Reviews by Perris

As a keeper of a flock with multiple roosters, I concur with most of what is written here.

Where I depart is on defence of the flock. Most roosters will face down a moderate threat, like a regular domestic dog or cat come onto their territory and standing looking at them; but they'll bolt if it's running aggressively toward them. Some roosters that get caught may fight a predator to the death. But more often, in my experience, when a life-threatening predator appears, they sound the alarm to scatter, and then run into hiding as fast as they can, along with the rest of the flock.

Roosters are essential to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the flock, in my view.

This is a well-written article summarising careful personal observations of a feral chicken population during a short spell in (presumably) one summer. It is comprehensive in coverage; it would have been even better with photos to illustrate the behaviours described.

This is a really outstanding article; well written, well illustrated, thorough and detailed, with links to online resources that the author found useful in preparation for or during the build. The quantity and quality of research that preceded this design and construction is evident, and the unusual aesthetic looks stunning to me.

This is a well written and well illustrated article on converting an existing large and robust tree house into multi-storey accommodation for a flock of chickens. There are some very nice details, such as the safety cord to open the latch in case of getting shut inside, and some reflections on how it developed thus far. It would be nice to have an update on how it fared over winter, and any modifications introduced as a result. And also on the nest boxes, which understandably got little attention with a flock of pullets, but would be important once the girls started laying.

Thank you for an informative and thought-provoking article.

I once tried to help a chick that was stuck in the bottom half of its shell and abandoned when the broody gave up on it and led the rest of the clutch out of the coop, but it didn't survive the day. I hope Slowpoke has enjoyed the life you've been able to give him, but if I've understood you right, you wouldn't do an assisted hatch again, yes?

This is an excellent article on the topic of alternatives to commercial feed, which is a matter of some concern to quite a lot of BYCers right now (May 2022). It is full of useful advice, well written, and with links to further reading on some of the issues. Thanks TwoCrows

This is a comprehensive overview of the benefits of giving backyard chickens access to grass. It emphasizes the need to avoid chemical treatments of the grass if chickens are to be given access to it, and the benefits of having weeds growing in it. Pasture-raised poultry is considered the best in many circles, both for egg and meat production, and is preferred by those with chicken welfare and ethical considerations in mind.

Not overstocking is the key to keeping the grass going when chickens are on it, and moving the pen/tractor daily if they're confined. They love grass and know it provides a lot of what they need; grass is only now getting scientific attention as a foodstuff, and the results include that most grass is at least 16% protein, for example. See e.g. https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/land/grass/welsh-pasture-project/pasture-quality

This is a clear and concise account of a straightforward method of training that is commonly used with dogs, but which apparently also works with chickens. I intend to try it with my own chickens, who I currently get to stand on scales by letting them inside one at a time and dangling a mealworm over the scales, which works, but then either they are very quick on and off or they are liable to jump up to try to reach the mealworm, which wrecks the reading; this method looks much better.

The article is appropriately illustrated with examples and photos, and is well written. It would be useful to add, in a reference section at the end, the bibliographic details of the work from 2005 cited in the opening paragraph, so those who wish to follow up could do so.

Clear and concise and very well illustrated article based on a survey of members - thanks Pyxis!

There is little here that would be useful to someone wanting to build a coop, and there is almost no punctuation, so it is difficult to read. More detail, about a specific design of coop, would make it a better article.

This looks really sweet, and seems to upcycle some remnants from a (human) house refurb. The photos give a good indication of what's involved to build this style of coop, but a list of components and some idea of the cost would be a really useful addition.

Having recently, by chance, discovered the protein levels in grass, and then done a bit of research and discovered the other goodies it offers our chooks, I thought about sharing my new-found knowledge with BYCers, then I searched to see if anyone had already done it, and you had - and you've done it really well - thanks! I wish I'd found your article sooner.

This is a fun and informative article about getting started with chickens. There's some very good advice in here for anyone starting a flock, on all sorts of subjects including housing, food, meds, and accessories. It's also very well written and a pleasure to read!

thanks for this @the cluck juggler - very useful! Elsevier has gone open access now (as of 1 Jan 2020) so anyone can read the papers published by them.

thanks for a very informative and well illustrated article

Very entertaining and informative article; thank you.

You've talked about the T-pole method before, so it's good to get more detail on what it is and how it works. My first flock roosted in a dense conifer tree, so that even when I could reach them, I could not navigate a route out between the tangled twiggy stuff (more like your bushes than your open trees). At the time I assumed (wrongly) that as it was so hard for me to get them, the same would apply to a predator. Now the 'treats just before bed' method to get them back to the coop works for me, but when I do get another tree hugger, and I'm sure I will sooner or later, I'd like to be prepared - can't pop off for suitable plumbing supplies at the drop of a hat! Is there a variant for dealing with dense conifers? There's no way I could maneuver a pole inside that tree.

Thanks for the reply to my question; I can't see how to reply to it there, so edit here
I think my tree climbing days are over (esp a propos your opening comments on risks v. benefits!), but I can prune out branches if necessary. As you say, they had a preferred branch, so if it happens again I'll probably go that route. Thanks again!

This article works systematically through the things to look for when trying to work out the breed and gender of a chicken. The illustrations are well chosen and labelled to support the text. There are links to further useful resources e.g. comb types. There are tips for how to practice and hone your skills when you are ready to give it a try. All in all, it is a very informative article that really encourages the reader to have a go!

This article gives a clear description and photos of the condition, and how to treat it.

This is the story of one family's experience raising a backyard flock for the first time, highlighting the decisions (and their reasons) taken along the way, from what sort of chicks to acquire, to what to do with problematic birds. The discussion is thoughtful and sensitive, and well illustrated with pictures and a link to a very helpful youtube video on how to dispatch a bird well.

This is a well written, easy to follow account of nearly a dozen ways to reduce the feed bill. It is well illustrated and has links to further reading on the different topics by members of BYC. Thanks!