New Chick – photo by Nikol Lohr
Continuing on our springtime chicks’ ailment series, this week we discuss the common issue of “Pasty Butt.” The condition “Pasty Butt” occurs when feces get stuck and harden around the chick’s down surrounding the bird’s vent. The hardened feces can literally “paste” over the chick’s vent and block the excretion of feces. If not removed, this condition will kill the affected chick and rather quickly. Continue reading
Frida cooperating for Molting Picture – photo by Jen Pitino
Backyard chickens molt every year to replace broken, frayed and old feathers. Though conventionally, chickens molt in late summer/early fall, a bird can molt anytime of year that suits. Molting is both a physically and emotionally stressful time for the bird.
Meredith Chilson, a veteran chicken keeper with over forty years of experience and knowledge joins me on the Urban Chicken Podcast this week to discuss feather molting in chickens. Meredith also shares some practical tips on how to make the molting process a little easier for you flock. Continue reading
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Across all continents and cultures, man has been using herbs for their medicinal and beneficial properties for thousands of years. Even today it is estimated that 80% of the world’s population relies on herbal medicines as part of their primary health care. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda (Hindu medicine) continues to be based on the use of herbal therapies and remedies. The beneficial properties of herbs are not limited to humans.
Every backyard chicken owner can promote the health and happiness of their hens through the use of fresh and dried herbs. There are numerous herbs which can repel pests, promote vitality and improve the overall well-being with your birds. In a nutshell, you can use herbs as simple, aromatic and inexpensive tools for your flock. When given the opportunity, chickens will freely eat herbs to get the benefits from these plants and flowers.
Certified herbalist and backyard chicken keeper Tina Hickman joins me on the Urban Chicken Podcast this week to discuss the many ways herbs can be used to benefit your hens. Continue reading
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Swedish Flower Hens eating fermented feed – photo courtesy of Leigh Edwards
Fermenting certain foods is a very traditional method of food preservation and also enhancing nutrition. When it comes to feeding our backyard flock, fermentation is an excellent method to improve the diet and health of our flock through improving the gut chemistry of our birds.
Today’s guests on the Urban Chicken Podcast are Leigh Edwards and Sue Strantz – both experts in holistic, natural chicken keeping. Leigh and Sue join me on the show to discuss all of the ins and outs of how to properly ferment various types of chicken feed. Continue reading
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European Eagle Owl – photo by Mara 1
Predators are always a concern for chicken owners. What may not be widely known amongst chicken keepers is that the risk of attack upon your flock may actually be worse in winter months than during other times of the year.
In order to properly guard backyard flocks from becoming prey to hungry predators of all sorts, chicken keepers need to properly prepare and protect their birds. Today on the Urban Chicken Podcast we discuss the best techniques to prevent attracting predators to your backyard coop and protecting your hens if the predators are already there. Continue reading
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Like most people, I love to receive mail (so long as it is not a bill or junk). Recently, I have gotten several messages from Urban Chicken Podcast listeners, who wrote to either pose a burning chicken question they have or to share a useful chicken tip. Today on the UCP, I am sharing three of these listener letters with the audience and answering questions such as “how cold is too cold for your chickens?” and “what do I think about feeding chickens sprouted grains and soldier flies?” and much more. I also talk about an email that provides me and the UCP listeners a great tip on a resource for quality poultry education classes and teachers. Continue reading
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Endless Battery Cages in Egg Factory Farm by Farm Sanctuary
Lately, chickens are the centerpiece of a growing political battle in America. Little did Henny Penny know, that one state’s effort to pass a state law to provide her with a slightly larger battery cage at the factory egg farm would cause a national, political stir. Continue reading
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