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)

Hatching Duck Eggs: When Fertile Eggs Don’t Hatch

March 14, 2019 · Janet Garman · Eggs & Meat

Add to Favorites I recently ventured into hatching duck eggs, an area that I had previously avoided ever since we started keeping ducks. Not only am I allowing Margarita, our …

Are Chickens Good Pets for Homeowners?

March 14, 2019 · Janet Garman · Chickens 101

Add to Favorites Why would anyone ask, “Are chickens good pets?” Aren’t chickens kept for fresh eggs and meat? If you’ve never owned a small flock of backyard chickens, that …

Breed Profile: Wyandotte Chickens — A Top Backyard Choice

March 14, 2019 · Janet Garman · Chickens 101

This popular breed was developed in the late 1800s. The breed was named after the Wendat Tribe. Although no breeding records of their development have been found, the Dark Brahma is thought to be a part of the formula. With eighteen color patterns recognized, there is a pattern for everyone’s preference. I have both Silver Laced and Golden Laced Wyandotte chickens in my flock. Some of the color patterns listed in the breed books are rather rare.

Tips for Buying and Selling at a Poultry Swap Meet

March 1, 2019 · Janet Garman · Poultry 101

Add to Favorites Chicken or poultry swap meets are events where the buying, selling, and trading of poultry and livestock is carried out. The event is usually hosted by a …

How to Compost Chicken Manure

February 25, 2019 · Janet Garman · Feed & Health

Add to Favorites Chickens provide us with hours of companionship, fresh eggs, and manure! Lots of manure. About one cubic foot of manure is produced by each chicken in approximately …

Egg Facts: 5 Reasons To Eat Eggs

February 22, 2019 · Janet Garman · Eggs & Meat, Kids' Corner

Add to Favorites Eggs add the perfect punch of protein to our diets. Raising hens for eggs means that you have easy access to one of the few high quality …

How to Stop Chickens from Eating Their Eggs

February 22, 2019 · Janet Garman · Eggs & Meat

One of the frustrating moments in chicken keeping is wondering why do my chickens eat their eggs. As you reach into the nest box to collect eggs, you find a sticky, wet mess instead. If this has happened to you, one or more of your chickens may be an egg eater.