Articles by BYC Project Manager
It can be very expensive to feed chickens! Growing some feed or treats for chickens often allows chicken keepers to reduce their feed costs. You can grow sunflowers easily in any yard or garden, and they make a great chicken treat.
You can grow several varieties of sunflowers for your chickens...
Over the past few months, the United States Department of Agriculture discovered cases of deadly avian influenza in U.S. poultry flocks, alerting producers. Meanwhile, an outbreak of avian influenza was reported in a flock of backyard birds in Fauquier County, Virginia.
In December 2014, the...
Chickens are delightful creatures that make great pets, provide fresh eggs, and can even help maintain your garden. As a responsible chicken owner, it’s important to provide your birds with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. However, it can be tempting to give your feathered...
In recent years, the idea of raising chickens in the backyard has become increasingly popular. Many people have discovered the benefits of keeping chickens. Raising chickens not only provides a source of healthy, organic protein, but it is also an enjoyable and educational experience for the...
Can Chickens Swim? Ducks and chickens evolved differently in terms of swimming in water. Even though they swim, they do not necessarily need to. Chickens can swim in water if placed in a survival situation. Although they won't be able to build the same forward momentum as ducks, and won’t paddle...
When people do not clean out their chicken coops regularly, they risk losing chickens to diseases they can easily prevent. A clean chicken coop reduces the chances of germs spreading and will keep your flock healthy.
Part of your cleaning schedule should include replacing old and soiled bedding...
Keeping chickens has become increasingly popular among homeowners and farmers due to the benefits they provide, including fresh eggs, meat, and fertilizer. However, keeping chickens also requires providing them with a secure and comfortable space to roam and graze. A chicken run is an enclosed...
As the warm days of summer arrive, it's important to pay special attention to the well-being of our feathered friends, the chickens. Like humans, chickens can be affected by high temperatures, so it's crucial for poultry owners to take proactive measures to ensure their flocks stay happy and...
Chickens are generally not picky eaters. They have different priorities and perceptions about food than most other animals. Most animals are interested in food that tastes good. Chickens, on the other hand, are visual eaters. When they see something, they look at it to see if it's edible, and...
We are constantly stunned at how knowledgeable and helpful our community members are! Over the years our amazing article collection in the Learning Center has grown tremendously. In order to help you write perfect, high ranking articles on BYC, we've put together a few tips:
While we mostly...
Do you have old pieces of furniture lying around or you’re thinking of throwing out? What about a car, bed frames or drawers? Instead of throwing it out, upcycle it. Upcycling is a wonderful way to turn a throwaway item into something new and worth keeping. Our members learned that very thing...
The cabbage is a common vegetable that you can easily find in any store. Maybe you’re even growing your own. Because of how common it is, you might be thinking if you can give them to your chickens. However, you might be worried if it’s safe for them. Chickens love eating, but they cannot safely...
It has become increasingly popular for homeowners to raise backyard turkeys. In addition to being great pets, turkeys provide fresh and delicious meat for dinner. However, if you have never raised turkeys before, you may be wondering when to begin. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this...
The chicken is an omnivore, so it eats most things. The primary source of nutrition for chickens should always be high-quality chicken feed, but vegetables are also beneficial. There are, however, some vegetables that are poisonous to chickens.
So Can Chickens Eat Kale?
Among the best leafy...
The same way you can eat mangoes and benefit from their many health benefits, so can your chickens. A mango is a healthy treat that comes with a variety of health benefits for your birds.
Besides having a delicious taste, this tropical fruit has a high nutritional profile. You can help your...
Distinguished by protruding eyes, short antennae, and opalescent wings, cicada eyes are set widely apart on their heads. They produce a loud, drum-like sound by clasping and unclasping rapid drum-like tymbals that are similar in appearance to the tymbals of most insect species.
The periodical...
You may want to consider giving your chickens pears if you want to feed them a fruit that is nutrient-rich and low in calories. In addition to minerals and vitamins, pears are a great source of nutrients for chickens. You can make pears a staple in your chicken's diet as long as they are safe to...
Tractor coops are great for small numbers of chickens and large spaces. They are basically big movable rectangular frames with chicken wire over the sides and are usually floor-less.
Often constructed of wood, PVC pipe, or metal framework, they usually have a coop with closed-in sides at one...
There is no doubt that backyard chickens are tough animals that can live in some of the most challenging situations. It is necessary, however, to provide some assistance to the birds during the harsh freezing winter months. While raising chickens during the winter can seem challenging, it is not...
Ducks have gained popularity among homeowners who seek an enjoyable and low-maintenance addition to their backyard poultry, besides chickens and geese. However, achieving friendly and well-behaved ducks requires investing time in training and acclimating them. This process can be both gratifying...