Author: Anna McKinney

  • Can Chickens Eat Nuts? A Complete Guide to Safe Options

    Can Chickens Eat Nuts? A Complete Guide to Safe Options

    As a long-time chicken keeper, I’m often asked about feeding nuts to chickens. I’ll admit, when I first started raising my backyard flock, I was uncertain about this topic too. Today, I’m excited to share my experience and knowledge about feeding nuts to chickens safely. Are Nuts Safe for Chickens?…

  • Can Chickens Eat Alfalfa? Sprout Safety

    Can Chickens Eat Alfalfa? Sprout Safety

    Can Chickens Eat Alfalfa? A Complete Guide to Sprout Safety As someone who’s raised chickens for over a decade, I’m often asked about feeding alfalfa to backyard flocks. I’ll tell you straight up – yes, chickens can absolutely eat alfalfa, and it’s actually a fantastic supplement to their regular diet.…

  • How Many Nesting Boxes per Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

    How Many Nesting Boxes per Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

    Chickens need nesting boxes to lay their eggs. Think of these as special beds for hens to be cozy and safe when they give birth to chicks or lay eggs we can eat. Each hen doesn’t need her own box, though. Usually, you can have one box for every four…

  • When Can Chicks Go Outside Safely? A Guide for Chicken Owners

    When Can Chicks Go Outside Safely? A Guide for Chicken Owners

    Chicks, just like any young animal, need time to grow before they can play outside. They have to be old enough so that the cold or heat doesn’t hurt them. At about 3-4 weeks of age, chicks are ready for short trips outdoors. By 4-6 weeks, they may move to…

  • How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer: Essential Tips for Chicken Owners

    How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer: Essential Tips for Chicken Owners

    Keeping chickens safe and cool in the summer is a big job. Think about it like this: when it’s hot outside, you can drink a cold glass of water or sit under a fan, but chickens need your help to beat the heat. Summer brings sunshine and warmth, but for…

  • How to Keep Hawks Away from Chickens: Effective Methods

    How to Keep Hawks Away from Chickens: Effective Methods

    To further safeguard your chickens from predators like hawks, employing a guard animal can be an effective strategy. Livestock guardian dogs, such as Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherds, are known for their protective nature and can deter hawks and other predatory birds from targeting your flock.

  • Understanding and Managing Chickens Losing Feathers: Causes and Solutions

    Understanding and Managing Chickens Losing Feathers: Causes and Solutions

    Chickens can sometimes lose their feathers, which is a big deal for them. Feather loss might happen because of different things, like changing seasons, bugs on their skin, not eating right, or feeling too stressed. Imagine it’s cold outside and your coat starts falling off; that’s tough for chickens too!…

  • Will Chickens Stop Laying Eggs if the Coop is Dirty? Exploring the Question

    Will Chickens Stop Laying Eggs if the Coop is Dirty? Exploring the Question

    Hens get older and their egg laying can slow down. Sometimes, they may stop laying eggs altogether. Young hens, called pullets, start to lay eggs at about five or six months old. They are really good at laying eggs for the first year or two. However, some breeds like the…

  • 7 Best Egg Incubators for Successful Hatching

    7 Best Egg Incubators for Successful Hatching

    Egg incubators are an essential tool for anyone who wants to hatch eggs at home. Whether you’re a homesteader, a small-scale farmer, or just someone who wants to experience the miracle of life, an egg incubator is a must-have. When it comes to choosing the best egg incubator, there are…

  • Toozey Chicken Coop Heater Review: Safer Than Brooder Lamp?

    Toozey Chicken Coop Heater Review: Safer Than Brooder Lamp?

    Are you tired of constantly worrying about your chickens’ safety and comfort during cold weather? Look no further than the Toozey Chicken Coop Heater. With its adjustable temperature range of 104°F~176°F and innovative 6 cycle timer, you can easily customize the heat levels for your feathered friends without having to…