About the Author

Janet Garman

Janet Garman is a farmer, writer, instructor, and fiber artist living in central Maryland on the family's farm. She loves all subjects related to small farms and homesteading. Raising chickens, ducks, sheep, and fiber goats led her to write her most recent books, 50 Do it Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens, (Skyhorse Publishing 2018) and The Good Living Guide to Raising Sheep and Other Fiber Animals, (Skyhorse Publishing -February 2019)

DIY Chicken Coop Plans That Add Shade

July 2, 2020 · Janet Garman · Coops

Chickens tolerate cold temperatures much better than heatwaves. Providing shade in your chicken coop plans is essential for a healthy flock.

Chicken Fences: Chicken Wire Vs. Hardware Cloth

June 26, 2020 · Janet Garman · Coops

If it’s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? Chicken wire is widely recognized as the hexagon shaped welded wire, commonly used on farms for various fencing needs, including for chicken fences.

The Brahma Chicken – Raising a Large Breed

June 17, 2020 · Janet Garman · Chickens 101

Many people ask me what is the best backyard chicken breed to raise. For me, my favorite has long been the Brahma chicken.

Reusing Chicken Coop Trash for a More Self-Sustaining Living

May 15, 2020 · Janet Garman · Coops

Self-sustaining living on our farm means I try to reduce the amount of waste that the farm sends to the landfill. It’s not always easy and I try to think creatively in order to reduce the waste.

How to Make a Chicken Swing

May 13, 2020 · Janet Garman · Coops

Do you need to know how to make a chicken swing for your flock? They have a large run, a substantial and well-built coop, and plenty to eat.

Olandsk Dwarf Chickens

April 29, 2020 · Janet Garman · Chickens 101

Originally found on the small island called Olands, off the coast of Sweden, this lightweight landrace breed displays a beautiful combination of red, black, gray, brown, and white multicolored feathers.

A Guide to Sick Chicken Symptoms

April 16, 2020 · Janet Garman · Feed & Health

With so much talk about chicken illnesses this year, it’s good to know what a sick chicken looks like, so we can try to help our feathered pets feel better quickly. We are all uncertain at times, but there are certain criteria you can use to assess if your bird has sick chicken symptoms.