Articles by BYC Project Manager
As omnivores, chickens eat (or try to eat) just about anything they can get their beaks on. In the yard, chickens will find a cornucopia of protein- and vitamin-rich foods on their own, including insects and grubs, vegetation, and seeds. They may even sample yard fare such as skinks, toads, or...
Although chickens are thought by some to never leave the ground, they have large, feathery wings like most birds. So we often wonder what those wings are for. To determine if chickens can fly like other birds, let's look at their behavior and history.
They can fly, but it's rare. On the rare...
Most backyard chicken owners have experienced rooster problems. In most cases, the result is usually the death of the rooster. This leads to the age-old question: can you eat a rooster? Let's find out!
About the Rooster
In contrast to the castrated capon, the rooster has a distinctive crest and...
If you are a backyard chicken enthusiast, you know how important it is to keep your flock healthy and happy. Not only does it ensure that your chickens live long and healthy lives, but it also translates to better-quality eggs and meat. One way to achieve this is by supplementing their diet with...
Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to embrace a more self-sustainable lifestyle. However, keeping chickens healthy and happy requires some effort and knowledge. One way to ensure your flock's well-being is by providing them with nutritious...
When it comes to raising chickens, many backyard farmers are looking for natural and sustainable ways to keep their flock healthy. Oregano, a common culinary herb, has been found to have several benefits for chickens. Not only can it improve their immune system and digestion, but it can also act...
Pullets are described as young hens that are usually under the age of one year old and have not yet begun to lay eggs but will eventually do so. Pullets can be purchased from a feed store or a hatchery, but make sure you ask for pullets and not straight runs. Without specifying, you might...
A chicken does not have nipples. The nipple is a protruding part of the chest found on both mammal females and males. Milk is only produced by female mammals.
There may not be nipples in your feathered companion, but there may be breast-like protrusions that don't produce milk. There are no...
Turkeys are fascinating and intelligent creatures that are enjoyed by people all over the world. For some, turkeys are kept as beloved pets, while for others they are raised for meat production.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between raising turkeys for meat and keeping them as...
Beak trimming, often referred to as debeaking, is a procedure conducted on birds, specifically chickens, with the aim of preventing feather pecking and cannibalism, behaviors that can arise from stress or overcrowding.
Nevertheless, debeaking is a topic of debate, as animal welfare...
The process of cleaning a chicken coop might seem straightforward to you. It is, in a sense. You can, however, do a better job of cleaning your coop than simply removing all the filthy bedding if you wish to deter flies, protect your flock from illness, and stay inconspicuous to your neighbors...
In summer, it is obvious that the temperatures rise and we all become uncomfortable, especially animals outside like chickens. It is pertinent to distinguish between hot and unbearably hot temperatures. Heat stress can affect chickens as well as people, but unlike us, they cannot get under the...
If you’ve been keeping chickens for a while, you already know they don’t take a break just because the seasons change. Nope, your flock expects food, water, and attention all year round. But here’s the thing: what your chickens need in spring isn’t exactly the same as what they need in winter...
Do you have an old shed that can be repurposed into a coop? Don't build a new structure if you don't have to. Adding a new coat of paint, adding a window or two, or ventilation holes covered with chicken wire, and setting some nest boxes and roosts—you're good to go. Check out 8 of the coolest...
There are several things to consider before deciding to raise turkeys.
Perhaps you've already raised chickens and are now thinking about plump, juicy turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or you may be a small farmer with a business plan that involves raising, slaughtering, and selling meat...
Chicken sneezing is an unusual and silly sound. It's okay to crack a smile every once in a while and take a picture. Then again, if they sneeze consistently more than usual, could something be wrong?
In this article, we will examine why chickens sneeze, when to be concerned, and how to prevent...
The world's most consumed food is bread. Due to the large number of bread baked each day, some won't be eaten. Rather than wasting food, you might consider feeding bread to your chickens. What happens, however, when it goes stale? Can chickens eat moldy bread?
What Causes Mold to Grow on Bread...
Yes, chickens can consume marigolds. Besides not being a cause for concern, this flowering herb offers chickens some unique health benefits as well. This article describes what marigolds are, why they benefit chickens, and what plants are toxic to chickens.
What Are Marigolds?
Originally from...
When most people think of chickens, they imagine them pecking around all day, clucking happily without a care in the world. But here’s the thing many folks don’t realize: chickens get bored. Just like us, they need stimulation, fun, and a little adventure to stay happy and healthy. And summer...
There is something magical about watching a flock of backyard chickens hustle across the yard like a tiny feathered clean-up crew. They scratch, they peck, they explore every leaf and crumb, almost like they are on a mission. And honestly, they kind of are.
If you have ever scraped leftovers...