Author: Marilyn Medina

Chickens normally peck at feet, toes and clothing because they’re inquisitive or they think there’s something on you which they can eat. This is a common behaviour in most chickens especially when they’re younger. What does it mean when a chicken pecks at you? Serious pecking is often a sign of high stress, boredom, sickness […]

Crowing can be used to announce to neighboring fowl that a rooster is in residence, which is his territory and hens. They likely called back and forth to let the other flocks know where they were. Oftentimes you will hear them crowing back and forth to each other. What does it mean when a chicken […]

There is a reason we have the term “mother hen.” Chickens are good mothers long before their eggs hatch. They talk and purr to their eggs, and their chicks peep back at them from inside the eggs. Hens are loving and affectionate toward their chicks and show empathy for them and other hens. Do chickens […]

In Aesop’s fables, even lions are frequently scared of chickens. They are intelligent and docile animals, frequently showing affection and curiosity, as well as having their own distinctive personalities and social requirements for humans or other chickens. What do lions fear the most? Human beings are at the top of the list of lions’ threats, […]

One UN Food and Agricultural Organization study indicates that there are 5.4 kg of CO2 equivalent gasses emitted for every kg of carcass weight of chicken meat produced. USDA data indicate the average carcass weight of U.S. broilers over the past decade is about 4.53 lbs/bird (or 2.06 kg/bird). How much CO2 does a chicken […]

The chicken evolution lies in a group of dinosaurs called the theropods, which evolved into two categories some 230 million years ago: the Ceratosauria and the Tetanurae. What did a chicken evolve from? Article Series. Most scientists agree that the Southeast Asian Red Junglefowl (gallus gallus) is the primary wild ancestor of chickens. What did […]

Cracked corn is a great addition in the winter. It’s more work for the digestive system, which produces more heat inside the hen’s body. Another crucial piece for your chickens will be grit. Once the ground is frozen, there’s less of a chance for them to find natural grit, so providing them with a supply […]

Chickens must have access to enrichment objects. Pecking objects, perches, and straw bales all promote activity. With these structures, your chickens will get the physical and mental stimulation they need. What do you put in a chicken run for enrichment? Adding a small toy xylophone to your chicken area is a great way to entertain […]

Cracked corn is a healthy treat for chickens, when fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. High-protein treats like Dried Mealworms are healthier, but cracked corn is ok in small amounts. But any source that suggests you can feed your chickens just cracked corn is wrong. Can chickens just eat corn? Your chickens […]

While there may not be predators in the coop, the behavior is ingrained in chickens and they will naturally seek out a high spot where they can sleep. When chickens sleep they line up together on these roosts. The low guys in the pecking order will be at each end of the line. Do chickens […]

They are just like any other baby in the sense that they will spend many hours sleeping. That’s because sleep is necessary for them to grow up healthy, similar to how any other baby animal prefers to only sleep and eat throughout much of the entire day. Why is my chicken sleeping a lot? Reasons […]

One of the interesting facts about chickens: They love water. If you were to bring your chicken to a natural body of water, most of them will love it. Despite how their natural design roadblocks them from enjoying it more, these birds can and will swim when necessary. Does chickens like to get in water? […]

Look for a zinc-coated, screw-in hook that’s at about 4 or 5 inches long. They’ll cost $1 to $2 each. You want to screw the hook into a wall or post so it will hold the bucket handle. The bottom of the bucket will need to be about 12 to 14 inches above the ground […]

If you use waterers such as a PVC pipe with a row of nipples, consider heated pipe tape. A bucket heater will not be able to keep the water in the pipe from freezing, but would probably be a good addition. Will ping pong balls keep water from freezing? Nope. Keeping unfrozen drinking water available […]

Trap Sun Heat With Windows The key to this is to keep the heat in the coop. Stone and concrete floors will absorb the heat then slowly release it throughout the day. If you have a wood floor, you can use the Deep Litter Method since compost will also hold onto the warmth of sunlight. […]

Moisture created from respiration and droppings dampen the surface of straw, which fosters the growth of molds, fungi and bacteria that cause respiratory illness and diseases such as Aspergillosis in chickens. Not only does straw not perform well to keep a coop dry, it actually complicates waste management. Is hay or straw better for a […]

How Long Do 5 Gallons of Water Last for Chickens? If a chicken drinks on average a pint a day, then 5 gallons of water will last 10 chickens 1-2 summer days, or perhaps 2-5 winter days. How long does a 5 gallon bucket of water last for chickens? Chickens need to drink about a […]

How did chicken get so cheap in the first place? The short answer is industrial farming. Incubators, needed for raising chickens at scale, became available commercially in 1881. Why is supermarket chicken so cheap? Rotisserie chickens are also a loss leader according to retailers such as Rowe Farms. This means grocers actually lose money on […]