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.
If you have owned chickens for any length of time, you already know that they will eat pretty much anything. There is hardly any plant, bug, fruit or veggie that is safe from them! This sometimes leads chickens to get into trouble by eating something that they shouldn’t, and sometimes unwitting owners feed their flock … Read more
Most chicken owners know by now that their birds are highly adventurous and adaptive eaters, and it is a common sight to see them taking a nibble of various plants including weeds, flowers, and shrubs. However, caution is always justified before allowing your chickens to eat any new or novel plant, no matter how pretty … Read more
Chickens are omnivores and will eat just about anything when the mood strikes them. They also eat some things that are a little unsettling, including chicken eggs. Even their own eggs! While this behavior is definitely disturbing to new owners, some people assert that it is, in fact good for chickens. Others claim you should … Read more
The Golden Comet chicken breed is one of the most popular breeds in backyard flocks. They’re easy to care for, produce large amounts of eggs, and can often be found online at hatcheries. On my farm, we have raised Golden Comets exclusively as our egg layers for the last five years. Without a doubt, they’re … Read more
Lemons are one of those contentious items when it comes to treating your chickens. Some old timers swear that citrus fruits are harmful to chickens, or will outright kill them. Plenty of other keepers these days swear just the opposite. Time to get the straight answer: can you add lemons to your chickens’ diet? Yes, … Read more
Every chicken owner is already aware of the sundown roundup that takes place in the run or across your property. When the sun gets low in the sky, chickens start thinking about tucking tail feathers and getting some shuteye in the coop. But have you ever stopped to think about just how chickens actually sleep? … Read more
If you own chickens, you’re already involved in a battle. A battle that will never, ever end. I’m talking about the battle against chicken parasites, of course, blood-sucking little monsters that can drive our poor birds crazy, hurt them, and even kill them. They’ll keep you busy, alright, but luckily we have diatomaceous earth on … Read more
If you own chickens, you know by now that these birds are adventurous eaters. They will scarf up just about anything, from fruits and veggies to worms and bugs. Nothing is off the table for these robust yard birds! How about something like honey? Is that something your chickens can have, and is it good … Read more
Beans are one of those foods that are a staple of homestead life. Easy to store, pretty easy to prepare, calorie-dense, and nutritious (not to mention filling), kidney beans in particular are a wonderful way to stay prepared for tough times. It stands to reason that some homesteaders have probably wondered if they can feed … Read more
If you have been following this series for any length of time, you know already that chickens can eat cucumbers. It naturally follows this you might wonder if chickens can have pickles, which are basically preserved cucumbers. It’s a logical question. But can chickens safely eat pickles? Probably not. Pickles are bad for chickens due … Read more
When it comes to alfalfa and alfalfa sprouts, there is definitely no “in-between” preference. Part of a salad or as a sandwich filling, you love them or you hate them. But how about our chickens? Chickens seem to love all sorts of things that grow and sprout, so can they have alfalfa to eat? Yes, … Read more
Chickens can eat all kinds of produce, from leafy greens to tropical fruits and root vegetables and seemingly everything in between. Potatoes are one of the most common and most popular vegetables regularly eaten around the world, and one might wonder if they are good for chickens. Can chickens eat potatoes? Yes, chickens can eat … Read 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