We found 110 results for category 'Your current flock'

Q: I want to sell the eggs from my chicks as "organic". Are your chicks organic? A: "Certified organic" regulations vary from state to state and region to region, and (thus far) do not have to do with the way chicks are hatched.... read more

Q: Why don't you offer a vaccine against Coccidiosis? A: Coccidiosos is an infection caused by a protozoan, and it is found in most environments. However, the coccidiosis vaccine administered in the U.S. is... read more

Q: Can hens REALLY crow? A: Yes! It's not even that rare, either! In all-female flocks, or flocks in which the ratio of females to males is greater than 10:1, in many cases one... read more

Q: Is it okay to heat my coop in the winter? I don't want my flock to suffer! A: We really don't recommend you heat your coop - seriously! Our feeling is this isn't a good idea. Chickens adapt to the cold weather over time. Their... read more

Q: My hens are eating their eggs. What can I do to stop them? A: First things first: collect your eggs regularly. The faster you are, the fewer opportunities your "girls" will have to be naughty and eat those eggs!... read more

Q: Should I get my birds vaccinated? A: Marek's disease is a deadly, highly contagious "lymphoproliferative" disease affecting chickens. It is the #1 disease-related killer of chickens. It... read more

Q: I bought hens somewhere else and I want to know how old they are. How can I tell? A: It is very difficult to discern the age of an adult chicken; the best you can do is make an educated guess. The number of eggs it lays in relation to... read more

Q: Do I need to give my hens oyster shell or supplemental calcium? A: If your hens have a good, "complete" layer feed, they may not ever need read more

Q: At what age do hens start laying eggs?

A: On average, pullets, or juvenile hens, start laying eggs at about 6 months of age, depending on the breed. Larger, heavier birds like Wyandottes,... read more

Q: At what age does a rooster grow spurs?

A: This varies widely from breed to breed, and in fact the hens of many breeds even grow small spurs! Some can appear as soon as three months, while... read more

Q: Is there any nutritional difference between white, brown, green and blue eggs?

A: We like them all, Sam-I-Am! No, there is no difference in terms of edibility, health, or nutrition in different-colored egg shells. (See below if you... read more

Q: I got a rooster I don't want. How do I find a new home for him?

A: Great question! Unfortunately, sexing is an art -- not an exact science -- so when you buy day old chicks, errors are bound to happen; it is the risk... read more

Q: How can I tell if my juvenile bird is a rooster?

A: Comb size and redness can be one indicator, but is not usually reliable. In fact, it's one of the worst indicators you can use, as comb size varies... read more

Q: Are fertilized eggs okay to eat?

A: Fertilized eggs are fine to eat, in fact some people consider them to be healthier than unfertilized eggs. It is impossible to taste the difference,... read more

Q: There is a black spot on my chicken's face! Should I be worried?

A: When a chicken gets a peck or a scrape on a comb or face, this will manifest as a black spot or scab, and isn't usually a cause for concern. If ALL... read more

Q: There are hawks or owls in our area. Will our chickens be safe?

A: Hawks can most certainly be a danger to chickens (heck, even CROWS can be a danger to juveniles or bantams). However, only a few types usually bother... read more

Q: It's time to move my 5 week-old chicks to their outdoor coop, but it's cold outside! Will they be okay?

A: Sudden temperature changes are a real danger to your birds. You will need to make sure their transition outside doesn't shock them. Although chickens... read more

Q: My chickens are 7 months old and I still haven't seen an egg. Why?

A: First, you should make sure they are on a good chicken feed. Once they have begun laying, switch to layer pellet or crumble; until then, feed them... read more

Q: My chickens run away whenever they see me. Can I tame them?

A: In general, chickens can be tamable and friendly by the same sorts of general methods you would use with a dog or a cat. Presuming they are healthy... read more

Q: How much feed should I give my chickens each day?

A: We recommend feeding "free choice"; that is, letting them eat as much layer feed as they want and leaving their feeder out at all times (although you... read more

Q: What is the best way to wash and store my eggs?

A: It's counter-intuitive but true: Your eggs will stay fresher if you don't wash them at all. When your hens lay eggs, there is a natural coating that... read more

Q: How do I care for a wounded chicken?

A: It is stressful to have a hurt chicken because an avian veterinarian can be hard to find, but don't panic. If you can't locate a vet, simple first... read more

Q: How large should my nest boxes be, and how high should they be off the ground?

A: Some people put their nests directly on the ground, although this is not ideal since other hens may stick their heads in the nest to see what the... read more

Q: Can I use chicken manure in my garden?

