How Old Do Chickens Need to Be to Lay Eggs?

The wait for the first eggs from your new hens may seem long, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not. When hens are about five to six months old they will start to lay eggs. Find out more about what to expect when you're egg-specting!

How to Make Vintage Tobacco Stake Stars

Vintage tobacco stakes are a staple at antique shows and shops. I was gifted some from my uncle. If you're lucky enough to score some, here's a way to turn them into tobacco stake stars. Plus, learn the lore that surrounds these vintage finds.

How to Attract & Feed Hummingbirds

When the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in spring, we celebrate at my house. Each year we set up a protected area by our mudroom door and our kitchen window. The hummingbirds always find it and the air above the feeding station is soon filled with hummingbirds zipping around at all hours. It's a joyous site!

OMG! It's a Roo! How to Tell if You Have a Hen or a Rooster

Are you wondering if you have a rooster in your flock? If so, you're not alone. As baby chicks start to grow up, it's not uncommon to wonder about the sex of your chickens even if you chose from the pullet brooder at the store or ordered pullets directly from the hatchery. Here's my personal story with getting an accidental rooster and how you can tell what you've got one (or three) in your flock.

Roopert as a young rooster.

A Broody Hen and Her Chicks: A Personal Story

My personal story of an unexpected hatch and my first day with a broody hen raising her chicks...

How to Build a Grow-Out Coop for Baby Chicks

Sometimes you raise day-old chicks and everything works out perfectly with the weather. By the time the chicks are old enough to go outside, the weather is just right. Sometimes, fate isn't in your favor and your babies must spend more time indoors in your garage or basement and you need something bigger to contain them. Here's a quick and easy brooder idea that can double as a grow-out coop until young chicks are big enough to join the rest of the flock.

Baby Chicks Get Outside Time

As spring gets warmer and baby chicks get older, people wonder when their chicks can get outside for some exercise and time to scratch and peck. After all, the ultimate goal for your chickens is to live in the backyard. But when is that possible? Are there small steps you can take toward the ultimate goal?