Backyard chickens are generally pretty hardy birds. Especially in winter after they’ve undergone molting. However, they can be susceptible to extreme cold temperatures, so it pays to prepare. But, you may be wondering, how cold is too cold for chickens? If you’re looking to add a feathery friend to the family, it’s important to understand […]
Many new chicken owners ask us, “When do chickens molt?” Well, the answer is more involved than you might expect. Chickens typically molt in response to changes in environmental factors, particularly light and temperature. Your chickens might also molt due to natural physiological processes or simply due to stress. The molting period generally occurs once […]
Molting Chickens Have you noticed the number of feathers around your coop and on the ground increasing? It might seem like feathers are everywhere, and it might also seem like this happened overnight. At the same time, your hens are losing their feathers and have also gone on an egg-laying strike. You are not, in […]
Chicken Breeds Variety is the spice of life. When selecting the ideal chicken breeds to raise in your backyard, there is more than enough variety to choose from. Do you want to raise birds that are known merely for their productivity? Do you want to raise friendly chicken breeds? Or do you want to raise […]
The sizzling days of summer are approaching. You can dress down to your bathing suit and take a dip in the pool to cool down and feel refreshed. However, your feathered friends don’t have it so easy to cool themselves. With a feather coat year-round, they rely on their humans to keep them cool. Unless […]
Hen House We may never know which came first, the chicken or the egg. However, we do know that a happy, healthy hen—not dealing with chicken heat stress—is more likely to be a more productive egg layer. And a more dynamic part of your family! Nobody enjoys the heat and humidity of the hottest days […]
Chicken Heat Stress Symptoms Chicken heat stress can have serious implications for their health, welfare and productivity—particularly during hot and humid conditions. Recognizing the signs of heat stress in chickens is crucial for implementing timely interventions to prevent heat-related illnesses and losses. Chicken Heat Stress Symptoms Some common chicken heat stress symptoms include: Panting & […]
Healthy Hens Whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or a novice enthusiast, the health of your flock is paramount. And, when it comes to their well-being, chickens are much like humans. They require the basic nutrients of life—water, sun, vitamins and minerals. They need a clean space, an area for exercise, a “bathing” area and […]
If you own chickens or any living animal, you are probably passionate about making sure they stay healthy. Healthy chickens are happy chickens that are low stress, grow and lay eggs regularly. One way to ensure they stay healthy is to defend their digestive system from stress with Backyard Boost® Defense. Defense is a liquid […]
There’s nothing cuter than a fluffy, baby chick, especially when that chick is healthy, happy and chirping. However, there is a lot of stress associated with moving those little babies from the hatchery to the store and to their forever home in your backyard, and keeping them healthy starts with keeping them hydrated. Since up […]