Birds are probably the very first things any new homesteader thinks about raising… and for good reason: they’re small and so easy to care for!
Chickens are of course, an all-time favorite, since they lay eggs almost all year round, and they’re a good source of meat, but guineas, ducks, geese and quail are also very good options.
Which ones are right for you? Read our articles to find out, not to mention everything about raising them, incubating eggs, butchering and more.
You probably already know that chickens are omnivores. These versatile birds are big eaters and will gobble up just about anything, from veggies, fruits, and nuts to bugs and worms. But omnivore means that they eat meat, too, right? Do chickens eat actual meat? Yes, chickens can and should eat meat, and it is an … Read more
Most chickens love eating fruit, and some owners are surprised to learn just what kinds of exotic fruit that chickens can eat. One popular tropical item that has been more and more common these past few years is the kiwi fruit. Can your chickens have kiwi? Yes, chickens can have every part of a kiwi … Read more
Are you losing feathers from your chickens? If so, you’re probably wondering why. Feather loss in chicken is a common occurrence that can arise from a wide range of causes. From diet to environmental factors, there are plenty of things to consider when diagnosing the cause of your chickens’ feather loss. Some of them are … Read more
Most chicken owners already know what adventurous eaters their beloved birds are. From fruits and seeds to bugs and seemingly everything in between, there is precious little that chickens won’t chow down on. In fact, chickens can safely eat things that some people will struggle with. How about the roiling heat of a jalapeno pepper? … Read more
Most chicken owners know by now that chickens love fruit. However, you have probably also heard that certain kinds of fruit are dangerous or harmful to chickens. Peaches are one such fruit that comes up in that conversation. Some people say you can feed them to chickens, some people say you can’t. What’s the real … Read more
As chicken owners, chances are better than average you probably have other animals on your homestead. Horses are one such popular animal that can actually get along with your chickens. You may be wondering if it’s okay if your chickens get into the horses’ food, or even to feed your chickens horse feed. Is it … Read more
One of the worst things about owning livestock is dealing with death. No matter how careful you are, no matter how much you care and how hard you try, sooner or later one of your animals is going to die an untimely death. This certainly applies to chickens. Most chicken breeds have a reputation for … Read more
There has been a long-raging debate concerning whether or not chickens can safely eat citrus fruits, including limes. Some people say that chickens can safely eat limes, while others say that limes and all citrus fruits are harmful or even deadly to chickens. It’s tough to get to the bottom of the argument. What’s the … Read more
If you own chickens, you likely already know that’s only pretty much anything as they peck and scratch while foraging. Bugs, seeds, plants, pretty much everything is on the menu. But how about leaves? Can chickens eat leaves? Yes, chickens may generally eat leaves but the safety of doing so depends entirely on the plant … Read more
Chickens love eating all kinds of different plants and produce, and this definitely includes herbs. Herbs are, in fact, some of their favorites. This can naturally lead to trouble if your chicken gets after the herbs you have spent a lot of time and effort growing for yourself, but the good news is most herbs … Read more
If you have been paying any attention to the health food sector lately, you’ve probably noticed a new craze: Jackfruit. A large, tropical fruit with pebbly skin that is said to have a taste somewhere between pineapple and banana, but with a texture that is fibrous and almost meat-like. It definitely sounds interesting, but if … Read more
If there’s one thing you can say about chickens for sure, it is that they enjoy a wide variety of food. One of life’s great little pleasures is watching your chickens free range around the yard and seeing what they pick out for a snack. A bug here, a worm there, and a nibble off … Read more
When it comes to chicken nutrition, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. People often think that domesticated chickens only eat feed, but that’s not the case at all. Chickens are actually omnivores and will eat a variety of things in the wild (like those in South-East Asia). With increasing interest in true “free … Read more
Chickens love all sorts of plants and vegetables, including quite a few that people also enjoy. In fact, common herbs are some of the best and most interesting food options for chickens thanks to their unique flavors and health benefits. But how about thyme? Can chickens and baby chicks eat thyme? Yes, chickens can eat … Read more
If you’ve ever watched chickens go to and fro on your property while out foraging for food, you’ve probably noticed that they take a bite here and there for most plants, and then others they will eat right down to the ground. Turns out a lot of chickens most favorite plants are actually herbs, and … Read more
Chickens eat all sorts of surprising things. These omnivorous yard birds will happily eat meat, insects, leaves, fruits, veggies, and even grass. Let it be said that a chicken will never run out of things to eat. In fact, they are often seen swiping food and even bedding from other animals given the chance. How … Read more