Backyard Poultry

Marek’s Disease

August 17, 2020 · Lacey Hughett · Flock Files

Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) causes tumorsand immunosuppression in chickens, and occasionally turkeys and quail. Infected flocks generally show clinical signs between six and 30 weeks of age; however, the disease can affect older birds as well. Not all infected birds show symptoms but will continue to shed the virus for life.

Hens in Prison — and Loving It!

August 12, 2020 · Susie Kearley · Chickens 101

The British Hen Welfare Trust have placed 199 hens at Guys Marsh Prison in Dorset, UK. It’s part of a rehabilitation program for the prisoners, called “Project Jail Bird.” Their large enclosure is a far cry from the small cages they were trapped in as commercial layers.

Green Iguanas Help Poultry Flocks

August 5, 2020 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Coops

Green Iguanas help poultry flocks by providing interspecies companionship for your chickens, and may also be able to keep flies in your coop at bay!

Biosecurity: Keeping Your Flock Healthy

August 5, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Feed & Health

Biosecurity may sound like a hollow corporate catchphrase, but it’s a critical part of modern farming. Read on to learn how to keep your flock healthy and ward off disease.

Hatching Duck Eggs

July 30, 2020 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Eggs & Meat

Hatching duck eggs is an awe-inspiring experience. Since domestic duck breeds rarely go broody (i.e. sit on fertile eggs until they hatch), using an incubator is generally your best bet.

My Automatic Poultry Waterers

July 29, 2020 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Coops

I’ve tried several different designs for a poultry watering device that I don’t have to fill manually every few days. I wanted a system that would fill automatically and keep the water clean and did not cost an arm and a leg.

Nutritional Deficiencies in Chickens

July 29, 2020 · Rebecca Sanderson · Feed & Health

Are your chickens getting the nutrition they need? Here are some of the more common nutritional deficiencies in chickens you may encounter in your flock.

What is the Best Feed for Chickens in Summer?

July 28, 2020 · Janet Garman · Feed & Health

Heat waves, moisture, humidity, and molting are all conditions that are part of summer. Learn how to feed your flock properly during the summer months.

Coping with Losing a Chicken

July 25, 2020 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Feed & Health

Losing a pet chicken can be challenging for people who love their chickens like family members. Whether from the ravages of time or predators, it feels like the end of the world.