by Jennifer Burcke A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I would be publishing a series of posts that invited you to join in by sharing your opinions and comments.  I am always interested to learn from the experience of other chicken keepers.  I have been sharing my challenges and creative solutions for almost three years […]

by Jennifer Burcke A few weeks ago, I was browsing through the local newspaper and happened upon the type of story that sends a chill down a chicken keeper’s spine.  A family in a neighboring town had endured an unthinkable tragedy.  Their newly built coop had burned down to the ground, killing all 38 of […]

by Jennifer BurckeA few weeks ago, I was browsing through the local newspaper and happened upon the type of story that sends a chill down a chicken keeper’s spine.  A family in a neighboring town had endured an unthinkable tragedy.  Their newly built coop had burned down to the ground, killing all 38 of the […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Will you be setting eggs this spring under a broody hen or in your incubator?  Both natural and artificial incubation will get the job done, but one may be a better fit for your flock.  Here is a point-by-point comparison of these two methods. Timing You can schedule artificial […]

by Jennifer Burcke Photos by author Brooding a batch of chicks is akin to bringing home a newborn child. No matter how many books you have read or people you have talked to, the best experience you gather will come firsthand. Caring for a tiny living being that counts their lifetime in hours or days […]

by Harvey Ussery Photos by author Eggs from backyard flocks are some of the best eggs in the world. Those dependent on supermarket eggs may not even know what they’re missing out on. Chickens provide more food than just eggs. Necessary culling of the flock graces the dinner table with flavorful meat. But backyard flocks […]

by Jennifer Burcke Photos by author   I don’t know who originally coined the phrase “Necessity is the Mother of Invention.”  While I’m unsure of its origin or inspiration, I am willing to make a bold statement about its application.  I believe firmly that Necessity must have been a chicken keeper. I pride myself on […]

by Rebecca Nickols Photos by author Inside a nesting box in this coop resides Henrietta, the broody hen … I should have known this would eventually happen. Buff Orpingtons are famous for their diligence and dedication when it comes to sitting on eggs. Even so, I was still surprised that the mother instinct seemed to happen […]

by Jennifer Sartell Photos by author One of the bittersweet things about raising ducks, specifically pekins, is that they grow SO fast. Ducklings are so adorable, and while my heart melts when they’re little, I’m not sad to get the brooders out of the house after they’ve grown. Our brooding time was about a third […]

by Jennifer Burcke Photos by author The welcome sign is always out on the coop at 1840 Farm. It usually welcomes guests to our farm. This week, it will be welcoming our new batch of day-old chicks. The big day has finally arrived! Today is the hatching day for our new chicks. We’ve been waiting for this […]