POULTRY CARE TOPICS
LATEST BLOG POSTS ON THIS TOPIC:
Sour Crop: The Name Says It All!
From the name “sour crop” you can deduce the anatomical location (aka the crop) and the smell (aka sour). What and where is the crop? The crop is a pouch (see Figure 1) just “south” of the esophagus, used for softening feed and temporary food storage in prey species (predator avian species typically do not have a crop) of birds including chickens. The purpose of the crop is to allow a bird to quickly swallow
Keeping Your Flock Cool: Assessing and Reducing Heat Stress in Backyard Chickens
Just like us humans, heat stress can be a major concern for backyard chickens. Poultry, particularly chickens, are susceptible to heat-related issues, which can lead to reduced egg production, poor growth, and even fatalities if not properly managed. Understanding how to assess and reduce heat stress is essential to ensure the health and well-being of your flock. In this article, we'll delve into the basics of identifying heat stress in chickens and implementing effective measures
Getting Goose Bumps about Basic Care of Geese
Backyard poultry-keeping has grown in popularity, with chickens being the most common choice for many enthusiasts. However, an increasing number of individuals are discovering the joys of raising geese in their backyards. Geese are delightful, sociable creatures that offer unique benefits to poultry enthusiasts. This article will delve into the basic care of backyard geese while highlighting the similarities and differences with backyard chickens. Housing and Space Both geese and chickens require housing to protect
Wildfire Preparedness Tips for Chicken Owners
It is once again wildfire season in California, and that means it is time to review preparedness plans both for ourselves and our feathered friends. To ensure the safety of your chickens amidst the increased risk of wildfires, it's essential to take proactive measures. This article provides practical tips for chicken owners to prepare for wildfires. Plan ahead: Have an evacuation plan. Identify a safe place for your chickens before disasters strike, considering that public
Backyard Ducks: A Quack-tastic Guide to Basic Care
When it comes to keeping backyard poultry, chickens have long been the “go-to choice” for most poultry enthusiasts. However, over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of backyard ducks. These quacky and charismatic creatures not only make excellent pets but also offer a plethora of benefits to the garden and its environment. In addition, while ducks (in general) lay fewer eggs than chickens, their eggs are larger and
Talking Turkey about Backyard Turkey
Backyard chickens are the Beanie Babies of the 2020s. While you can’t “collect them all,” they definitely seem to be very, very popular. Enthusiasts, love them for their eggs, meat, quirkiness and companionship. Interestingly turkeys don’t seem to be as popular amongst the backyard chicken enthusiasts. While there are similarities between caring for chickens and turkeys, there are also notable differences that deserve attention. For example, female turkeys only lay an egg once or twice