I’m stuck in a coop and I can’t get out!     I wish I could say the headline is a joke, but it’s not.  I also wish I could laugh about it, like the saying ‘someday you’ll laugh about it,’ suggests.  It’s only been a month since the coop ordeal. I’m sure someday I […]

As fall descends upon us here in the North — bringing with it frosty nights and then snowy days — most of the green that covers the earth turns to brown. Now we must begin to give our animals a little extra help if they’re to make it through the long, dead winter. Chickens, for […]

Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years and dozens of beautiful breeds have been developed. Some “dual-purpose” breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Barred Rocks lay a good number of eggs and also put on weight well for meat. But MOTHER’S mini-coop (page 38 in this issue) is designed specifically for egg production by […]

Great Guide to Guineas Sponsored by Brinsea In this episode of MOTHER EARTH NEWS and Friends Charlotte Brunin and  Kellsey Trimble, of Grit, sat down with Cindy Gibson and Sharon Dodds from the Guinea Fowl International Association to discuss how to care for, train, and interpret their behavior Here is a collection of related articles you may […]

Pick Your Chicks Choosing the best chicken breeds to raise begins with deciding which attributes are most important to you: egg production, meat production, temperament or other qualities. If you try a breed for a year or two and decide it isn’t quite what you were  looking for, try another — or try two or […]

Chicken eggs are the most consumed eggs all around the world. It’s good, it’s healthy, it’s easy. But some people, out of curiosity or nutritional reason, might be interested in trying some other type of eggs, like duck eggs. Switching to duck eggs can give your boring breakfast routine a refreshing change. Plus, duck eggs […]

The Pickin’ Chicken app from MOTHER EARTH NEWS helps you select the chicken breeds that are just right for you. Pickin’ Chicken 1.1.4 is available through the App Store, and features 82 breeds and more than 100 varieties. This $2.99 app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Would you like brown egg layers that are also good […]

Construct a Chicken Moat for Effective Garden Pest Control A chicken moat is not a waterway, but it does provide a protective enclosure for the garden. Weeds, insects, rabbits, ground hogs and even deer are barred from entry by the double wall of fencing and the ever-diligent patrol flock. All in all, it’s a clever […]