A: Chicken manure makes great compost for fertilizing your garden. However, we recommend you compost it first: don't add it directly in quantity.... read more

Q: My favorite pet rooster has suddenly started attacking me and becoming aggressive--why is he doing this and what should I do?

A: Roosters can sometimes be a bit aggressive! One important thing to remember is that they see themselves as the protectors of "their" hens, so they... read more

Q: What is medicated feed all about--do I need it?

A: Medicated feed is formulated for chicks to help them combat coccidiosis, a disease that is found just about everywhere in the environment. Most... read more

Q: How long do hens lay eggs ?

A: Chickens usually don't simply "stop" laying eggs when they get to a certain age, but they will lay fewer as they get older. That said, most laying... read more

Q: Should I let my chickens free range? I'm worried about predators.

A: If you allow your chickens to range freely, you WILL lose some to predators-- make no mistake. It can be devastating, especially to those of us with... read more

Q: What are the signs of mites or lice and how do I treat my birds if they have an infestation?

A: Mites and lice are a common problem for chickens and can be carried in by wild birds, so if you have an infestation, it doesn't necessarily mean your... read more

Q: My hen's egg shells have rough patches, and sometimes little hard pimples on the shell. Should I be concerned?

A: If your chicken is young, sometimes rough shells occur for a while until her egg-laying cycle has settled. Older chickens may also lay eggs with... read more

Q: Why does my hen sometimes lay eggs with ridges halfway down the shell?

A: You may be describing what is called a "body checked egg." Body checks are ridges or grooves that occur around an egg, usually at the pointed end.... read more

Q: I just found a little dark spot in my hen's egg, but I don't even have a rooster! How can this happen?

A: These spots aren't related to having a rooster--or not!--in your flock. Presuming they are fertile, eggs with blood or meat spots are actually less... read more

Q: What does the word " broody " mean?

A: When a hen is broody, that means she wants to hatch her eggs. A breed known as broody has hens that often, individually go broody, and they may not... read more

Q: Why did my chicken lay a shell-less egg?

A: Chickens need a lot of calcium to create good, hard shells, so most incidences of shell-less eggs in an adult hens are related to not having enough... read more

Q: Why are the whites of my chickens' eggs watery?

A: Usually the whites of very fresh eggs such as you may gather from your own flock will be very thick in comparison to what you may be used to seeing... read more

Q: The whites of my chickens' eggs are a funny color--what does that mean?

A: Cloudy whites in a farm egg are usually indicative of its freshness. The cloudiness is caused by dissolved carbon dioxide in the white, which... read more

Q: My chicken has a lump or tumor on her chest--what should I do?

A: You are probably seeing your chicken's crop. A chicken's crop is a part of her digestive system, and is located on her front, usually on her... read more

Q: My flock is pecking one another! What should I do?

A: Pecking, also called picking, is almost always the result of high stress levels. When that happens, the birds will sometimes pluck each others'... read more

Q: What should I do if my chickens get too hot? Will they die?

A: Well, yes, they could... if your chickens are unable to cool themselves, they could sieze and die. It's not very likely or common, however. Just make... read more

Q: At what age does a rooster begin crowing?

A: The age a rooster will first crow varies, but generally speaking, he will begin crowing at about four or five months of age. We have seen roosters... read more

Q: Are there signs that a hen may be laying?

A: If you are looking for visual signs that your young pullet is getting ready to come into lay, those might include the fact that her comb will get... read more

Q: Do chickens have a language?

A: In many ways they do. Chickens can make a very wide range of sounds, and they communicate amongst each other well.

Roosters can sing... read more

Q: Do my chickens need to be wormed, and if so, what schedule should I use?

A: If your chickens have worms, you will want to treat them. Some signs you can look for at home are pale combs, a drop in laying and watery poo.... read more

Q: How many roosters do I need in order that my hens will lay eggs?

A: None. Hens will lay eggs whether there are roosters around or not, just as female humans will ovulate regardless of the sexes of their companions.... read more

Q: How do I get my flock to go into their coop at night so I can shut the door and make sure they're safe?

A: Once they have imprinted on their coop as "home," they will retire on their own at dusk. (Thus the saying: "Chickens always return home to... read more

Q: Someone told me to hold my rooster upside down by the feet to calm him down--is that a good idea?

A: No. That's a terrible idea.

Birds' respiratory systems are completely different ours, so holding your rooster upside down can cause him... read more

Q: My hen has sticky, tar-looking poop--is there anything wrong?

A: Probably not. Chickens actually produce two types of poo: fecal poo and cecal poo. Cecal poo is thicker, stinkier and stickier. It usually looks sort... read more

Q: How long do chickens live?

