Author: Marilyn Medina

The answer is yes – if light levels are adequate during brood and grow periods, if the light dimmer does its job correctly, and if the birds are cared for properly. Birds perform just as well under LEDs as under other typical light sources found in chicken houses. What color light is best for chickens? […]

Accidental ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticide bait by poultry rarely leads to clinical signs of poisoning, but represents a risk for the consumer because of potential residues in the laid eggs. What happens if chickens eat rat poison? It will take generally 3 to 7 days for clinical signs to appear in chickens, post ingestion of […]

For laying birds, like what most backyard chicken keepers raise, higher protein only becomes necessary during times of molt. Too much overall protein in a chicken’s diet could lead to kidney failure, so it’s best to stay within recommended protein levels for your birds. Is 20% protein too much for chickens? Day-old chickens to pullets […]

And though it’s not necessary to keep chicken pens and runs snow-free, covering it with a tarp or piece of plywood during storms will keep the inside much more welcoming for the birds to come out and play. How do you prepare a chicken run in the winter? Here are seven steps to help ensure […]

Keep in mind that hens do not perceive red light as daylight, so adding such a bulb to your hen house will not work for increased egg production. Because it’s not perceived as daylight, chickens can be exposed to red light 24/7 with no ill effects. Is a red heat lamp safe for chickens? According […]

Chicken Heat Table Chick Age Temperature Week 4 80°F/26.6°C Week 5 75°F/24°C Week 6 70°F/21°C After 6 Weeks Ready for Outside! What temp is too cold for chickens? Chickens are quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures below freezing, but they prefer a warmer climate. The ideal temperature for chickens is about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. When […]

Be prepared to do these daily chores: Maintain food and water levels. Chickens need continuous access to feed and fresh water, as well as nutritious treats such as vegetable scraps. Collect eggs at least once a day. Refresh bedding and “muck out” areas below the roost. Clean the chicken run. How can you tell if […]

Here are a few tips to trap them: Get acquainted with the feral chickens’ habits; know where they forage. Lure them with meal worms, corn, oatmeal, bread or commercial scratch. Use food, but don’t set traps at first. Set traps once wild chickens become accustomed to them. What kills chickens instantly? Feathers, dust, chickens and […]

Broodies do get off the nest about once a day, usually. During this time, she will be fluffed up, bad-tempered, and clucking urgently and constantly. Why are my chickens cackling so much? THE CACKLE This is the soft alarm sound when a danger is perceived. It can become more strident when the danger recedes, as […]

Lavender also increases blood circulation so it’s especially beneficial to chickens sitting on eggs who don’t get up and move around as much as they should. As the hens sit, they will pick at the lavender and eat some, thereby getting the full benefits. Best use: Add fresh or dried to nesting boxes. What plants […]

Plants for Chicken Coop Runs | Landscape for Shade and Forage. Good landscaping in and around your chicken coop can improve flock health by providing well-ventilated shade in the heat of summer and fresh supplemental forage year-round. What kind of plants can I put in my chicken Run? I plant climbing vines to run up […]

Minimum Number of Windows in a Chicken Coop Chickens have a sensitive respiratory system that can become irritated by dust, ammonia odor (causes by excessive manure), or too much moisture in the air. In addition to providing air flow, windows allow in natural sunlight which is necessary for egg laying hens. Should you put windows […]

The amount of daylight hours affects a chicken’s reproductive cycle. Hens will begin laying when the amount of daylight reaches 14 hours per day during early spring. Maximum egg laying will occur when the day length reaches 16 hours per day. Can a hen lay 2 eggs in 24 hours? It is unusual for hens […]

Coyotes do eat chickens if presented with the opportunity. They are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most likely to attack your chickens at night, although if hungry enough may strike during the day. They tend to hunt in pairs, go for the neck, and will typically take a chicken away to eat if successful. Do […]

The Dangers of Raccoons Raccoons are intelligent predators. They can climb fences and walls and even dig underneath barriers to access your chickens. They can also open latches and reach their paws through the wire mesh fencing that is commonly used to keep chicken coops secure from other types of predators. How do I keep […]

If the bones inside the bird are purple/ pink this can cause discoloration to the meat close to the bones, even if the meat is safely cooked through to 165°F. What does it mean if my chicken is purple? Instead you’re seeing pigments from bone marrow that have seeped into the meat and stained it […]

Since chickens are susceptible to respiratory issues, a little black pepper can be extremely beneficial to them. Will black pepper harm chickens? It is concluded that dietary supplements with black pepper or coriander seeds or their combinations enhanced the performance and health status of broiler chickens. Can chickens eat salt and pepper? Avoid Feeding These […]

Not only does ammonia smell bad, it’s also a health hazard for you and your chickens. High levels of ammonia in the coop’s air can discourage chickens from eating—affecting the growth rate of young birds and the production of laying hens—and can cause conjunctivitis and respiratory damage. Is ammonia toxic to chickens? Ammonia toxicity refers […]

Ancient remedies, such as lavender oil, rose oil and frankincense, can clean henhouse equipment and also treat certain skin irritations and injuries. Can I use lavender in my chicken coop? Adding some lavender leaves or flowers to your nesting boxes helps keep insects of all kinds away and will also help your coop stay smelling […]

Have you ever wondered if you can use essential oils for chickens? The answer is yes! We use essential oils to repel insects, soothe injuries, and support healthy immune function for our laying hens. Here’s a list of our favorite essential oils for chickens. Can chickens be around essential oils? Pure essential oils, the fragrant […]