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How to Water Baby Chicks

Chicks drinking water

A baby chick’s body is about 70% water. Therefore, water is the most important nutrient for a newly hatched chick. In fact, a hatchling can’t digest feed without water. So a chick should drink water even before it eats anything. Here are the ins and outs of how to water baby chicks. How long can […]

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7 Ways to Store Farm Fresh Eggs

Chicken Eggs in Basket

Chickens are seasonal layers. Homegrown eggs therefore don’t arrive at the same rate year around. Sometimes you get too many. Sometimes not enough. Here are seven ways to store your farm fresh eggs, from countertop storage to dehydration. By extending their shelf-life, you can save them for when your hens take a vacation from laying. […]

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Phoenix Chickens in the Heritage Breed Spotlight

Golden Duckwing Phoenix

An amazing characteristic of Phoenix chickens is their exceptionally long and multiple tail feathers. Even the hens have more tail feathers than most other chickens. The Phoenix was developed from the Onagadori, a breed from Japan that has a non-molting gene. Despite its exceptionally long tail, the Phoenix lacks the non-molting gene and therefore molts […]

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Chantecler Chickens in the Heritage Breed Spotlight

Chantecler Chickens

Chantecler chickens are a heritage dual-purpose breed suitable for the backyard production of both meat and eggs. They are also popular for exhibition. It is the only chicken breed originating in Canada. The breed is able to withstand bitter cold weather while continuing to lay well. What is a Chantecler chicken? A Chantecler chicken has […]

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Ameraucana Chickens in the Spotlight

Splash Ameraucana Chicken walking around in the grass

Ameraucana chickens derive from blue-egg laying Chilean Araucanas. Chicken keepers enjoy this breed for their unusual blue-shell eggs. Ameraucanas are also popular for exhibition. With their small pea comb, tiny wattles, and fluffy feathers, they are especially winter hardy, and the hens lay well even in winter. What is an Ameraucana Chicken? Where Did Ameraucanas […]

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How to Store Chicken Feed

Fresh versus moldy chicken feed

Properly stored chicken feed keeps the nutrients from degrading and the feed safe to eat. A number of things can cause feed to go bad including rodents, insects, mold, moisture, and light. To ensure freshness, use up feed within 2 to 4 months. Meanwhile, store chicken feed in a durable container with a tight-fitting lid. […]

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Where Should You Exhibit Your Chickens?

d"Anvers Chicken at Show

Whether to exhibit your chickens at a sanctioned or unsanctioned poultry show depends on a number of different factors. These factors include the quality of your birds, the amount of money you are willing to spend, and your goals in exhibiting your chickens. Sanctioned vs. Unsanctioned, What’s the Difference? A sanctioned show is one that […]

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Stress-Free Poultry Exhibiting: A Book Review

Prize-winning exhibitor showing off her trophy and show chicken

Exhibiting poultry can be fun, interesting, and educational. It’s also a great way to meet people of all ages from all walks of life who share a common interest. But it can be stressful, especially for the first time exhibitor. It can also be stressful for the birds. In his book Showing Poultry, veteran poultry […]

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