About the Author

Marissa Ames

Editor of Goat Journal and Backyard Poultry magazines, Marissa Ames runs a small homestead in Fallon, Nevada, where she focuses on saving and propagating rare breeds of goats and garden vegetables. She and her husband, Russ, travel to Africa where they serve as agricultural advisors for the nonprofit I Am Zambia. She spends her free time eating lunch.

Caring for Chickens During Molt

May 31, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Flock Files

Molt is the natural shedding of feathers and the regrowth of new ones. This usually happens in the fall as day length shortens, and starts at the head, down the back, breast, and ends on the wings and tail.

Backyard Poultry June/July 2019

May 28, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Magazine Previews

Check out our June/July 2019 issue of Backyard Poultry for stories on Virulent Newcastle Disease, the science of poultry skin color, balancing your chicken’s diet, and more!

Village Chicken, Broiler Chicken

May 26, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Poultry 101

Chicken is one of the most popular meats among Zambians, with some individuals raising a flock of broilers in a corner of their house until they build enough income to expand, using charcoal braziers for heat if they do not have electricity. A successful broiler operation involves purchasing the chicks, feed, and vaccinations, and finding sales outlets for whichever birds the families do not wish to consume.

Ask the Expert — June/July 2019

May 7, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Ask The Expert

Add to Favorites Rock-Hard Pieces in Eggs While blending my silkies’ hard-boiled eggs to feed them back to them, these rock-hard pieces were inside. It has happened on two separate …

Defend The Flock

April 5, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Feed & Health

Add to Favorites Between December 2014 and June 2015, over 50 million chickens and turkeys died in the U.S. Midwest. Some succumbed to highly pathogenic avian influenza while others were …

The Emotional Gauntlet of Raising Meat Chickens & Other Livestock

March 14, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Eggs & Meat

Add to Favorites “You’re raising meat chickens? You horrible, heartless human.” It’s a constant fight, isn’t it? And there are many sides on the battlefield. Those that don’t eat meat, …

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens (and You!)

February 15, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Feed & Health

Add to Favorites Apple cider vinegar for chickens is a great way to keep your flock healthy. Chicken experts advise adding apple cider vinegar to your chickens’ water. Unfiltered apple …