A: Naturally, this will depend on the conditions under which they're kept. Factory farms slaughter their egg layers at one or two years old, because... read more

Q: What is molting?

A: Molting occurs once a year in mature birds, normally in late summer or autumn. The birds will lose their feathers and regrow new ones--a way of... read more

Q: Do I need to clip my chickens' wings?

A: Wing clipping--trimming the primary feathers on your chickens' wings--is not necessary unless your flock is flying into places they shouldn't be.... read more

Q: Do I need to trim my chickens' nails? If so, how do I do it?

A: Long nails occasionally happen, and it is a good idea to trim them if they get too overgrown so your birds can walk without difficulty. In most cases... read more

Q: Why do I need to store my eggs large end up?

A: Storing your eggs large end up will keep them freshest. This is because the air cell in an egg is located at the large end, so less moisture will... read more

Q: How do I cook with bantam eggs?

A: The eggs of bantam chickens are smaller than the eggs we're used to seeing in the grocery store. Just how small? Of course, it really depends on the... read more

Q: My chickens are too young to lay, but they've all begun sleeping in the nest boxes at night--how do I get them to sleep on the roosts instead?

A: Having your chickens sleeping in their nests at night sounds like a natural thing, doesn't it? However, unless your hens are broody and hatching... read more

Q: We have a medium sized yard enclosed by a four foot fence--will my chickens be able to fly over the fence?

A: Most heavy, docile backyard breeds don't fly very well and aren't particularly inclined to leave a secure, fenced area. Still, if there are large... read more

Q: My hen laid a teeny tiny egg, and when I cracked it open, there was no yolk! Should I be concerned?

A: Awww, isn't that cute! Tiny, yolkless eggs are sometimes known as witch eggs or fairy eggs. Occasionally a hen will lay a fairy egg when something... read more

Q: At what age can my chickens begin eating treats?

A: We don't really recommend feeding your new baby chicks treats right away, because they should first learn what their feed is so they will be able to... read more

Q: I want to breed chickens, so can you tell me how to get my rooster interested in mating and how to tell when the hens go into heat?

A: When a female animal is "in heat," she is ovulating and/or ready to be mated. In some animals mating induces ovulation, but this isn't the case with... read more

Q: Are there any concerns I should have when keeping or caring for chickens while pregnant?

A: You will want to take the same kinds of precautions you would take with any pets: wash your hands after handling them and so forth. Avian and human... read more

Q: How can I help my chickens stay cool in the summer?

A: Chickens don't sweat like humans do to cool down. Much like dogs, they pant to help stay cool. When they are very hot, you will also see them holding... read more

Q: Do you have any tips to help me keep my coop sweet smelling in the heat of summer?

A: Obviously, keeping your coop cleaned and your bedding fresh is the best tip we can offer. Make sure to use pine shavings, and not straw: straw is not... read more

Q: How do I introduce new chickens into my old flock?

A: We get questions about this all the time! Let there be no doubt: adding new birds to your pre-existing crew can be stressful, both to you and the... read more

Q: How do we make sure that our older laying hens don't eat our younger chickens' starter feed, and vice versa, since the two age groups are meant to have different feeds?

A: Good question! Typically, you don't want your chicks to eat layer feed since it has too much calcium for them, and you don't want your hens to eat... read more

Q: Do I need to be worried about bird flu if I keep chickens?

A: Probably not, but it's a good idea to be informed about it, anyway, so you can help to explain the issue to less savvy friends.

Bird... read more

Q: What biosecurity should I practice to protect my flock from AI and other illnesses?

A: Good question! Most illnesses or even infestations (such as mites or worms) are contracted when your birds are exposed to other birds, either... read more

Q: What is the Biosecurity for Birds campaign and how can I find more information about it?

A: Biosecurity for Birds is a public awareness campaign started by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in... read more

Q: Should I be concerned about lead in the environment when I keep chickens?

A: It's not a common problem, but it is an area of concern. Common sense will tell you not to keep your chickens around peeling or flaking paint, lead... read more

Q: How can I tell if my flock is infected with Salmonella? What are the symptoms?

A: While you won't be able to make a firm diagnosis of Salmonella on your own, it will be easy for you to see that your hens are sick. Chickens with... read more

Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of my birds getting sick with Salmonella or another illness?

A: The easiest thing to do is simply to provide your birds with safe, roomy, clean conditions. read more

Q: I got a terrible hatch. Does that mean most of my eggs were infertile?

