After collecting eggs, how long will they last?

“After collecting eggs, how long will they last?” ~ Mark Beard Hi Mark thanks for the question. Forgive me if you know this already but let’s start with the basics; as the last step before being laid, the egg is coated with a protective membrane called the “bloom”.” The bloom seals the pores and slows…

Continue Reading →

Preventing Wasted Chicken Feed…

“I have 3 layers which my husband and I enjoy tremendously. The one question is how to keep them from wasting so much feed. They throw it out of the feeder, which is hanging on the side of their pen. Otherwise they are doing wonderful and love being out.” ~ Sue Cripe Sue thanks for…

Continue Reading →

Smelly Chickens

“My husband had a large flock (about 100 chickens) when he was a kid. Because of this he thinks chickens are, in his words, “gross, smelly and dirty”. I really think 3 or 4 would benefit our suburban homestead any suggestions?” ~ Kristin Palazzoli Kristin, I’m sorry that you and your husband don’t agree on…

Continue Reading →

Is It Economical To Raise Chickens?

“Is it more economical to raise chickens and eat their eggs than to purchase them at the market?” ~ Mira Vosberg Mira, I’m glad you wrote but I’m not sure you’ll like my answer. If you have to feed your flock only on commercial feed, you may find that it costs more to keep your…

Continue Reading →

Starting An Egg Selling Business

“My son is a 17 year old boy who loves animals. As his father I would like to support him. He wants to start his egg laying business in our back yard. We have no clue where to start. I would like to do this professionally. Will you help us please?” ~ Ferrel Paulse Ferrel,…

Continue Reading →

Keeping Dogs & Chickens

“Do you have any tips for helping the family dog with learning to leave the chickens alone? He’s a lab and has never been around chickens. We plan to get chicks in the spring and expose him to them right away with CLOSE supervision at all times. Thank You.” ~ Cathy Walsh Cathy, I’m so…

Continue Reading →

Do Fertilized Eggs Taste Better Than Regular Eggs?

“Hello I was wondering if fertilized eggs taste any different than regular eggs without a rooster?” This reader didn’t leave their name but I thank them for the question. Some people would absolutely insist that a fertilized egg tastes better than a non-fertilized egg. Popular opinion (including my own) says that there is no difference…

Continue Reading →

Keeping Multiple Roosters Within A Flock Of Hens

“I have a small flock of 5 of my favorite breeds (Delaware, Amerecauna, Buff Orpington, Welsummer & Barred Rock). I ordered a Delaware Rooster in my latest chick order as the hens are so friendly (they come running to be petted) and I’d like to see if they will hatch some eggs for next year.…

Continue Reading →

Page 1 of 2