The Molt is coming. by Jennifer Sartell   In fact for some of you, it might already be here. August is just around the corner and we’re already seeing signs of the seasonal molt in our flock. Molt is a healthy, seasonal process for chickens. It usually happens in their second year around late summer […]

by May Woodworth Final part of three-part series on Wry Neck. See the first two parts: Part 1 Part 2 Once it was clear that Uno was the sole survivor of the incubator hatch, I evaluated him. He was in rough shape. In addition to the obvious inability to move without flipping backwards, and thrashing […]

By Krislee Johnson As a novice poultry keeper my first year with the flock was full of new learning experiences, some requiring poultry first aid. While most days I experienced free-range bliss, it was inevitable a bird would be injured or fall sick. I came up with a great starter kit that helped me care […]

By May Woodworth Second part of three-part series on Wry Neck. See the first two parts: Part 1 Final part     The next three weeks were worrisome. Incubators were a mystery to me. Scary even. Hens and mother birds were supposed to hatch babies, not hunks of electrified plastic. Machinery in general are a […]

By May Woodworth First of a three part series on Wry Neck. See the other two parts here: Part 2 Final Part        Our friends and family know Uno’s story well. They know that his Rhode Island Red parents (Red & RooRoo) had a zany relationship. They know that Red lost interest in sitting […]

Tis the season for fleas, ticks and other creepy crawlies.  They can affect not only human health but also that of our dogs, cats and feathered friends.  Finding a natural solution is easy once you become acquainted with the power of Neem Oil. After moving to our new farm last year I tried to find […]

by Shannon Cole Story and photos It’s January in Michigan. It is cold. How cold is it you ask? Today with the wind chill factor our local weather man says it is -4F. That is cold. It is the kind of cold that you can feel seeping in through your wood floors. It has to […]

Winter chicken keeping can be a little bit daunting for many people. You worry if your birds are getting enough to eat. Is their diet varied? What about frozen water? Predators are hungry and more determined for a meal. Plus, if you live in a snowy area like me, it is cold, cold, cold outside. 

The white of winter gives way to the bright greens of new grass and the delightful yellow of the dandelions that sprout up and speckle the landscape. Our land is once again ready to grow and nurture so many things. Those cheerful dandelions are our very first crop at my house. Dandelions are such an underutilized […]

Keeping backyard chickens is a rewarding experience. I have very few complaints when it comes to taking care of my ladies. I love the peace they bring me with their scratching about in the yard. The eggs are top notch and the education that keeping chickens has brought to my family is priceless.  However, this […]