Expert tips and tricks for backyard chicken keeping
The chicken comb sits on top of the head and in a healthy hen is likely to be red, plump, and glossy, this often denotes she’s in lay. The comb is made up of collagen fibers in the form of protein bundles, similar to that of a rubber band, helping to give the comb its...
Chickens are like all other animals that can become injured or sick and require immediate care in order to recover. A fight can occur between birds causing injury, or your bird could be attacked by a predator. You can easily do the basics with a few pointers....
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can work wonders for your chooks - naturally! It can be used to help ward off infection by boosting the immune system. Unpasteurised is the best. It's this raw, unprocessed type that contains the "mother". The "mother" develops during...
Your chicken’s poo will differ depending on what they eat and the season, but can also be an indicator of their health. A good guide is to monitor your chicken's poo and note any differences. By monitoring your chicken's output, you can often get an early indication...
First of all - NO! Chickens do not have teeth. They eat with the beak. This is the perfect tool for pecking feed in crumble or pellet form, small grains, grass or insects - sometimes a mouse! Their mouth contains glands that secrete saliva, which wets the feed to make...
Something I often get asked about is eggshells. Why my egg shells soft? Why are they lumpy? There can be many variations of a chicken egg! Why Do Eggshells Vary? 1. Age of the Hen Older Hens: As hens age, particularly those in the final stage of their laying...
Well, summer is truly upon us. Like an athlete will drink Powerade after a race, sometimes chickens need a little boost and rebalancing. Electrolytes replace sodium, potassium and minerals in the body lost due to stress, overheating or dehydration; they also rehydrate...
Whilst Summer is a great time of year for us, full of fun and festivities, this can be a tough season for your backyard flock. We are so lucky in Australia, having beautiful long summers days, but anything over 30 degrees celsius can cause heat stress and heat related...
Garlic has long been touted to ward off a whole list of poultry ailments including respiratory problems, infection, and as general support to the immune system. At The Good Life Backyard, we use it in our health bars, and natural blends. But, what does garlic really...