Backyard Poultry -

When Were Turkeys Domesticated?

August 15, 2025 · Kenny Coogan · Turkeys

When were turkeys domesticated? Native Americans domesticated turkeys much earlier than thought.

Hybrid Vs. Heritage Turkey Breeds

August 5, 2025 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Turkeys

Wild turkeys are native only to the Americas, and from them come all the domestic breeds we associate with holiday dinners.

Reading Poultry Facial Tissue and Appendages

December 5, 2025 · Doug Ottinger · Feed & Health

Discover what combs and wattles of chickens, snoods and caruncles of turkeys, and facial caruncles of Muscovy ducks can reveal about poultry health.

Defending Canadian Geese Babies

December 4, 2025 · Mark Hall · Geese

Learn about the ultimate defenders of Canadian geese babies and of the nest.

Conserving Fancy Pigeons

December 4, 2025 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Poultry 101

Discover how they conserve fancy pigeons and learn about their breeding program at Waddesdon Manor.

Ask Our Experts October/November 2024

August 19, 2025 · Tonya Olson · Ask The Expert, Feed & Health

Ana Skemp and Audra Trosper answer your poultry questions about a blind chick, a broody duck, a sick hen walking backward, and a new flock with droopy wings.

Poultry News October/November 2024

August 19, 2025 · Kenny Coogan · Feed & Health, Poultry News

This time in poultry news: learn about contraceptives for feral pigeons, tornado releases 50,000 pheasants, and big chicken business for Tractor Supply.

Italian Castagnole Recipe

August 19, 2025 · Rita Heikenfeld · Eggs & Meat, Recipes

Fall weather is doughnut time! Make this Italian castagnole recipe a “doughnut cousin”, deep-fried balls of dough enriched with eggs, sugar, and vanilla.

Best Wild Edibles for Chickens

August 18, 2025 · Tonya Olson · Chickens 101

One of the most fascinating aspects of raising chickens is observing the foods they seek out, the ones they’ll sometimes eat, and the menu items they ignore. Learn what the best wild edible is for chickens.

Wood Chipper for Coop Bedding

August 18, 2025 · Kenny Coogan · Coops

Next to feed, one of the most expensive aspects of keeping chickens is their bedding. So why not make your own from browse and branches around your property?