Do Skunks Eat Chickens?

Around Valentine's Day each year, skunks start to be top of mind for homeowners and chicken keepers alike. Why? It's mating time for skunks and their smell permeates the air. With these critters at the forefront, many wonder do skunks eat chickens? Do I need to worry about skunks?

DIY Magnetic Valentine's Picture Frames

Here's a fun DIY Valentine's magnetic picture frame that's inexpensive, easy and a thoughtful gift for the chicken lover (or any loved one) in your life.

How to Understand Egg Carton Labeling

As backyard chicken keepers, we don't buy a lot of eggs from the store, so it's normal to have some egg carton code confusion. The egg carton section of the grocery is usually foreign territory and we find ourselves there only if the flock is molting or winter's waning daylight has left us eggless.

But honestly, even for a family that doesn't have backyard chickens, those cartons can be a nightmare to decode. Do you go with the 99 cent special? Are those organic eggs worth the price? Is free-range really free range? What's an extra large egg versus a large egg? When were the eggs actually laid?

Ugh! Stop the madness!

Tips to Help Your Chickens Get Outside in Winter & Snow

Can chickens go outside in winter? Yes! The truth is, they like to get outside and explore in pretty much any weather and it’s always good for them to get some fresh air.

It’s important to understand that chickens are equipped to handle cold weather. In fact, it can be easier for them to withstand cold weather than hot weather. As you know, backyard chickens have lots of feathers and they’re there for a reason. Underneath their outer feathers, chickens have a downy layer of soft feathers. When it’s cold, they fluff those feathers to trap warm air underneath and they’re able to stay cozy.

What is a Bantam Chicken?

As you shop poultry catalogs or look at adorable baby chicken in the farm store, you'll notice some chickens labeled as bantam and others as large fowl. What's the difference? How do you choose between bantam chickens and large fowl chickens?

A Guide to Cold-Hardy Chicken Breeds

What makes a cold-hardy chicken breed and why should you care? If you're currently living in an area that has cold winters, then cold-hardy chicken breeds are a must because of their ability to withstand the frigid temperatures.

Every year there are stories of folks that bought the wrong breed for their climate and experience losses, have unhealthy chickens, or end up bringing their birds inside where the climate is more moderate. Don’t let this happen to you! Make sure to pick a breed that will live comfortably in your climate and thrive. Your birds will thank you for it!

A Buff Brahma hen.

Sussex Chicken Breed Spotlight

The Sussex chicken originated in the Counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey in England more than 100 years ago with possible ties back to Phoenecian traders and the Romans. Sussex chickens are a dual-purpose bird favored for both meat and eggs. Today, Sussex chickens in America are a recovering heritage breed popular in backyard flocks for steady egg production, excellent meat, and a friendly and curious nature.