by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Moving to a new home is a great time to make a fresh start for both you and your flock.  If you have invested your time into breeding or have old friends that you want to bring with you to a new home, you will need to plan your […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Been there, done that!  The biggest poultry pitfalls are also the easiest to avoid.  Caused mostly by over-enthusiasm and good intentions, these missteps can cause stress, illness, injury, shortened lifespan, and impaired offspring.  Avoid these common pitfalls and enjoy a healthy, happy flock for generations! Raising more chickens than […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle In the green heart of central Virginia, Laura, her husband Marvin, and their son Ethan work together to care and provide for their flock, and Ethan brings their extra eggs to the local food bank.  In this interview, Laura describes her experiences keeping chickens for the past two years. […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch CradleIn the green heart of central Virginia, Laura, her husband Marvin, and their son Ethan work together to care and provide for their flock, and Ethan brings their extra eggs to the local food bank.  In this interview, Laura describes her experiences keeping chickens for the past two years. Laura […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Are you getting more eggs in your basket?  In spring as the day length increases, chickens will lay more frequently.  Did you know that leg color, egg color, and behavior may change as well? Chickens lay fewer eggs in the winter and more in the spring and summer.  As […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle When you get your chicks home from the post office or feed store, they will need you to provide water, food, and warmth.  Like a mother hen, you will care for each chick to make sure they are safe, well-fed, and warm so that they can grow up healthy […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Have you ever wondered what makes blue eggs blue or why a green egg layer might hatch from a blue or brown egg?  Did you know that brown eggs are coated with a “paint” made from blood, and blue egg shells contain a chemical byproduct of bile?  Read on […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle Do you want to save money on your feed bill? Do you want better feed conversion, stronger shells, shinier feathers, and healthier birds?  If you are willing to do a little extra work, you can ferment your chicken feed and reap a bounty of rewards. What is fermented feed? […]

by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle You’ve obtained the best stock, raised them well, and made your breeding selections.  Find out how you can sell hatching eggs to promote a rare breed, build your business, or simply get the best price for your eggs. Check out state laws If you plan to ship hatching eggs, […]

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 […]