About the Author

Tamsin Cooper

Tamsin Cooper keeps goats and chickens on her smallholding in France, where she aspires to live as sustainably as possible. She follows the latest research on farm animal behavior and has mentored on animal welfare courses.
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Articles by Tamsin Cooper

Breed Profile: Russian Orloff Chicken
December 1, 2022 · · Chickens 101

The Russian Orloff chicken is a hardy dual-purpose breed of Russian heritage chicken developed in the 18th century for beauty and utility. Once mature, they are extremely cold-tolerant.

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Breed Profile: Welsh Harlequin Ducks
September 8, 2022 · · Poultry 101

Welsh Harlequin ducks make an excellent small duck breed for backyard keeper. They are placid, great foragers and provide both eggs and meat.

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Breed Profile: Standard Bronze Turkey
September 1, 2022 · · Poultry 101

The Standard Bronze turkey is a heritage variety that is self-sufficient in a free-range system and can breed and raise poults naturally. It is an important variety to conserve for future sustainability.

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Breed Profile: Turken Chicken
August 1, 2022 · · Chickens 101

Turken or Naked Neck chickens tolerate heat well. Not all chickens with bare necks descend from the Transylvanian breed, which is a landrace with excellent dual-purpose qualities.

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Breed Profile: Icelandic Chicken
July 13, 2022 · · Chickens 101

Icelandic chickens (Icies) are an ancient landrace and are very diverse, robustly healthy, cold-hardy chickens. Sadly, they are threatened by diminished numbers during the 1970s and the consequent inbreeding.

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Breed Profile: Swedish Flower Hen
July 5, 2022 · · Chickens 101

The Swedish Flower Hen is a hardy, heritage landrace with beautiful plumage and a friendly nature. They are self-sufficient survivors, but the breed needs urgent conservation.

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Breed Profile: Silver Appleyard Duck
April 27, 2022 · · Poultry 101

Silver Appleyard ducks are a great all-round heavy breed: friendly, great foragers, growing quickly to produce delicious, lean meat and plentiful eggs.

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Breed Profile: Dominique Chicken
April 5, 2022 · · Chickens 101

The Dominique chicken is the oldest American breed and an icon of rural self-sufficiency, being very hardy and an excellent forager and mother. Her calm and friendly nature makes her an excellent choice for the homestead.

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7 Chicken Coop Basics That Your Chickens Need
March 11, 2022 · · Coops

Chicken coop basics aim to cater for all chickens’ needs within the coop interior and run. Thoughtful design can create a layout that fulfills chicken welfare needs.

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Chicken Society—Are Chickens Social Animals?
January 25, 2022 · · Chickens 101, Members Only

Are chickens social animals? Learn about the rules, tricks, and sophistication of chicken society.

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