A: No, a terrible hatch doesn't mean that most or even any of your eggs were infertile! They may all have been fertile. Remember, just because an egg... read more

Q: I've been noticing that in some of our eggs, the yolk will have settled to one side. What could be causing this?

A: Of course, we can't know for sure what may be going on, but we can offer some information that may assist you in figuring it out!

First of... read more

Q: How do I know which chickens feeds have hormones and which are hormone-free?

A: There are no hormones in any brand of commercial chicken feed in the United States, according to the US Cooperative Extension Service. We think that... read more

Q: I want to order chicks to be delivered to me, but use a broody hen to raise them. Is there anything special I should know, or will the hen take care of everything?

A: When you are having a broody hen raise new baby chicks that have been shipped to you, first remember that your hen has to be currently broody. If she... read more

Q: Should I be concerned that my hen laid an egg with blood on the shell?

A: When a hen has just begin laying, there can occasionally be a little blood on the egg shell, but it is usually no cause for concern. Eventually her... read more

Q: Should I worry that my chicken's comb looks a little blue -- is that frostbite?

A: A chicken's comb can be indicative of her circulation and condition. For instance pale pink, shrunken combs may indicate anemia, a mite infestation... read more

Q: It is late winter and bitterly cold outside, so why have some of my hens have just now started molting? What should I do about it?

A: Chickens molt annually, and some chickens do molt later than others. Often this varies by breed as well as the conditions they have.

I... read more

Q: Today I noticed that the tip of one hen's beak has broken off--how can this happen and what should I do?

A: This can occasionally happen, although it is rare. A chicken's beak will continue to grow throughout her lifetime, so as long as it is just the tip,... read more

Q: Is it possible for several roosters to coexist peacefully together in our flock?

A: We normally recommend one rooster for every ten hens or so. In a large flock, there is often more than one rooster, with no problems. In smaller... read more

Q: Do I need to bathe my chicken?

A: Generally speaking, no. Chickens don't need baths. However, if they do get something stuck in their feathers that they are not preening out, you can... read more

Q: I keep seeing that coops should be well ventilated but not drafty. What is the difference between ventilation and drafts?

A: Yes, that can be confusing, can't it? Try thinking of it this way: Generally, you might think of drafts as air that will blow directly onto your... read more

Q: Why do my baby chicks poo so much?

A: Your baby chicks poo so much because they have to eat a lot to grow as fast as they do! Remember, they are going from egg-sized (2 ounces or so) to... read more

Q: If I want to add light to my chicken coop during the winter, how much do I need to add?

A: You needn't use a very bright light; studies have shown that laying increases with about as much light as a candle. Even something like a 4 watt... read more

Q: Why are my chickens sleeping in their nest boxes rather than their roosts?

A: It's difficult for us to say exactly what might help without being able to inspect your coop, but I can give you some pointers that may assist you... read more

Q: I have an exterminator coming to spray the lawn for ants, and they say that it will be safe for dogs and cats after a day or so, once the poison has dried. Can you tell me if it will be safe for my chickens?

A: Well, this isn't something most of us would ever want to risk with our flocks and our families. However, if you want to weigh your options, you would... read more

Q: I've discovered that our dog likes to eat chicken poo--can he get sick from that?

A: Yes, dogs can be pretty gross sometimes, can't they? They are not the most discriminating of eaters. For instance, my friend's dog likes to raid the... read more

Q: I observed one of my hens as she hopped off of the nest, then wandered around picking up hay, grass and leaves and tossed them over her shoulder and back. Why?

A: We LOVE it when they do that... it's so darn cute! This is a nesting behavior. Hens that are broody will often do this when settling into the nest,... read more

Q: What do I need to know about dogs if I keep chickens?

A: Name:
Domestic dog
Canis lupus familiaris

Description:
Many different breeds, sizes, colors and... read more

Q: My chick is about two weeks old, and her beak is seems to be getting crooked. What should I do?

A: Usually, chickens with crossed beaks or scissor beaks lead long, normal lives.

In most cases, this defect is caused by the chick... read more

Q: How do I dispose of a dead chick or chicken?

A: This is a difficult question to answer definitively, since what to do with a dead pet or animal can vary depending on your your state, city and even... read more

Q: What breed of chicken lays double yolked eggs?

A: There is no one special breed that lays double yolkers. Occasionally a hen may lay a double yolker when her ovaries release two yolks at once, rather... read more

Q: At what age do baby chicks began to roost?

A: It really depends on the individual personality of the bird as well as how quickly they develop. Birds that feather out quickly may begin to roost... read more

Q: During the past two weeks I have been collecting some eggs with large amounts of blood on them and am wondering if there are steps to take in reducing egg size. I'm worried about egg binding. Could I be overfeeding my flock?

