Backyard Chickens
How to Set Up Nesting Boxes for New Hens (So They Use Them)
Set up chicken nesting boxes before your pullets start laying: how many you need, how high to hang them, what to line them with, and the…
Backyard Chickens
How to Clean and Sanitize a Chicken Coop in Late Winter
A full coop cleanout is easiest on a mild late-winter day. Here's how I clean and sanitize a chicken coop before spring: scrape, scrub, dry, and…
Backyard Chickens
How to Get Hens to Lay in the Nest Box, Not the Yard
Hens laying outside the nest box? Here's why it happens and how to fix it: box count, lighting, clean bedding, fake eggs, and the training routine…
Backyard Chickens
The Best Supplies for New Chicken Keepers (An Honest List)
The chicken keeping starter supplies I'd actually buy for a first flock, what I'd skip, and what to get locally. An honest list from a Tennessee…
Backyard Chickens
How to Get Your Chickens Ready for a Sudden Cold Snap
A 48-hour cold snap checklist for backyard chickens: unfrozen water, dry deep litter, flat roosts that cover their feet, and the heat-lamp mistake to skip.
Backyard Chickens
How to Keep Chicken Eggs From Freezing in the Coop
Frozen eggs crack, and a cracked egg is a mess. Here's how I keep chicken eggs from freezing in the coop: collection timing, nest-box bedding, and…
Backyard Chickens
Best Winter Supplies for Backyard Chickens: My Short List
The best winter supplies for backyard chickens, from a Tennessee keeper who learned it the cold way: thawed water, dry bedding, and the few extras worth…
Backyard Chickens
How to Ventilate a Chicken Coop in Winter Without Freezing
Chicken coop ventilation in winter keeps frostbite and damp at bay. Here's how much vent space you need, where to put it, and how to stop…
Backyard Chickens
Chickens in Snow: How and When to Let Your Flock Out
Chickens in snow are tougher than most keepers fear. Here's when to open the pop door, how to build a cleared patch, and how to keep…
Backyard Chickens
How to Leave Your Chickens for a Holiday Weekend Safely
Can you leave chickens for a weekend over the holidays? Yes, with the right water setup, dry bedding, and a sitter plan. Here's how I do…