Articles by BYC Project Manager
Cayuga ducks are certainly one of the most unusual breeds of ducks currently available. It is a shame that it is one of the most endangered duck species in the world. But if you are looking for more information about the Cayuga duck, you're at the right place.
The interesting origin of the...
Need a comprehensive guide to the best chicken feed for all life stages? Chicks, hens, and roosters need different nutrients, and feeding them incorrectly can have disastrous consequences.
We know that laying hens need more calcium in their feed than hens that are not laying, but how much more...
Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding venture, with those feathered friends clucking around, providing eggs, and adding charm to your yard. But just like us, chickens can tip the scales a bit too far if their diet isn't monitored. An overweight chicken isn’t just a fluffy ball of feathers; it...
Boo, humans and feathered friends alike! Halloween is that magical time of year when the supernatural takes center stage and creativity knows no bounds. It's not just us humans who get to have all the fun – chickens can join in on the spooktacular festivities too!
In this article, we're diving...
More people than ever are raising backyard chickens. Fertilizer, pest control, companionship (pets), and fresh eggs are all benefits of keeping chickens. For those ready to commit, the first step is finding the right housing, but it can be tough to find a chicken coop and run that will fit the...
Distinguished by protruding eyes, short antennae, and opalescent wings, cicada eyes are set widely apart on their heads. They produce a loud, drum-like sound by clasping and unclasping rapid drum-like tymbals that are similar in appearance to the tymbals of most insect species.
The periodical...
Thinking of building your very own Hoop Coop but don't know where to start? Well, you're at the right place because we've selected 10 top-rated Hoop Coops to give you some inspiration. Hoop Coops are basically big movable (sometimes permanent) semi-circular cattle-panel frames attached to a...
The same way you can eat mangoes and benefit from their many health benefits, so can your chickens. A mango is a healthy treat that comes with a variety of health benefits for your birds.
Besides having a delicious taste, this tropical fruit has a high nutritional profile. You can help your...
Spring bursts forth with vibrant life, but for backyard chicken owners, the season also ushers in a period of heightened vigilance. As the world awakens from winter's slumber, so do the appetites of a variety of predators that view your feathered friends as a tempting snack. Understanding these...
Can chickens eat mushrooms?
They are everywhere. If you allow your chickens to roam freely in a wooded area, they've probably come across some mushrooms. This might make you worried about their health. Despite their love of eating, chickens can't eat everything.
What Types of Mushrooms Can...
Yes, chickens can eat shrimp! Chickens are known for picking at anything they can lay their eyes on. Their diet includes seeds, insects, small animals, and even small snakes and mice. Shrimp can be an excellent way to surprise your hens from time to time. There are a variety of ways to prepare...
Raising baby chickens, also known as chicks, can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers. However, raising them comes with a set of responsibilities, including providing the right environment for their growth and development. One of the most critical factors...
Raising chickens has been a long-standing tradition for centuries, mainly for food production purposes. Nonetheless, there are numerous advantages to keeping chickens beyond just providing sustenance. These include the production of high-quality natural fertilizer and pest management. By...
It can be very expensive to feed chickens! Growing some feed or treats for chickens often allows chicken keepers to reduce their feed costs. You can grow sunflowers easily in any yard or garden, and they make a great chicken treat.
You can grow several varieties of sunflowers for your chickens...
Over the past few months, the United States Department of Agriculture discovered cases of deadly avian influenza in U.S. poultry flocks, alerting producers. Meanwhile, an outbreak of avian influenza was reported in a flock of backyard birds in Fauquier County, Virginia.
In December 2014, the...
Chickens are delightful creatures that make great pets, provide fresh eggs, and can even help maintain your garden. As a responsible chicken owner, it’s important to provide your birds with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. However, it can be tempting to give your feathered...
In recent years, the idea of raising chickens in the backyard has become increasingly popular. Many people have discovered the benefits of keeping chickens. Raising chickens not only provides a source of healthy, organic protein, but it is also an enjoyable and educational experience for the...
Can Chickens Swim? Ducks and chickens evolved differently in terms of swimming in water. Even though they swim, they do not necessarily need to. Chickens can swim in water if placed in a survival situation. Although they won't be able to build the same forward momentum as ducks, and won’t paddle...
Keeping chickens can be fun and rewarding, but changing the bedding? Not so much.
There are different ways to house the chickens, such as chicken tractors, but generally, they have one main coop where they spend the majority of their time - unless you keep house chickens! Most chicken keepers...
When people do not clean out their chicken coops regularly, they risk losing chickens to diseases they can easily prevent. A clean chicken coop reduces the chances of germs spreading and will keep your flock healthy.
Part of your cleaning schedule should include replacing old and soiled bedding...