by Rachel Hurd Anger Photos by author There are eggs falling out of my chickens. Doesn’t that sound stupid? In all of my planning, reading, thinking and crooning about chickens for two solid years, not once did I deliberately calculate how many eggs we could expect in a week. My absolutely ignorant guestimate was […]

by Rebecca Nickols Q: A friend told me that chicken droppings can transfer harmful bacteria. He said not to use it for fertilizer. Is he right? – Chris   A: Great question, Chris! All animal manures have the potential risk of containing bacteria, but the key to using it as a fertilizer is knowing how […]

by Meredith Chilson Q. Why do farm fresh eggs sometimes have a speck of blood in them and how do I keep this from happening? – Bonnie A. Bonnie, not too long ago I looked for the answer to this question myself! The short answer is actually right in your question: Specks of blood are […]

Dad being silly! by Kimberly Furry I purchased a few books and searched for some books at our local library about building chicken coops. Unfortunately, they weren’t what I imagined. I’ve searched the Internet endlessly and the Community Cluckers blog. I have some ideas and great pictures, but nothing concrete with regards to actual plans. […]

by Rebecca Nickols Q: I am considering getting some chickens for our farm, but am wondering if you can go away for a few days when you have chickens? Also, does anyone out there have dogs, and how do they get along with chickens? — Sheryll Brimley A: Sheryll, I pondered these same questions when […]

by Jennifer Burcke Photos by author Fried eggs, broiled eggs, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, boiled eggs, Eggs Benedict, omelet, deviled eggs, egg salad. I could go on, but I’m quite sure that I’ve had my moment. You know the one. The one where I become my own version of Bubba from the movie Forrest Gump. […]

by Meredith Chilson I love to hear stories from the elders in my family. I’ve gathered many through the years, along with several notebooks full of handwritten family recipes. It’s important to me to know where my food comes from … and what ingredients are in the food that I serve my family. And I […]

by Rebecca Nickols Q: What is the nutritional value of free-range eggs versus eggs laid by hens in a pen? – Curt Stowell A: If you’re referring to commercial eggs, controversy surrounds the debate. Just looking at the egg cartons can cause confusion: cage-free, free range, grass-fed, organic, brown, white … The labels are often […]

by Nancy Farrell Q. I was wondering how the garden would fare if chickens were allowed to free range? Will they eat everything if not fenced off? – Chris, from Medaryville, Ind. A. Great question, Chris! One that I think I can help you with. When we first got our chickens I too visualized a […]

by Kimberly Furry This has been a constant and long-standing request: “Mama, I want baby chicks!” Each time my daughter Ara asks for them, I cannot help but roll my eyes, thinking, “Fools rush in …” The excitement at the idea of chicks crashes over her 5-and-a-half-year-old mind like an ocean wave. Her face lights […]