chicken Archives - Backyard Poultry

The Economics of Egg Farming

January 15, 2020 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Chickens 101

When I started egg farming, I kept track of my costs. The numbers surprised me. Turning a profit leaves a lot of factors to consider.

8 Interesting Features of the Silkie Chicken Breed

January 6, 2020 · Gail Damerow · Chickens 101

Silkies are distinctly different from any other chicken breed. They share a unique combination of genetic and behavioral features. In 2003, a group of Japanese researchers mapped the mitochondrial DNA of a Silkie to determine the breed’s genetic position in relation to other birds in the genus Gallus.

How an Injured Chick Became My Pet Chicken

December 6, 2019 · Melissa Knight · Chickens 101

Add to Favorites Several years ago, when we were fairly new to owning backyard chickens, we had a small flock of six, but we were ready to expand. While at …

Blue and Black Australorp Chicken: A Prolific Egg Layer

December 3, 2019 · Countryside Contributor · Chickens 101

Black Australorps are beautiful additions to a backyard flock. These are prolific egg layers! Their black feathers become iridescent in the sun reflecting stunning blues and greens.

What is Tempera Paint? How Eggs Shaped Art History

October 19, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Eggs & Meat

Learn what tempera paint is and how it used eggs to brighten up the world of art and architecture throughout history.

Ask the Expert: Parasites (Lice, Mites, Worms, Etc.)

September 1, 2019 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Ask The Expert

Do you have a question about parasites and your flock? You’re not alone! Look inside for questions and answers from other poultry owners.

Automating a Chicken Coop Door Using Arduino

August 16, 2019 · Erin Phillips · Coops

Add to Favorites When we designed our chicken coop, automating our chicken coop door was a necessity. There was already so much to consider, from the design and quantity of nesting …

How Do You Stop a Broody Hen?

August 14, 2019 · Gail Damerow · Feed & Health

How do you stop a broody hen? Learn techniques for breaking up the broody, including collecting eggs, moving the hen, covering the nest, and more.

Ask the Expert: Feathers

August 2, 2019 · Backyard Poultry Contributor · Ask The Expert

Do you have a question about molting, feather picking, or other feather issues? You’re not alone! Look inside for questions and answers from other poultry owners.