Articles by Melky

Ammonia Toxicity In Chickens Ammonia is naturally produced in poultry droppings and has a very pungent smell. Besides the challenge of a smelly coop, did you know that ammonia levels could build up in your coop without proper ventilation especially during the winter months when it...

Frostbite in Chickens Photo courtesy of Backyard Chickens.Com Every owner thinks about winter and all the risks that come with it if you own chickens. Other articles review winterizing well and I urge you to go read those in order to adequately prepare for winter. Winter does take...

Egg Laying Behavior The Mystery Unraveled Sophia (Golden Buff) in pre-laying behavior. Define Behavior Here we will unravel the mysteries of egg-laying behavior. Jacob (2015) terms behavior as “the way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus”...

The Fluffy Butt Hut I really dreamed of my husband building or buying half shed/half coop much similar to the layout of Lisa Steele’s layout. However, my husband had other plans and gave all the space to the girls. The white coop is the desired look according to plans but we modified. We...

Choosing The Right Breed For You There is a lot to think about when choosing the breed of chicken that will work well in your area. Now that you have decided to get chickens and you determined the laws and ordinances in your area for owning chickens also known as fowl, Let’s get down to the fun...

Tractor Supply Company Innovations Pet Deluxe Farm House Chicken Coop Structure: Description reports that this can house up to 8 hens comfortably but I would say 4 at best. The company is not following the recommended guidelines by Hatcheries that suggest 2-4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop and...

How to Make a Brooder on The Cheap Brooder Setup First need to find a plain cardboard box at least 2 feet high. You will also need chicken wire or hardware cloth for top over box to prevent flight risk. Just put some pine shavings large flake in about 1 inch deep. You can get from Tractor...

Tractor Supply Company Innovations Pet Deluxe Farm House Chicken Coop Structure: Description reports that this can house up to 8 hens comfortably but I would say 4 at best. The company is not following the recommended guidelines by Hatcheries that suggest 2-4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop and...

DIY Horizontal Drink Stick Equipment: 3 6-inch by ½ inch PVC tubes 2 2-inch by ½ inch PVC tubes 4 PVC T-pieces for horizontal nipples 4 horizontal nipples 1 ½ inch Dura PVC cap 1 ½ inch PVC hose connector * Use durable plastics for indoor/outdoor use to avoid rust. Other Supplies: PVC...

DIY Chicken Swing For The Brooder The first step is to measure your width and height of the brooder. Right this down so you will remember. The tools you will need: Saw Drill with 7/64 inch bit Kitchen twine Pencil for marking Measuring tape Fine grit sanding paper 16-inch length...

Chicken Treat Blocks Or Molt Muffins I have been asked so frequently about these treats that I decided to add a recipe article for the readers enjoyment and your chickens will love it too! Combine Ingredients 2 cups Oats (I use quick cooking from bulk aisle) ½ cup chopped nuts (I like...

Prolapsed Phallus in Ducks Penis Prolapse A prolapsed phallus can occasionally occur in male ducks or drakes mostly due to trauma, over exertion during mating, or a sign of infection commonly venereal disease. Prolapsed phallus can also be seen in duck plague. Seen here...