Backyard Poultry

Silkie Chickens in Chinese Medicine

February 20, 2021 · Christine Heinrichs · Eggs & Meat

Silkies have been venerated in Chinese traditional medicine for more than 1,000 years. Scientific researchers are looking for a basis for their nutritional value.

Breed Profile: Lakenvelder Chicken

February 19, 2021 · Tamsin Cooper · Chickens 101

Lakenvelder chickens are excellent foragers, good layers, and are hardy birds with beautifully striking plumage. They are an endangered heritage breed from Germany and the Netherlands.

How Do Chickens Mate?

February 18, 2021 · Janet Garman · Feed & Health

How do chickens mate? It might seem a bit disturbing at first if you have not witnessed a rooster pursuing an available hen.

A Guide to Heat-Tolerant and Cold-Hardy Chicken Breeds

February 16, 2021 · Pam Freeman · Chickens 101

It’s important to choose the correct breed for your location, whether that be a cold-hardy chicken or a heat-tolerant chicken breed. Because let’s face it, the weather plays an important part in our lives.

Breed Profile: Cochin Chicken

February 14, 2021 · Countryside Editorial · Chickens 101

The Chinese Shanghai fowl (later changed to “Cochin”) came to Great Britain and America in 1845. The earliest Cochin chickens were more or less buff in color.

Red Egg and Ginger Party 紅雞蛋

February 12, 2021 · Cappy Tosetti · Eggs & Meat

A newborn baby is truly a bundle of joy! In China, proud parents go the extra mile by hosting a jubilant red egg and ginger party when the baby is a month old.

Top 10 Best Chickens for Eggs

February 11, 2021 · Pam Freeman · Chickens 101

If you’re in the business of selling eggs, it’s important to have the best chickens for eggs. Whether they’re green, brown or white, those eggs are the commodity you’re selling so they’ve got to be top-notch and plentiful.

Small is the Next Big Thing

February 10, 2021 · Christine Heinrichs · Eggs & Meat

The coronavirus pandemic showed how important small flocks are to production as well as breed conservation. Small flocks, like vegetable gardens, give their keepers a measure of self-sufficiency. You’ll always have eggs!