Chickens feel like backyard pets.
Pheasants and partridge feel a little more… wild.
And that is exactly what makes them interesting.
They are fast. Quiet. Always alert. If a chicken is the friendly neighbor, a pheasant is the shy guest who slips out the back door when things get loud.
They do...
About 18 years ago a wonderful member of our community noticed that there were a TON of people "lurking" (browsing BYC as non-members) and asked: "How can there be 100+ people lurking on BYC right now?"
Well, a LOT has changed since then... Right now, there are 10,000+ people reading BYC...
Winter has a funny way of revealing who we really are as chicken keepers.
Some start prepping in October.
Some wait until the first snowflake hits the run and then panic just a little.
And some stand outside in a coat, coffee in hand, thinking, “Well… this should be interesting.”
So which one...
Winter has a funny way of changing our chickens. Some changes make us smile. Others make us sigh while scraping ice off a waterer.
Every flock handles winter a little differently. Some go quiet and cozy. Others let you know exactly how they feel about cold toes and frozen ground.
Your answers...
The new year always gets us thinking. New goals. Fresh starts. Better habits.
And let’s be honest, at some point we all look at the coop and think, “I should probably deal with that soon.”
But what actually needs attention first?
This quick poll is just for fun, but it is also a great way to...
Whether you’re just getting started or managing a full-blown flock, every chicken keeper’s journey is a little different. Over the years, BYC has seen flocks grow, shrink, and evolve, and we thought it was the perfect time to take a fresh snapshot of where our community is today.
This poll is a...
The holidays are here, and your backyard flock is ready to celebrate in style! Think you know your chickens and how they thrive during this festive season? Take this quiz to test your holiday chicken knowledge, learn fun facts, and discover which festive feathered friends would steal the show at...
Chickens are great at hiding problems. One day they look fine, and the next something feels off. This quiz helps you practice spotting clues so you can take better care of your flock. Think of it like solving tiny barnyard mysteries. Ready to play chicken detective? Let’s get started.
1. Your...
Raising meat birds is a whole different experience from raising egg layers. If you’ve only ever kept laying hens, you’ll notice the difference right away. Meat birds grow faster, eat more, and finish quicker. It’s kind of like watching a tiny seed turn into a full-grown plant in just a few...
Let’s be honest. A chicken coop isn’t just a box with walls and a roof. It’s your flock’s home. It’s where they sleep, lay eggs, and feel safe from the world outside. Building and maintaining it takes some work, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of keeping chickens.
Think of it like...
If you’ve ever walked into your coop in the morning only to find feathers everywhere and your heart in your throat, you know that chicken predators can be downright heartbreaking. From sneaky raccoons to bold hawks, our poor flocks face a long list of enemies out there. Some creep under fences...
Feeding and watering your flock might seem simple, but once you’ve spent time with chickens, you know there’s a bit more to it. It’s like making sure your family eats healthy and stays hydrated every day. Some folks have their own special routines, and that’s what makes keeping chickens so fun...
Fall is here! The season of crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and plenty of harvest goodies! While we sip our pumpkin spice lattes, our feathered friends also get to enjoy the bounty of autumn. From pumpkins to apples, there are so many flock-friendly treats that can keep your chickens happy...
Few things bring as much joy (and chaos!) to a backyard flock as raising baby chicks. From their first tiny peeps to those awkward teenage weeks, every stage is an adventure. But with that cuteness comes plenty of decisions and sometimes a few challenges!
👉 Do you prefer using a broody hen or...
From chicken to quail, duck to goose, poultry eggs are full of surprises! They vary in size, shape, color, and even taste. But how much do you really know about the eggs your feathered friends lay? Take this quiz and see if you’re a true Eggs-pert—or if you’ll end up a little scrambled!
The...
Peafowl are some of the most striking birds you can keep—those vibrant feathers, the proud strut, and of course, that unforgettable call. Many people are drawn to them for their beauty alone, but those who’ve spent time around them know they’ve got big personalities too.
Some keepers say they...
Late summer means warm days, ripening gardens, and a bounty of treats your flock will love! From juicy melons to crunchy veggies, chickens often show strong preferences when it comes to their snacks. This quiz will help you discover which late-summer treat best matches your flock’s personality...
Geese are more than just noisy lawn guardians—they’re smart, social, and surprisingly useful additions to a homestead. From natural weed control to their legendary protective instincts, they definitely bring personality (and plenty of honking!) to the yard.
Let’s stir the conversation...
Quail may be small, but they sure pack a punch when it comes to charm, productivity, and personality! From their rapid growth and adorable “peeps” to their gourmet eggs and tasty meat, these little gamebirds have won over many backyard keepers. But raising quail also comes with its own set of...
Feathers are about to fly! Molting season is one of the most natural — and sometimes stressful — times for your flock. Chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones, which takes a lot of energy and often changes their behavior. But how ready are you to guide your hens through this feathery...