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Chickens and the Birth of the USA

Dominique chicken with American flags

The United States was officially founded as a nation on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Although residents of the new country had plenty of chickens, many of the breeds we know today didn’t exist then. So let’s take a look at the chickens that were here at the […]

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Rooster-to-Hen Ratio — Why It Matters

Hamburg chickens

Chicken keepers who overlook the importance of the rooster-to-hen ratio may wonder why their flocks experience problems. Too many roosters lead to fighting, stressed and over-mated hens, lower egg production, and poor fertility. Surprisingly, too few roosters create some of the same issues. Let’s look at why getting this balance right matters so much. The […]

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Celebrate Heritage Poultry Breeds

Heritage Buff Duck

Every year during the third week of May, we get to shine a spotlight on International Heritage Breeds Week. It’s all about raising awareness for those endangered old-school poultry breeds that are hanging on by a thread. Get creative—host a little event in your area, or just share some photos of your flock. The goal? […]

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A Chicken’s Egg Tooth—What Is It and What Is It For?

Photo of baby chick with egg tooth circled

A chicken’s egg tooth is a tiny horn-like projection at the tip of the upper beak of a newly hatched chick. Its purpose is to help the chick break through the shell at hatching time. Soon after the chick hatches, the egg tooth falls off. Domestic poultry and other birds share this trait in common […]

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Why You Should Join the American Bantam Association

Buff Orpington

The American Bantam Association (ABA) is an organization of bantam chicken enthusiasts who enjoy breeding and showing bantams, as well as socializing with other people who share their interest. Here’s why you should join the American Bantam Association: ABA History The non-profit American Bantam Association was founded in 1914 to support the poultry fancy, and […]

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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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