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About the Author

Jeremy Chartier

At 12 years old, Jeremy Chartier became involved with his local 4-H group, later joined the local FFA chapter, and showed livestock until his college years. After graduating from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at UConn, he joined the University of Maine’s Poultry Service Provider training program. Today Jeremy sells started pullets to local backyard farmers, is still involved with 4-H as a poultry showmanship judge, and writes about his passion for farming.

How to Tell if Eggs are Bad

April 22, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Flock Files

Eggshells are a porous, which allows air, moisture, and some contaminants to pass through. Spoilage bacteria are the most common culprits of eggs turning rotten. When laid, the hen deposits a protective bloom, but this cuticle is not completely impenetrable, so whether or not you wash the egg, bacteria will eventually traverse that porous shell.

How to Raise Broiler Chickens

January 22, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Eggs & Meat

Learning how to raise broiler chickens, for those who have had chickens, is relatively easy. You can learn, too, with just a little help.

Show Chickens: The Serious Business of “The Fancy”

December 24, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Chickens 101

The world of show chickens is a colorful one that attracts a myriad of unique characters. If you want to join the fun, I encourage you to wander the regional ABA/APA sanctioned poultry shows for inspiration.

An Interesting Fact About Chickens: They Can Walk Like Dinosaurs

July 28, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Chickens 101, Kids' Corner

Add to Favorites Research that makes people laugh, then think. That is the premise of the Ig Nobel awards that have been held annually at Harvard University for the last …

Properly Storing Chicken Feed

June 1, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Flock Files

If stored incorrectly, your chicken feed can make your birds sick, make them stop laying, or in extreme instances, kill them.

Chicken Math For The Budding Production Flock

April 27, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Chickens 101

Carefully consider coop specs, egg cartons, feed consumption, and breed-specific feed conversion rates to determine your profit.

NPIP Certification: Why it Matters When Buying Chicks

March 15, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Feed & Health

NPIP-certified hatcheries are essential to large-scale poultry farming and the backyard flock alike.

Picking the Best Heated Waterer for Your Coop

March 14, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Coops

Water is a critical part of keeping your birds happy, healthy, and productive. When the temperatures fall and water freezes, your birds will be deprived of one of their most essential nutrients.

Is It a Rooster? How To Sex Backyard Chickens

March 14, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Chickens 101

Add to Favorites This flock only contains hens, but you can see the difference in facial features between the breeds. I try to keep connected with the poultry community and …

It’s Show Time! Picking the Best Show Chickens

February 26, 2019 · Jeremy Chartier · Feed & Health

Learn how to select a chicken breed for a show and how to prep your chicken for a show.

Make the Most of Your Flock with Backyard Poultry!

Your best source for information on all things chicken, quail, turkey, guinea, duck, and beyond. Whether you raise a backyard flock for eggs, meat, show, or just for fun. Backyard Poultry is an essential guide for a diverse community of poultry lovers, accessible to those who live on a farm, in a suburban neighborhood, or are raising poultry in an urban environment. You will find research-based stories and actionable guidance, helping newbies and experts alike avoid costly and tragic mistakes.

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