Posted on 3 Comments

How to Care for Bantam Chicks Shipped by Mail

Bantam Chicks Ready to Ship

Bantam chicks shipped by mail arrive tired, hungry, thirsty, and sometimes chilled. A little extra TLC in the form of the three Ws of bantam chick care — Warmth, Water, Watch — will help ensure that your new arrivals settle safely and comfortably.   Chicks hatch with yolk reserves that continue to provide nutrients for […]

Continue Reading
Posted on 2 Comments

Blue Laced Red Wyandotte or Splash Laced Red Wyandotte?

Blue and Splash Laced Red Wyandotte

Based on discussions and photos circulating online, there seems to be a bit of confusion about the difference between a blue laced red Wyandotte and a splash laced red Wyandotte. Since the two varieties are related and look somewhat similar, the confusion is justified.   Another issue of confusion is the origin of blue laced […]

Continue Reading
Posted on Leave a comment

How to Treat a Chicken with Bumblefoot

Signs of Bumblefoot

Bumblefoot describes a chicken’s inflamed foot with a hard, swollen abscess in the foot pad. The word bumble originally referred to the affected chicken’s unsteady gait caused by the swelling. In recent times, the core of the abscess, or the abscess itself, has been referred to as a bumble.   The abscess may start out […]

Continue Reading
Posted on 7 Comments

Getting Guinea Fowl to Roost Indoors at Night

Guinea Fowl on Roof

Guinea fowl are notoriously independent, often preferring to roost outdoors at night. They are more likely to perch high on a tree limb or on top of the coop roof, than to sleep inside, where they would be safe from owls and other night prowling predators. Getting guineas to go inside at night is the […]

Continue Reading
Posted on 7 Comments

Planning Your Spring Chick Order

Spring Chick Order

When planning your next order of chicks from the hatchery, give careful consideration to how many roosters you want (if any), and the real possibility that some of the chicks might not survive. Below are some important points to keep in mind when making your ordering decisions. Sexed Chicks For many breeds you have the […]

Continue Reading