Wood Chips / Shavings VS. Straw

“I have recently got 3 chickens for the back garden and the man I bought them from said to use bark chips for the floor of the run, and wood shavings for inside their house. He actually advised against straw as he said it’s not absorbent and would not be very pleasant for the chickens.…

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Chickens Roosting On The Ground

“This is my first chicken venture. I bought 10 baby chicks 2 months back. They are now in the chicken yard with a coop. I have not gotten them to go up into the roosting/laying area, they tend to stay in the run below only. Now I have let them out into the larger area…

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Buying Fertilized Eggs, Newly Hatched Chicks or Point Of Lay Hens?

“Is it best to buy fertilized eggs, newly hatched chicks or point of lay hens? Also, is it best to buy from a local farmer or from a hatchery?” ~ Margaret Collier This is a common question and the answer has a lot of variables Margaret, but I’ll do my best to make it as…

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Raising Broilers & Laying Hens Together…

“Can you raise broilers and laying hens together? We haven’t kept chickens before and I want the broilers for meat but also want eggs. Some basic information on broilers would help too.” ~ Mike Cauffman Thank you for the question Mike. The term broiler refers to a fast growing, large meat bird, usually referring to…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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