Story and photos by Krislee Johnson There is nothing more frustrating than being in the midst of caring for your first flock and hearing terms that make absolutely no sense. Much like traveling to a foreign country, chicken people speak an entirely different language. You could simply smile and act like you understood the conversation […]
Read more »Jennifer Sartell Story and photos The social understanding within a flock is a complicated issue. Chickens are social creatures who thrive in group settings. Pecking order is how your flock establishes hierarchy. It might seem brutal to us as chicken keepers who only want peace and harmony for our chickens, but pecking order is a […]
Read more »Krislee Johnson Story and photos Clinger The Bare Backed Hen & Her Super Simple Saddle My bare backed hen named Clinger (aptly named as she loves being around people) has had the misfortune of losing feathers all winter long. Thankfully, it was not due to mites or malnutrition but the combination of not molting in […]
Read more »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 […]
Read more »Jennifer Sartell Story and photos by author You can expand your flock by hatching eggs from a breeder. Chickens are some of the most varied animals ever domesticated by humans. The APA recognizes 65 breeds alone and there are many, many more hobby breeds, fancy breeds, and interesting egg layers beyond that. Have you ever […]
Read more »By Lori Leigh Story and photos After a winter break, the chickens are well rested and ready to earn their keep again. 😉 There are many ways you can put your chickens to work this Spring, and they are happy to do so… Egg Production With longer days and warmer weather upon us, the ladies […]
Read more »by Lori Leigh Chicken Terminology Whether you are new to raising chickens or you are a seasoned chicken keeper, there are some words that you may scratch your head and think ‘what‘. We are all constantly learning new things, so listed here (in alphabetical order) are some common chicken terms. Bantam – A miniature version […]
Read more »by Lori Leigh Story and photos It is that time of year when wood ash is easily accessible. If you have access to wood ash from a fire place or wood burning stove, why not put it to work for your chickens. Dust Bathing Natural – All year round, dust bathing is a chicken’s natural […]
Read more »by Lori Leigh Story and photos Some things never change. People have been keeping chickens for years. Some things do change, such as the way people keep chickens. Let’s compare some similarities and changes, shall we… BREEDS Back in the day, many farmers had cold-hardy breeds, such as Buff Orpingtons, Wyandottes, and Rhode Island Reds. […]
Read more »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 […]
Read more »
For more than 130 years, GRIT has helped its readers live more prosperously and happily while emphasizing the importance of community and a rural lifestyle tradition.
