Thinking about some new chickens?

Abnormal Egg Problems: Problems and Causes Part 1 - Egg and Eggshell Formation  In order to evaluate the causes and solutions of problems associated with shell quality, it is necessary to understand the processes of egg and eggshell formation. 1.1 The ovary and oviduct Figure 2 show the reproductive system of the domestic hen. Birds are unique among animals because only one ovary (the left) matures to the stage where it releases eggs or ova into the oviduct. The ovary of a mature hen contains thousands of immature oocytes that develop sequentially into follicles (known also as ova or yolks)...

Common Chicken IllnessesIt is a rare chicken that will live it’s life and be entirely illness free, much the same as us or any other animal. If you are unfamiliar with keeping chickens, the first time one of your girls gets sick can be very stressful as the unknown seems enormous. This article aims to provide some basic information about some common chicken illnesses, along with treatment options and links to more detailed information.We believe that it is useful to be aware of these diseases so you can draw on this knowledge if you need to.There is also some general...

PREVENTION is the key with preventing outbreaks in your coop.  Lice and Mites quickly become fatal to your birds if left unchecked and outbreaks become costly and time consuming to treat! How do I know when my poultry have lice? Monthly or bi-monthly flock inspections of each chicken should be performed in order to identify and address parasites before an infestation worsens and birds begin exhibiting signs of parasites. Particular attention should be paid to brooding hens as they dust-bathe less frequently than usual and are especially vulnerable to parasites.   The best place to check your birds is under the...

sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan during the egg-laying process. Despite the hens best efforts, the egg can sometimes become stuck inside her while it’s travelling inside the oviduct. This issue is known as egg-binding. Egg-binding is not particularly pleasant for anyone involved, and if not treated quickly, can unfortunately have fatal results. What causes it? There are a number of causes as to why your chicken may become egg-bound: A lack of calcium or other nutritional issues- overweight chickens are also at risk. If the egg being laid is unusually large or oddly shaped An infection in the...

Chicken keepers have been giving raw garlic to their hens for decades, possibly longer, to help them treat infection and respiratory problems but also to improve their appetite and the size and quality of the eggs they lay. After a few weeks of use, the sulphur from chicken's droppings is also reduced which can make your chicken coop and run smell better. When freshly crushed, garlic releases allicin and allicetoins that have antibacterial properties.  Not only is garlic a super food for us, it is commonly used for treating ailments in many animals. I often add garlic powder to my chickens'...