Sheep shearing is an important part of caring for a flock of sheep. It’s also a skill that can be relatively difficult to learn. It requires a great deal of practice and know-how. If you want to learn how to become better at shearing sheep, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, … Read more
If you listen what the internet has to say about improvised pest control, you might have run across this gem. Purportedly, common, Ivory brand soap will reliably repel flies. Supposedly it has something to do with the fragrance, or other ingredients depending on who you listen to, but the assertion is that flies won’t come … Read more
Chickens can eat all kinds of plants that we might consider to be pests, or just completely inedible. There is hardly a weed or shrub that chickens won’t nibble on when given the chance. In fact, your chickens might actually help keep your lawn clear of some other eyesore plants. How about dandelions? Can chickens … Read more
There are all sorts of wild and cultivated vegetables making a regular appearance on your dinner table that are also good for chickens. If you have owned a flock for any length of time, you already know what a varied diet they enjoy but they can still surprise you. How about jerusalem artichokes? Can chickens … Read more
Chickens are known to nibble on all sorts of bushes, shrubs, and flowering plants. I think everyone who owns chickens and allows them to free range a little knows by now that none of your plants, be they decorative or in the garden, are safe. But how about fennel? Will chickens try to eat fennel … Read more
The lore surrounding what chickens can and cannot eat can be confusing from time to time. You’ll hear some keepers swear that chickens can eat this or that while others say just the opposite. One category of plants that I see pop up regularly in this context is nightshade. Can chickens eat nightshade? Chickens, as … Read more
Turnips are another versatile and popular root vegetable that is enjoyed all around the world, either as an ingredient or as a side dish in its own right. Chickens may eat many vegetables, including many root vegetables, but can they eat turnips? Yes, chickens may eat turnips and turnip greens. Turnips are a good source … Read more
Tomatoes are one of the most beloved, versatile, and common fruits enjoyed all over the world. Yes, they are fruits, not vegetables, I said it. But we aren’t here to argue about semantics. We are here to find out if chickens can have tomatoes. So, can your chickens eat tomatoes? Yes, chickens may eat ripe, … Read more
If you own chickens, you probably already know that they can eat all sorts of fruits and vegetables. But how about one of the largest fruits around? Can your chickens eat watermelons? Yes, chickens can eat watermelons safely. Although they contain only a fair complement of vitamins and minerals, watermelons are highly hydrating and generally … Read more
Chickens are adventurous and adaptable eaters, capable of consuming all kinds of meats and all sorts of fruits and vegetables. One of the most nutritious vegetables around is spinach, rightly famed for its vitamin and mineral content. It sounds like it would make for a great addition to a chicken’s diet… But can chickens safely … Read more
Most owners of chickens already know that their beloved birds can eat fruit, but you must be diligent when it comes to serving it to them. Certain fruits have parts that are poisonous, and others just have too much sugar for chickens. What about raisins? Can your chickens eat raisins? Yes, chickens may eat raisins … Read more
If you live in North America, every autumn you’ll soon have more pumpkins around than you know what to do with. They’ll be at every grocery store, every one of your neighbors will have them you’ll probably even have some of your own. What to do with all these pumpkins? How about feeding them to … Read more
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting there in your backyard, the middle of summer time, enjoying a cool and delicious ice cream cone. Life is good. But then you notice one of your chickens staring at you with a sorrowful expression. Perhaps, you think, your chicken would like some ice cream and you start to … Read more
If you have chickens, you know that they generally live day in and day out eating dry, hard chicken feed. They would probably appreciate a treat, but anything that you treat your chickens should still be wholesome and nutritious. How about fruit? Can chickens eat fruit? Yes, generally speaking, chickens can have all kinds of … Read more
Kale. Love it or hate it, there is no doubt you have heard of it by now. This cabbage cultivar is famed for its excellent nutritional payload, but reviled by some because of its tough, bitter and chewy texture. Whether you like it or you don’t, what we need to know is whether or not … Read more
Before you read any further, I am not nuts! You will love using this tea… for your plants! That is to say, we are talking about eggshell fertilizer tea. Eggshells are often used for the sharp edges to keep snails out of gardens, but this humble kitchen scrap is worth much more than just a … Read more