A: It is not likely that the problem is overfeeding. We recommend feeding free choice and not limiting their feed: underfeeding usually causes more... read more

Q: I got the Marek's vaccination for my chickens, but one chicken seems sick! Is the vaccination not working?

A: If your chicken received the Marek's vaccination, she will most likely be protected from the symptoms of Marek's disease, but a small percentage of... read more

Q: Why does my chicken have a bare spot on her chest? She's not molting!

A: If she's not molting, isn't getting picked on and isn't suffering from external parasites like mites or lice, it's possible that the bare spot on her... read more

Q: Sometimes my hens' waterer gets algae in it--is there a better waterer?

A: Not that we know of. Algae grows in conditions of water with excess phosphorus or fertilizers in it, and growth is encouraged when the water is also... read more

Q: My hens had some feather loss. I have taken care of the cause, but their feathers haven't grown back. Is there something I'm missing?

A: Not necessarily. Sometimes hens will regrow feathers immediately, and sometimes they won't regrow missing feathers until the molt (usually in the ... read more

Q: One of our chickens is not laying in the nest box. Is this common and what should I do?

A: Don't worry. It is relatively common, and nothing to be too concerned about. It's more of an annoyance than anything. After all, you don't want to... read more

Q: My birds are so active; they just won't hold still to be photographed! How do you get such beautiful photos of your chickens--will you share any trade secrets?

A: Yes, chickens can be difficult to photograph, can't they? Much like little kids, they're not really interested in cooperating with you to get you a... read more

Q: Do chickens like music in the coop?

A: Some evidence in Australia and New Zealand has indicated that music may help to keep chickens calm and happy, thus helping them to grow larger,... read more

Q: My orpingtons are about three months old now, but they don't seem interested in their nest boxes at all. Is that normal, or will they start using their nests once they begin laying eggs?

A: Your chickens will probably not be interested in the nesting boxes until it is time to lay--and even then, it may take them a while before they... read more

Q: One of my chickens was recently diagnosed and treated by the vet for bumblefoot, and then this morning I noticed a swelling beginning on the feet of two more chickens! Is this condition contagious and what should I do?

A: We're sorry to hear your flock is having problems with bumblefoot! The more technical name for this problem is ulcerative pododermatitis, but most... read more

Q: Due to the number of predators in my area I cannot/will not allow free ranging. The problem is that a large amount of droppings accumulate on the hard clay dirt of the run. I try to rake this out, but the moist droppings do not rake up too well. Any suggestions on how to maintain a clean run in these conditions?

A: What bedding you will want to use for an enclosed pen will probably depend on your coop's exact situation. Many people like to use pine bedding, but... read more

Q: The eggs from one of our hens always have a strange, unpleasant fishy smell to them. It's not that the eggs are old. Even when we are able to gather and refrigerate her eggs directly after she lays, her eggs always have that fishy smell. Is she sick?

A:

If this is the only symptom you're seeing, she's probably not sick. (If she does show other signs of illness you will want to take her to a... read more

Q: Are there any plants that are poisonous to chickens that I should eliminate from my yard?

A:

Naturally, some plants are poisonous to chickens, just as there are plants that are poisonous to other pets like cats and dogs. It's problematic... read more

Q: Are the color of a hen's eggs determined by the color of her earlobes?

A: Not exactly, although ear lobe color seems to be related to (not determined by) egg color most of the time. Breeds with white earlobes lay white... read more

Q: Our rooster is pecking the backs and heads of two of our friendliest hens. How can we stop this behavior?

A: Unless your rooster is causing the hens injury, that sort of pecking is no cause for concern. It is courting behavior. He pecks them on their backs... read more

Q: When will my chickens begin laying again in the spring?

A: Some chicken breeds lay year round (save when they go broody). At my latitude, any girls who stop laying during the winter begin again regularly--and... read more

Q: One of my baby chicks seems weak and is not eating or drinking; how can I best help her?

A: Well, do remember that if you hatched these babies at home, chicks don't actually need to eat or drink for the first two or three days... so... read more

Q: My chicken cannot walk. Does she have Marek’s disease?

A: Lameness is a very common symptom of Mareks’ disease, but there are many other conditions that can also cause paralysis or lameness in your chicken. ... read more

Q: I plan on vaccinating my chickens – is there anything else I can do to prevent my flock from getting Marek’s disease?

A: In order to prevent the symptoms of Marek’s disease from affecting your flock, we highly recommend getting your baby chicks vaccinated at hatch.... read more