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 […]