Backyard Poultry Care Archives

Sour Crop: The Name Says It All!

Joseph Gendreau2023-11-17T19:30:27-08:00

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 what food it can, store it in the crop, then fly to safety and digest the meal. Food enters the crop after exiting the esophagus

Sour Crop: The Name Says It All!Joseph Gendreau2023-11-17T19:30:27-08:00

Keeping Your Flock Cool: Assessing and Reducing Heat Stress in Backyard Chickens

Joseph Gendreau2023-07-19T14:06:57-07:00

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 to keep your feathered friends cool and content. Identifying Heat Stress in Chickens Chickens are most comfortable in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to

Keeping Your Flock Cool: Assessing and Reducing Heat Stress in Backyard ChickensJoseph Gendreau2023-07-19T14:06:57-07:00

Getting Goose Bumps about Basic Care of Geese

Joseph Gendreau2023-07-19T13:54:07-07:00

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 them from predators and extreme weather conditions. Coops and enclosures should be secure, well-ventilated, and spacious enough to allow the birds to move freely. Geese

Getting Goose Bumps about Basic Care of GeeseJoseph Gendreau2023-07-19T13:54:07-07:00