Nutrition

Designing a coop is one of the true highlights along the path of poultry possession. But before you get roped-in and purchase the first coop you see, take a moment to read this article to find out wha... READ MORE

Once you’ve decided to raise chickens for eggs, you still need to set yourself apart from the competition. A great way to improve marketability—and profit margins—is by selling pasture-raised heritage... READ MORE

I admit it: I’m in it for the eggs. I love my birds, but what I love most is that daily contribution to my breakfast plate. Raising hens provides a means of ensuring the welfare of animals that provid... READ MORE

Infectious bursal disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro disease, is an acute, contagious viral infection that affects young chickens. IBD is characterized by subclinical—or unapparent—immunosuppression... READ MORE

"The Plan" to keep flocks healthy  The National Poultry Improvement Plan (aka NPIP or “the Plan”) is an organization that may have piqued your interest in conversations with fellow poultry producers. ... READ MORE

Tips and resources for poultry owners During the fall and winter of each year, migratory waterfowl—like ducks and geese—move southward into North America to avoid the frigid Canadian and Arctic winter... READ MORE

The question of when to worm By Maurice Pitesky DVM, MPVM, ACPVM One of the more common questions people ask is: “Should we worm our chickens?” Like most things in medicine, the answer is: “It depends... READ MORE

Eggs Benedict made simple This make-ahead casserole dish is ideal for brunch,and it requires far less attention to detail thantraditional Eggs Benedict. Assemble the nightbefore to cook and enjoy the ... READ MORE

For some people the thought of designing their own coop is another highlight along the path of poultry possession.  This article is meant to be your primer, or guide, to making good decisions when bui... READ MORE

“Chickens are just like you and me except they’re chickens.”  That line from Saturday Night Live’s “Deep Thoughts” bit in the mid-90’s is especially true when talking about water (aka chickens need ac... READ MORE

While I know there is no difference between white and brown eggs other than the color of the shells, I will confess to having a strong preference to brown shells, especially those that are dark and ri... READ MORE

Once again, the backyard poultry movement finds itself linked to a Salmonella outbreak. This time, however, it’s the largest in history due to the number of confirmed cases, (over 700) and the eight s... READ MORE

The Tango Between dietary calcium and phosphorus in laying hens In order to execute the tango you need two partners who work in an intricate, coordinated fashion. Such is the life of calcium and phosp... READ MORE

Egg binding, or having a retained egg, describes a situation where an egg is physically stuck inside the hen. When hens are “in lay” they should lay an egg approximately every 25 hours. (Note: hens wi... READ MORE

On any given day you can find more than 200 rescued animals comfortably enjoying their lives on my farm, Crazy K Poultry and Livestock, aka Crazy K Farm, a 501(c )(3) non-profit animal sanctuary in He... READ MORE

With the backyard chicken movement exploding across the country, biosecurity is more important than ever to protect both backyard chickens and the multi-billion commercial poultry industry. In your ro... READ MORE

The first week of your chick’s life is an exciting time for everyone. Good management will help ensure your chicks get to their second week of life. When you do have a problem, however, early recognit... READ MORE

As another spring quickly approaches, and thousands of newcomers embark on keeping backyard chickens, I once again have to emphasize the importance of where you get your information. You have to ask y... READ MORE

How you transition to organic production depends on whether you are producing eggs for your family or for sale.   Spring is an exciting time for chicken raisers. For families just starting with chicks... READ MORE

Examining consumer decision-making factors on specialty poultry meat purchases  

Your backyard chickens are doing a great job! They’re laying eggs like crazy, and your refrigerator—if not your kitchen counter—is starting to fill up with egg cartons. That is a good problem to have,... READ MORE

When people say “eggs,” they normally think of chicken eggs. But why not duck eggs? Duck eggs are more nutritionally dense than chicken eggs. Ducks can be as productive as chickens in egg production. ... READ MORE

If you are new to chicken keeping, then you probably have not yet had an in-depth conversation with someone about “the bloom.” If you are the average chicken keeper, with chickens for about five or si... READ MORE

The mantra of many chicken owners is “protein is king.” While in some situations this is not wrong, many times animals are over-fed protein or given the wrong amino acid balance.

Go ahead, grab the label off of your newest bag of feed and read through the ingredients. There is a lot there! We all know that a balanced diet is important for your flock. As a part of any balanced ... READ MORE

Keeping your flock healthy this season