The biggest reason we decided to keep chickens on our farm is for egg production. But even if our hens never laid another egg, I would still raise chickens just to watch their funny antics and their quirky behaviors. In this post, our community of writers explore chicken behavior. Chickens hold a complex social instinct […]

It’s that blissful time of year again! Garden centers are getting in flats of Pansies and early spring vegetables. The snow peas are planted and the asparagus is making it’s way through the cool spring soil like blades of green triumph. It’s garden season! Chickens, in addition to laying eggs and being adorable, can also […]

Providing nutritious food and clean water for your flock is one of the most important aspects of their health and development. It’s also important to know what your chickens are eating because in turn, we eat their eggs (and for some, the birds themselves). Chickens can thrive on a variety of different foods and feeding […]

Keeping your chickens healthy healthy and safe can be easy. With a little daily care; safe, clean living environments; a well designed coop; fresh food and water, and a few preventative measures your flock should thrive and live a long, happy life. But occasionally, even the most diligent chicken keeper can experience sickness or injury […]

The springtime is one of the most exciting times in the chicken keeping experience. It’s all about new life! Our hens start laying again after their long winter break, baby chicks are popping up at feed stores, and in many homes you can hear the whirr of running incubators. This post covers everything you need […]

I remember the first time I saw a Polish chicken. It was a White Crested Black, or a Top Hat as they’re more commonly called. The rounded display of feathers on it’s head was both hilarious and beautiful! It opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for me when it comes to chicken breeds. […]

By Harvey Ussery and Mother Earth News editorial staff  From time to time, you may want to add some birds to your flock. I suggest that you not introduce the newest “superhybrids” to your backyard flock just because that is what is on hand at the local farm store. Select one of the reliable older breeds, […]

by Harvey Ussery Photos by author Eggs from backyard flocks are some of the best eggs in the world. Those dependent on supermarket eggs may not even know what they’re missing out on. Chickens provide more food than just eggs. Necessary culling of the flock graces the dinner table with flavorful meat. But backyard flocks […]