New articles
If you have ever watched your chickens wandering around the yard on a hot summer afternoon, you have probably wondered something like this. How much heat can poultry actually handle?
Maybe your hens are standing with their wings out, panting like tiny feathery dogs. Maybe your ducks are happily...
Welcome to Chick Quicks, a series that chronicles the lessons I've learned as a chicken keeper — all in 5 minutes or less!
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This topic is pretty brief, even for Chick Quicks, so I’ve included a bit of backstory. If you’d prefer to skip ahead to the how-to, click here.
My Weak Chick
I lost...
Pigeons make great pets, something that is unknown to many people, even those who keep chickens and other types of birds! In this article I will go over the basics of caring for pigeons outdoors in an aviary or indoors in the home. Pigeons aren’t for everyone, but you may find at the end of this...
My Chicken First Aid Kit: What I Keep and Why
If you keep chickens, you need a first aid kit. Seriously. Little things can turn into big problems fast if you’re not ready. I learned this the hard way with my flock, and having a few supplies ready has saved me so much stress. You don’t have to...
BYC's 52-Week Photography Challenge
Week TBD: TBD
TBD–TBD, 2026
Week TBD Challenge: TBD
This week, the Challenge is TBD.
TBD
A Few Ground Rules:
Keep the content BYC-friendly.
It should be an image that you take THIS WEEK. Don't drag out old photos for this. The idea is to develop or improve...
When I hatched silver double laced Barnevelders 2 years ago, I noticed that one of the chicks was noticeably lighter across most of the body, that chick ended up being a male.
Maybe it was just him but I wanted to test to see if there was anything to it.
This year I ordered 2 pullets and 3...
Welcome to Chick Quicks, a series that chronicles the lessons I've learned as a chicken keeper — all in 5 minutes or less!
***
Warning: I am not a medical professional. While the information presented is accurate to the best of my ability, please consult your veterinarian, or the BYC community...
Introduction
First, to clarify: this isn’t an article about treating chickens with Vitamin E, although I will touch on that at the end. This is about supplementing their feed to increase overall intake beyond what’s already provided.
🟡 Quick Summary
• Target Vitamin E: 40 IU/lb
• Current feed...
On March 24th, Illinois lawmakers will hold a hearing on House Bill 4764, a proposal that could protect the right to keep backyard chickens across the state.
The bill would allow residents to raise hens on their property while still giving local governments the ability to set reasonable rules...
UPDATE BELOW (2026)
So, this story starts with my neighbors wanting to get rid of an old dilapidated boat. She just wanted it out of their yard. It had a good motor and trailer (which my dear darling hubby was happy to take off their hands) and the boat floated the last time they checked...
Easter is coming, and that means eggs. Not just any eggs, but beautifully colored, decorated, and cherished eggs. If you keep chickens, you might be staring at a basket overflowing with fresh eggs and thinking: “How can I make this festive without turning my kitchen into a paint explosion?”...
Welcome to Chick Quicks, a series that chronicles the lessons I've learned as a chicken keeper — all in 5 minutes or less!
🏁 Click here for a list of episodes! 🏁
News
Chick Quicks will be taking a hiatus after Episode 10. I very much appreciate everyone that has taken the time to read, react...
Bringing home new chickens is exciting, right? You picture fresh eggs, happy clucking, and a peaceful little flock scratching around together.
But then reality taps you on the shoulder. Chickens are not always the welcoming type. In fact, they can be a bit… dramatic.
If you have ever seen...
When Should Ovulation Be Suppressed in Hens?
By: Tricia Young
Keywords:
Hen Ovulation Suppression
Reproductive disease
Egg Yolk Peritonitis
Salpingitis
Deslorelins Suprelorin Implant
Hen Ovarian Neoplasm
Egg Yolk Coelomitis
Leuprolide (Lupron) Injection
Introduction
Ovulation suppression...
Reproductive Disease in Modern Laying Hens
What Are We Missing Before Two Years of Age?
By Tricia Young
Keywords
Hen ovarian neoplasm
Chicken reproductive disease
Egg yolk peritonitis
Egg-related coelomitis
Salpingitis
Hen inflammatory material
Ovarian tumors
Selective breeding...
If you keep chickens, ducks, or other poultry, you already know one simple truth. Birds drink a lot of water.
On a warm day a small flock can empty a waterer faster than you might expect. You fill it in the morning, turn around for a few hours, and suddenly it is empty again. Sound familiar...
This is an article about chicken and duck names
The hen on the cover's name is Luna. A black star hen who died at 4 years old.
The empty bullet points are saved for future names.
Nature and flower themed
• Midnight
• Luna
• Buttercup
• Dandelion
• Summer
• Snowball
•
• Sunflower
•
• Sapphire
•...
Dedication
In memory of Henrietta, June 20th, 2022 to February 22nd, 2026. In life, Henrietta reminded us that to be loved, safe, and free from pain is the greatest gift that can be given. In her passing, her triumph despite the odds may help extend the lives of many hens.
Abstract...