Backyard Chickens and Roosters

Can ducks eat chicken feed? When raising ducks and chickens together, it’s important to know if they can share feed and eat the same foods. They have different nutritional requirements, and their feeds are designed to meet those needs. When raising ducks for the first time, it’s important to know if ducks can eat chicken feed and can ducklings eat chick starter. This includes starter, grower, finisher, and breeder feeds. As such, let’s talk about … Read more

You need to know what to feed ducklings if you’re considering raising or breeding ducks. Their dietary needs change depending on their age.  Knowing what to feed ducklings is also important if you want to raise strong, healthy animals. As a first time duckling owner, you’ll also need answers to questions like “How often should ducklings be fed?” and “How to feed a baby duck?” We’ll this information and more to ensure that your ducklings … Read more

Here we explain how do chickens mate. Like all animals, chickens also have mating rituals they abide by. If you’re planning on getting chickens and a rooster for your backyard, learning how do chickens mate is crucial. When learning how chickens mate, you’ll discover that it is a process that comes with a little bit of variety. Still, some standards are typical across all types of chickens and roosters. Learning about chicken mating rituals ensures you … Read more

Whether you are thinking about raising chickens for eggs, for show,  or adding to your brood, here’s what to know about the Sumatra chicken. The Sumatra chicken is an ornamental breed. Many people raise them to show or to breed. While they lay eggs, that isn’t the main reason to keep Sumatra chickens.  In addition, homesteaders rarely raise them for meat as they have small carcasses. Raising Sumatra Chickens It’s important to know, this breed … Read more

If you want to raise ducks, you’ll need to either buy a duck house or learn how to build a duck house yourself. Before you start building, there are some considerations to keep in mind to ensure you meet their needs better and make maintenance and cleaning easier. Ducks are among the most easy-going animals to raise. When considering how to house ducks, remember it needs to protect them from predators. The best duck house … Read more

Learn about the Speckled Sussex chicken and if it’s right for your hobby farm. They are a bit larger than other chicken breeds with  friendly personalities. In addition to being good egg layers and an excellent meat source, speckled Sussex chickens have an interesting appearance that makes them very popular among homesteaders. They have speckled white on their feathers which almost looks like snow. This breed has a single comb with five defined pointy ends. … Read more

Australorp sounds like a unique name for a chicken, but you’d be surprised at how common they are. You’ve even likely seen one, as they are a popular breed for homesteaders. They are hardy in cold as well as hot temperatures.  Also known as “egg-laying machines”, they are a beautiful chicken breed that quickly became the honorary national bird of Australia. This Australorp care guide explains the need-to-know information about these chickens. You’ll also learn … Read more

There are many domestic duck breeds to consider if you want to raise backyard ducks. Learn which is best whether you want them for meat, eggs, to show, for breeding, or down. Many duck breeds are dual-purpose. Whether you are starting out homesteading or have a small farm, ducks make a good addition. If you plan to raise them for meat or a pet, you will still have the benefit of eggs. If you want … Read more

The Buff Orpington is among the most popular chicken breeds. It is a large and attractive chicken known for its docility, quiet personality, and great temperament. It is also classified by the American Poultry Association (APA) as a heritage chicken. They naturally mate and have a long, productive outdoor lifespan of 5 – 7 years. Buff Orpingtons make an excellent addition to backyard chicken coops. History of the Buff Orpington When the “chicken fever” died … Read more

Some common questions are, “How long do fresh eggs last?” and “Do you refrigerate fresh eggs?” This is because modern people in the USA live with several layers of separation between themselves and their food. Most modern food contains preservatives, so it’s difficult to know how long fresh foods, such as eggs, last.  We will answer these questions and more to ensure you eat healthy and fresh eggs all the time. What Are the Differences … Read more