• Last updated 4/9/12 by BYC Project Manager

A list of abbreviations commonly seen at BYC:   A AGB American Game Bantam   AGF   American Game Fowl   B BA Blue Andalusian   BA or Lorp Black Australorp   BB Buff Brahma   BBR Black/Blue Breasted Red   BBS Black, Blue or Splash   BCM Black/Blue Copper... read more

• Last updated 3/30/12 by Nifty-Chicken

BYC is made up of thousands of wonderful members, each one offering their knowledge, enthusiasm, compassion, and other gifts in unique, individual ways. We love to recognize them, and for this reason we developed an awards nomination system. Members can nominate another member for an award through this process, found on the BYC Recognition Awards thread.     Description Image Name Platinum Poultry Members have met requirements & shown support of... read more

• Last updated 3/27/12 by Nifty-Chicken

Over the years BYC has become the #1 destination for everything related to raising chickens.   The reason:  our wonderful community of chicken enthusiasts!!       We have a ton of super smart and helpful members of our community that have and do work hard to make BYC what it is today.   For this reason we've created the BYC Project Manager program and award.   Members of our community who have this award help manage aspects of our site.   Here are examples of past and current projects...   Chick Sexing Project BYC Coloring Book Contest Current... read more

• Last updated 4/25/12 by Nifty-Chicken

Share the joy of raising chickens with your friends! Invite people to browse BYC and participate in our wonderful chicken forum with thousands of active helpful members. Below are a few tools to help you spread the word and help achieve our goal of A Chicken In Every Yard!   BYC Business Cards You will be able to order these in our store or print them yourself. FRONT Card Front - jpg image Full Page Front - Microsoft Word Doc (Avery Template... read more

• Last updated 3/27/12 by support

Deciding to Free Range Your Flock     Often one of the first things a new chicken owner wants to do is let the flock out to free-range.  One of the joys of owning chickens is watching "chicken TV" as they interact with each other, you, and their environment.  Free-ranging provides a larger and more varied environment for your chickens. Before free-ranging your chickens, however, there are some steps you should take to make sure your flock gains the most benefits from free-ranging, that they remain safe, and that they return to the safety of the coop at night. ... read more

• Last updated 5/1/12 by BYC Project Manager

Most people think of Chickens as backyard roamers, or maybe the next item on the dinner plate. But there is another way to own Chickens, and that way is raising them to be your companion. Many people find this hard to believe, but Chickens can be just as loyal as Dogs. They will sit in your lap, come when they hear their name, and even cuddle with you for hours straight. The story of my first Chickens began in September 2011. I never expected to have loved them as much as I do to this day, but things turned out to be what I never knew possible. Okay, so you're... read more

• Last updated 3/27/12 by support

  For many of us backyard chicken enthusiasts, biosecurity is a big word that hints of government intrusion, regulatory oversight, and a host of issues we’d rather not have to deal with. However, biosecurity is something we should all be aware of if we want to protect our flock. First of all, a little background on why we can safely ignore the USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The USDA’s primary concern is to keep the food supply safe for consumers. The only concern they have with respect to the health, welfare, and happiness of your flock is whether or... read more

• Last updated 3/27/12 by support

  Raising Chickens on a Shoestring By Sandra Higgins Hanna      Whether you’ve received a couple chickens as a ‘gift’ or just couldn’t resist baby chicks, you now need housing for the little sweeties. What can you do if you hadn’t budgeted for new pets? Join many of us and ‘shoestring’ it! My white Silkie pullets were a Christmas gift. Best Christmas ever! These bantam chickens lay small eggs sometimes. For consistent egg-layers, research hen breeds before buying or taking home free hens. Here's what I saw that Christmas morning.   Hens, Chicks.... read more

• Last updated 3/27/12 by support

  Yikes, one of my chicks is a cockerel! What do I do? by Becky Flanagan     Remember when you bought your chicks from the feed store? They came with a 99% chance of being a hen. And, like most backyard chicken keepers, having hens was all that was in the plan. You imagined a small flock that provided your family with fresh, wholesome eggs each morning. What you probably did not imagine was that of the hundred chicks in the cage, you would go home with the one rooster.  If you do indeed win (or, rather, lose) the chicken lottery and end up with a cockerel (a... read more

• Last updated 3/19/12 by support

  “Handcrafted Coops Best Advice” Contest OFFICIAL RULES   Sponsored by Handcrafted Coops (“Sponsor”).   NO ENTRY FEE.  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  The Contest begins at 12:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) 2/22/12 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT 2/29/12 (the “Contest Period”).   1. Eligibility: The “Handcrafted Coops Best Advice” Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, aged eighteen (18) or older as of the date of entry, who have an active e-mail account and Internet access. ... read more