I had a reader ask me recently," how much food does a chicken need to eat per day ". This is a very valid question and it will differ depending on where you get your information. For instance, if she had asked a meat bird facility manager, he would be able to tell her how much each chicken is fed almost to the exact gram. A commercial egg producer, likewise, will probably be able to tell you a precise amount of feed that is given to each hen per day. Commercial chicken facilities need to … [Read more...]
Marek’s Disease Symptoms to Watch For
Marek's Disease symptoms are caused by a particularly strong herpes virus. Marek's Disease can be found in the environment. The usual symptoms involve the nervous system, eyes, skin and other organ systems. A strong variation of the disease shows tumor growth. Marek's Disease is mainly seen in young chicks and older chickens. Chicks and chickens with Marek's Disease can show a complex set of symptoms or be totally symptom free. Marek's virus is transmitted two main ways. The virus can be … [Read more...]
How Cold is Too Cold for Backyard Chickens
How cold is too cold for backyard chickens? Below freezing, below zero, when it feels too cold for me, are all answers I have heard mentioned. New chicken owners experiencing their first winter with chickens in a back yard coop can become concerned when the real winter weather arrives. I live in a fairly moderate area where winter is normally not too severe. We do get some winters that are colder than average and this often will bring questions about how to keep the chickens comfortable and … [Read more...]
Mail Order Chicks and Delivery Options
A Mail Carrier's Perspective on what you should and should not do when ordering mail order chicks It?s that time of year! You go to your mailbox, open the door and there it is!! The hatchery catalogue!!! Mail order chicks for everyone! Or perhaps you just found a few free moments and you decide to check in on Facebook. You open up to your newsfeed and there they are! 20 new posts of people sharing pictures of their baby chicks! Oh those sweet fluffy, fuzzy babies! Oh! All of those pretty … [Read more...]
Unique and Random Egg Facts and Fun
Unique and Random Egg Facts I was always amazed by the blown out egg shells people worked on. I just could not see how it could end well. I mean, I can chip the shell on a fresh egg just carrying it out of the chicken coop. How in the world do you poke a small hole in each end with out it resulting in a broken up egg? When I saw this egg from one of our ducks this winter, I just had to save it and get my nerve up to try the technique. And I saved it. For a long long time. So now I can … [Read more...]
