Waiting for a chicken to start laying eggs can seem like an eternity. The blessed event may take anywhere from four months to eight months, depending on the chicken’s breed. However, as a hen approaches laying age, she begins to show certain signs that will tell you eggs are on the way. Here’s a guide […]
Bringing chickens into your backyard should feel exciting — not overwhelming. In Chicken Keeping Pure + Simple, seasoned chicken keeper Nikki Husted delivers a warm, practical, and easy-to-follow guide designed especially for beginners and homesteaders who want to raise happy, healthy hens with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of farm-fresh eggs, teaching your kids about responsibility, […]
Most backyard chickens do not lay an egg every day of the year. The average mature, healthy hen takes 25 to 26 hours to produce one egg. So a hen that lays at 6:00 in the morning today will likely lay between 7:00 and 8:00 tomorrow morning. Since a hen normally doesn’t lay after dark, […]
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 […]
The ermine Ameraucana is unique among chickens in its stunning white and black feather pattern. The unusual plumage is the result of a dominant white genetic mutation that partially suppresses the expression of black feathers. This pattern is currently being developed into a standard color variety of the breed. During the process, opinions vary as […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]