I wish I could say the headline is a joke, but it’s not.  I also wish I could laugh about it, like the saying ‘someday you’ll laugh about it,’ suggests.  It’s only been a month since the coop ordeal. I’m sure someday I will laugh, but right now I’m not. Last month I got locked […]

A chicken moat is not a waterway, but it does provide a protective enclosure for the garden. Weeds, insects, rabbits, groundhogs and even deer are barred from entry by the double wall of fencing and the ever-diligent patrol flock. All in all, it’s a clever solution to the fowl raiser’s dilemma of whether to fence […]

The time has come for the baby chicks to move from the brooder to outside.  Because of the unseasonably warm weather that we have been experiencing, the chicks, which we mail ordered back in August have been living outside now for about a week.  The time schedule is ahead of what I anticipated and they are […]

If you have a bit of extra space on your land, you are looking for ways to turn that bit of land into a nice profit, and the idea of caring for your own flock of chickens appeals to you, then it might be time for you to begin your first chicken coop right on […]

Pasture Your Poultry with a Chicken Tractor A well built chicken tractor may be the perfect home for your chickens, and a great way to aerate and fertilize the soil.   For more farmstead videos and good advice visit The MOTHER EARTH NEWS and Friends Youtube. Visit Franny’s Farm at www.FrannysFarm.com

By Krislee Johnson Beyond what might be obvious, chickens can be quite the addition to your lifestyle no matter where you live. Here are the top 5 reasons why I think raising chickens should be something everyone should try.   EGGS, EGGS, EGGS If there is one thing we all know about chickens it is […]

By Krislee Johnson Over the past year, my coop has evolved with the seasons. During the first year I quickly learned what might have worked for the summer didn’t work well for the winter. Because my coop and pen areas are in 3 parts it allows me plenty of flexibility. The coop is for sleeping […]

Jennifer Sartell Story and photos It’s spring! As chicken keepers we should all be enjoying the increase of egg production with our flocks. The fall molt has long been over, the summer heat has not yet started and the longer daylight hours should be triggering a laying effect with your flock. Egg Laying Season This […]

This month’s Cool Coop is a great example of a coop that has easy access – to clean the coop and monitor the flock. I particularly admire the full size door. I think a lot of chicken keepers wish their coop had this feature – especially when removing and replacing coop bedding. Continue reading as Bill shares the specs of his functional coop.

Cool Coops Story by Rebecca Nickols I’ve been a free range backyard chicken keeper for years, but recently I’ve grown tired of the mess my flock creates. I still adore their endearing personalities and amusing antics, I’m just done with the “deposits” they leave on the deck and driveway! And – I’ve had a few […]