I feel like sometimes the Leghorn is an overlooked breed. With so many fancy breeds to choose from, a plain, typical, all white bird that lays a white egg is somewhat mundane when compared to Frizzles, Silkies, Polish, or some of the beautiful colors and feather patterns available.       But if you’re looking […]

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 […]

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 […]

We’ve raised French Black Copper Maran for about 10 years. It started with my husband Zach, who was on a quest for dark brown egg layers. We had heard of the Kuckoo Maran, a breed who is also known for dark eggs, but not quite as dark as the French Black Copper.   After a […]

If you read my article about egg eating chickens, you might think I am crazy because now I’m writing about feeding crushed egg shells to chickens.  If you are hesitant, I completely understand.  I was too…until recently. While trying to solve the egg eating problem that was happening in our chicken coop, I did a […]

The name breakfast casserole is misleading, don’t you think? I think it’s safe to say that as chicken keepers, we have all tried different kinds of breakfast casserole recipes.  After all, it’s a great way to showcase those beautiful farm fresh eggs.  Many breakfast casserole recipes use a few eggs at a time, which is […]

Although chickens can be very entertaining, they can also be complex, and dare I say…frustrating.  For example, why, oh why do chickens break open eggs and eat them?  Mmm hmm…complex to understand and frustrating to stop.  Fresh eggs are one of the main reasons many people decide to raise chickens in the first place.  When […]

I’ve raised chickens since 1992. So that’s what?…25 years? Sheesh! Time flies when you’re raising chickens evidently. In those 25 years, I’ve noticed something. A correlation between offering a calcium supplement and difficult hatches.   When I first started raising chickens there was no internet. No chicken forums, no Community Chickens. We didn’t live in […]

It’s spring! As chicken keepers we should all be enjoying the increase of egg production with our flocks. The fall molt has long been over, the summer heat has not yet started and the longer daylight hours should be triggering a laying effect with your flock.   This is prime egg laying season. This is […]

It’s chick season! Many of you I’m sure, are visiting farm stores, firing up the incubators and placing orders with breeders and hatcheries for baby chicks. This year as you select the different breeds to add to your homestead, consider selecting a variety that will give you a colorful egg basket.   As you’ve all […]