Molting Chickens Explained

Molting is a natural process that chickens go through at different times in their lives. A chicken's first molts take place as it grows from a baby chick to an adult. Because they're babies, we tend to think of this as a process of growing up, and it is, but it's technically molting.

As adult chickens, molting takes place in late summer and fall when birds replace old feathers with new plumage.

What is the Preen Gland on a Chicken?

The uropygial gland, better known as the preen gland or oil gland, is located near the base of the tail. It's normally hidden under feathers, but molting and feather loss can expose it. What is the preen gland on a chicken? It’s a gland that produces the oil that chickens use when preening their feathers.

Why do Roosters Crow? Plus Answers to Other Odd Chicken Questions!

Why do roosters crow? Have you really stopped to think about all that crowing? Why so much? If you feed your chickens meat will they turn into cannibals? What about your backyard swimming pool; is that a place your chickens might like to visit? So many questions! Here are five top chicken questions along with the answers.

Feathers 101 - Why Does a Chicken Lose Feathers and More....

Why does a chicken lose feathers? Why are some feathers fluffy and others not? Why do roosters have different feathers than hens? There are so many questions about chicken feathers. Here’s a helpful guide to answer those questions and more…

How to Keep Chickens Cool in Summer

Keeping your chickens cool in summer is a must-do. There's nothing we can do to stop the heat, but we can help our chickens beat the heat.

With the mercury rising, it's important to remember that high temperatures can be harder on a flock than the cold temperatures of winter. The effects of heat are cumulative and can be enhanced by high humidity, so be sure to keep vigilant during heat spells. A temperature of 80 degrees with high humidity can bring on heat-related problems.

Baby Chicks Get Outside Time

As spring gets warmer and baby chicks get older, people wonder when their baby chicks can get outside time for exercise and 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?

Baby Chick Health 101

Chick season is fun, but make sure you're prepared to welcome new chicks to your backyard and keep them healthy. Good baby chick health early on gives your birds the building blocks they need to become healthy adults.

How to Protect Chickens From Owls

Owls aren't the biggest threat to chickens, but they can sometimes pose a threat so it's good to know how to keep your flock safe. Learn how to keep owls away from chickens and how to appreciate the benefits owls have on the farm.

How to Pick Chicken Breeds for Your Flock

A backyard flock of chickens can be a wise investment in homegrown eggs, meat and the peace of mind that comes with self-sufficiency. Getting started isn’t hard. But before buying your birds, some initial chicken breed research can ensure your flock’s productivity and climate hardiness and help you meet your goals.

Keeping Potted Rosemary Healthy All Year

In the language of herbs, the rosemary plant is known for remembrance. And if you’ve ever smelled the fresh piney scent of rosemary, it’s not likely something you’ll forget. Most herb gardeners grow this must-have plant in their gardens during the spring, summer and early fall. But what do you do with a healthy rosemary plant over the winter if you live in the north? 

All the ingredients to repot this root-bound rosemary – a new bigger pot, pebbles, sand and soil.

A Guide to Chicken Feather Types

Chicken feathers. They’re what people notice most when they see a chicken. The colors. The patterns. There’s no denying it, chicken feathers are beautiful! In fact, many a backyard flock has been chosen for looks. Some people keep only red chickens, others buff, black and white or speckled birds. There are lots of choices. 

But what about function? Intuitively we all know some general functions of feathers. You don’t have to go any farther than your local department store to see feathers in action. Down comforters and pillows fetch a high price. Feathered earrings are popular outfit accessories. A down winter jacket is a must-have when temperatures dip. Feathers are all about function. Even their beauty has a purpose. 

The overarching function of feathers is to keep a bird protected from cold, hot and wet weather and to protect the skin. But there’s more… 

What Can Chickens Eat? Can You Feed Chickens Table Scraps?

Feeding chickens scraps from the kitchen is a great way to give them healthy treats and make sure your leftovers don’t go to waste. Next time you clean out your refrigerator, scrape the dinner plates or bring home leftovers from dinner out, why not set some aside for your flock? They’ll love you for it!

Lots of folks wonder about what to feed chickens for treats. Generally, is if it’s good for you, it’s good for them, remembering to leave out anything that’s fried, sugary, salty, alcoholic or moldy.

What do Roosters Eat?

If you've got a backyard flock with roosters and hens, what do your roosters eat? This may seem like an odd question since many backyard flocks have birds that vary in age, breed and size, including bantam chickens and heavy breeds. Feeding everyone separately is a task that's not for the faint-of-heart. Usually, all the full-grown chickens eat the same thing — a bag of layer feed. But this one-size-fits-all approach can leave chicken keepers wondering if they're really feeding the right food to the right birds. The better question is what should roosters eat?

What's the Best Bedding for Chickens?

The best bedding for chickens keeps them comfortable, helps you keep your chicken coop clean and contributes to a flock's overall health. Find out how to choose the best bedding to make your chicken-keeping life easier.

How to Raise Chicks With a Broody Hen

I always hand-raised day-old chicks and felt it was a wonderful experience. I loved the smell of the clean chips in the brooder, watching the chicks scratch and peck and having them climb up on my hands to grab a few bites of food. Then we let our broody Partridge Cochin named Hoppy hatch a few chicks. I quickly learned how easy it is to raise chicks with a broody hen. Here's how...

Prebiotics and Probiotics for Chickens 101

Feeding your flock a nutritious and varied diet should include prebiotics and probiotics for chickens. Many commercial feed rations contain prebiotics and probiotics. But what are prebiotics and probiotics? Is there a way to supply them to your flock beyond commercial feed? How do probiotics and prebiotics help backyard chickens?

The flock enjoying a treat of bananas. (Peels were removed before serving.)

Domestic Chicken Predators: Do Dogs and Cats Kill Chickens?

We worry about wild animals killing our chickens, but what about dogs and cats? Do dogs and cats kill chickens? Simply put, yes. But there's more to the story and it varies depending on the culprit. Cats are not top of the list for killing adult chickens, but dogs are another matter. Dog problems can happen fast, be devastating and sometimes pit neighbor against neighbor. It's important for backyard flock owners to know the laws around dogs killing chickens and how to make sure your birds stay safe.

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 Common Owl Species

No matter where you live, even the suburbs, you've most likely got some resident owls around your house and backyard. This field guide shows identifying features and behaviors to common owl species so you know who’s who and how to attract owls by making your homestead owl-friendly. If you've got chickens, you can protect your birds from owls in much the way you know how to protect chickens from hawks.

An Overview of What to Feed Chickens

Whether you're a new or a veteran backyard chicken keeper, it’s natural to wonder just what to feed chickens. When you get your first chickens, you grab a bag of starter feed, but what happens next? And exactly what starter feed should you grab?