicks don’t need much for a strong start! With the right feed and a simple setup, your chicks will thrive. I’ll help you decide what…
Living on a rural homestead means that we need to be vigilant to protect our livestock. Despite our best efforts and even setting daily alarms, sometimes we forget to lock the chickens up at night. Sadly, it only takes once for a predator to decimate an entire chicken flock in a single evening. The ChickCozy…
When raising baby chicks or any small birds, a reliable heat source is a necessity to keep your chicks warm. Unlike adult birds, chicks have fluff, not feathers. Chicks need to be provided with supplemental heat until they have fully feathered out and can regulate their own body temperature. Since I was a girl, we…
One of the cornerstone principles of homestead living is becoming less dependent on outside systems. For many homesteaders, the food system is usually at the top of the list of concerns. Before Philip and I made our permanent move to the homestead, we decided to purchase American Bresse chickens. This dual purpose breed was getting…
With the cost of eggs skyrocketing, many homeowners are adding backyard chickens for egg production. As you browse the commercial feed aisle in your local feed store, you may be overwhelmed with the choices. Providing a balanced diet for your feathered friends ensures healthy animals that produce nutrient-dense food for your family. But what do…
Introducing chickens to a new flock can feel like an awkward family reunion. The integration process will include awkward stare-downs and squabbles among the pecking order. It may even feel like the chicken sequel of Mean Girls! However, it is possible to introduce new additions to your current flock with patience and time. As you…
As a new chicken keeper, one crucial element of flock management is creating the right balance of roosters and hens. Too many roosters create havoc, while too few may leave your hens vulnerable. While you can keep chickens without a rooster, let’s talk about why we prefer having a rooster in the flock and how…
Raising backyard chickens is feasible for many families, even those in suburban neighborhoods. A small flock of 5 to 6 hens will produce enough eggs for most families. Chickens are easy keepers and a great way to extend age-appropriate responsibility to children. Additionally, a backyard flock is a great way to introduce kids to where…
