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.
Chickens, like most birds, love all sorts of seeds and nuts. People also like to snack on seeds and nuts, and since the almond is one of the most commonly cultivated “nuts” (actually a seed) it makes sense that some owners would think to feed their beloved birds a treat from their own supply. But … Read more
Chickens, as most of their owners know, are omnivorous, and enjoy eating all kinds of meats, fruits, and veggies. One of the most enjoyable things about having a flock of your own is seeing how they react to various kinds of produce. Your birds will often enjoy an exotic treat on occasion from your own … Read more
Most chicken owners already know that there are birds that enjoy the occasional bit of fruit, and one of the most popular among many chickens seems to be grapes. But how about the rest of the plants that they grow on, specifically the vines? Can chickens eat grape vines? Yes, chickens may safely eat grape … Read more
Chickens can eat all kinds of things out in nature that would otherwise give humans problems. They don’t bulk at the hottest chili peppers, they seem like they could care less about thorns and we’ll even happily gobble down several irritating plants. How about nettles? Can chickens eat nettles? Yes, chickens can eat all kinds … Read more
If you live on a bustling homestead or a working farm, you probably already know that your chickens are opportunistic feeders, and our entirely happy to break into the enclosures of other animals in order to try their food. Most foods that other animals eat aren’t harmful to chickens, but how about hay and haylage? … Read more
Have you ever seen a chicken with feathers that look like they’re made of silk? That’s because they are called Silkie chickens! These unique creatures are known for their calm demeanor and soft feathers, which make them a popular choice for backyard farmers. If you’re thinking about adding a few silkies to your flock, read … Read more
Chickens are domestic birds that rarely get the attention they deserve compared to their more glamorous, wild counterparts. But they are actually pretty interesting creatures! Chickens don’t just sit around laying eggs or crowing all day; these varied, beautiful “yard birds” have plenty of personality and there’s a lot to learn about them. If you … Read more
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to butcher a chicken, you’re not alone. The process can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of butchering a chicken so that you can understand the process and feel confident doing it yourself. Ready to get started? Let’s … Read more
We all know the jingle: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But can an apple a day keep the vet away? Ours can eat pretty much all of the same fruits and veggies that we can, with a few exceptions. It makes sense that they should be able to eat this most popular … Read more
One of the best things about vegetables is the sheer variety they can provide when it comes to taste, color and texture. There is truly something for everyone, and best of all they are almost always good for you. The same holds true for your chickens, and if you want to add some color and … Read more
In the wild, chickens will eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, among other things. In domestic life, chickens still enjoy and will benefit from a varied diet containing plenty of produce. Most owners know that chickens can eat just about anything and that fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and spinach are all favorites … Read more
One of the most popular and plentiful natural foods around the world, and in every culture, is nuts. Nuts are used as healthy snacks and as ingredients in all kinds of different dishes and are one of those things that people eat that chickens are likely to encounter in their natural environment. But can chickens … Read more
Chickens are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals for food. Pretty much every chicken owner finds this out pretty fast when their birds are pecking around taking a bite out of just about everything, including scraps from the kitchen! One of the best ways to treat your birds and reduce … Read more
Every chicken owner probably knows by now that these birds have wide-ranging appetites, particularly concerning fruits and vegetables. It is much easier to list the kinds that they won’t eat compared to the kinds that they will. Nonetheless, it is worth investigating whether or not chickens can safely eat some less common produce. How about … Read more
It is no secret that chickens love all kinds of produce, fruits and vegetables alike. One type of treat that most chickens enjoy is a juicy, perfect piece of fruit. However, certain fruits and in particular berries can be harmful to chickens. How about strawberries? Can chickens eat strawberries? Yes, chickens may eat strawberries, but … Read more
If you have chickens, there is no doubt that you have noticed them picking through and picking at the grass when you let them free range. Lots of folks already know that chickens forage for bugs and seeds in the grass, but they might not know that they regularly take a bite of the grass … Read more