Our coop has about an 8x15 foot section that is outdoors on native soil that they scratch around and dustbathe in. They also get out a few times a week to free range all around the yard, which has plenty of dirt. Does this provide enough grit, or do we still need to supplement--either by using...
I guess in all honesty, I do have an ulterior motive. Every time I bring in a bunch of freebies, I get a few more paying customers to sign up. People who have never had a true farm-fresh egg get addicted quickly!
A friend had to get rid of his five one-year-old hens. In the past, we've only added hatchlings to our flock, so we are starting these new birds in a separate coop. I understand 30 days is the standard quarantine period, and we are getting close to that point. None of the new birds is showing...
Be careful that your girls' "landing area" is clear of dangerous objects. If you don't have ladders (or if they don't use them) for your hens to get up and down to/from their roosts, jumping down in the morning is far from an accurate enterprise. One morning we found a dead girl who had shown...
I wouldn't worry too much about long-term impacts to chicken health or the chicken breeding world. Based on my detailed knowledge of poultry physiology, I am confident that the effects will last no more than one day.
You were in our first brood and were always our favorite. You gave us so much more than eggs. You had personality, were the friendliest, and often the goofiest. We will miss you and will never forget your face with that funny crooked comb!