Introducing New Chickens Into an Existing Flock
“We have 3 chickens about 6 months old just started laying, could we introduce chicks into the same coop? Thanks.” ~ Gayle Kiernan Hi Gayle thanks for the question. Introducing new birds into an existing flock requires following a few key principles to be done successfully. There is a definite pecking order within a flock…
Chicken Keeping “Basics” Series – Chicken Feed & Feeding
In the coming weeks we’ll be talking about hatching chicks and raising them through their first year and we will address nutrition for young birds at that time. But for this week, we’ll address the nutritional needs of birds that have reached the point of coming into lay. What you put into your chickens is…
Soft Shelled Chicken Eggs
“One of my chickens (we have 3) has just laid her first egg the shell is very soft what can I do to improve the egg shell.” ~ Monica Kolb Monica, thanks for the question. When your hens first start to lay, often times you will find very soft shells or maybe no shell at…
Plants That Are Toxic To Chickens
Plants That Are Toxic To Chickens – Listed below are common plants that are known to be toxic to chickens (and most other birds). Ensure your chickens do not have ready access to such plants, especially if you are free ranging your chickens…
Chicken Keeping “Basics” – Chicken Housing Equipment
In our last issue, we discussed building the chicken coop, this week we’ll talk about the things you need to put in the coop. Remember that chickens are very sound sleepers; they naturally want to sleep off the ground as a means of protecting themselves from predators. For this reason, you’ll want to provide your…
Keeping Chicken Eggs Fresh
“What is the best way of keeping the chicken eggs? Should they be kept in the fridge or not?” ~ Nikki Ward Nikki, this is a great question, there’s a lot of confusing information out there. As part of the formation of the chicken egg, it is covered in a thin membrane called the “bloom”.…
Chicken Keeping “Basics” – Chicken Housing Part 2
In our last issue, we discussed how to build a run or yard for confined chickens and the precautions necessary to free range your flock. In this issue, we will discuss the hen house or chicken coop. Remember to check for building codes or permit requirements for your area before you make any purchases. Let’s…
Moulting In Hens and Chickens
I have a chicken that has molted and has stopped laying but is very skinny. She eats and drinks but she still looks very scraggy what do you suggest? ~ Anne Hubbard Thanks so much for the question Anne. I have a friend who is raising broilers. The other day we were discussing this very subject…
