Each fall most chickens go through an annual molt, during which a shiny new set of feathers replaces their previous plumage. During the molt, nutrients used to produce eggs are diverted to producing feathers. As a result, laying slows, or ceases altogether. The best layers molt fast and furious, as if in a hurry to […]
What’s the difference between a standard chicken versus a bantam chicken? To understand the difference, let’s look at what a standard chicken is and what a bantam is. Standard Chicken The word “standard” when applied to chickens can be confusing. In some contexts it means that the breed has been standardized by the American Poultry […]
Nobody loves hot weather, and that includes your chickens. Just like we enjoy a cold treat on a hot day, so too does your flock. Here are some cool (and cooling) ideas for summer treats for your chickens. Cool Water Just like us, chickens drink more when the weather is hot. But warm water discourages […]
Easter Egger bantam chickens are a smaller version of chickens that originate from a cross between blue-egg laying Ameraucanas and breeds that lay eggs with brown shells. The result is a breeding population of chickens with a variety of conformations and plumage colors, and that lay eggs with a wide range of shell colors. Physical […]
The stuff scattered over the floor of a chicken coop is often called bedding, because at night livestock bed down on. Although chickens may rest on the floor during the day, at night they would rather roost than bed. Therefore many people prefer to call it litter. Whatever you choose to call it, the best […]
🥚 2025 Hard-Boiled Egg Eating Contest – Official Rules Location & Check-In All contestants must check in at Big Tent in Parking Lot of Building B Address: 411 W Commercial St, Lebanon, MO Date/Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 — by 1:30 p.m. sharp Eligibility & Registration All participants must be 18 years of age […]
A chicken’s beak is an important tool for gathering food, drinking water, and exploring and manipulating objects in the environment. A chicken also uses its beak for preening, nest building, and engaging in social interactions. But occasionally a chick hatches with, or later develops, a deformity known as crossbeak. Also called crossed beak or scissors […]
A child’s initial experience with chickens is often the most memorable. To ensure that the youngster’s introduction to chickens is pleasant and fun, consider these qualities when choosing the best first chickens for kids: They are calm in disposition They are friendly with people The breed is appropriate for small hands The chickens enjoy hugs […]
Lakenvelder chickens are an ancient laying breed from the Utrecht area of southern Holland and the neighboring Nordrhein-Westfalen area of Germany. They take their name from the Dutch village of Lakervelt, in a region that favors the color pattern of a white mid section with black extremities. Besides Lakenvelder chickens, examples include goats, rabbits, pigs, […]