BIG Feathers Farm

Top Egg-Laying Chickens for Backyard Freshness Best Egg-Laying Chickens for Your Backyard Raising chickens in your backyard is a rewarding hobby that provides fresh eggs and companionship. Choosing the right chicken breeds is essential to maximize egg production and ensure a harmonious flock. This guide explores the best egg-laying chickens and provides tips to support your backyard poultry journey. Factors to Consider When Choosing Egg-Laying Chickens Climate Compatibility: Choose breeds suited for your local weather conditions. Egg Production Rates: Opt for breeds known for consistent laying. Temperament: Ensure the breeds are friendly and adaptable to a backyard environment. Care Requirements: Consider the time and effort needed for proper care. Top Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard Rhode Island Red The Rhode Island Red is a hardy and versatile ...

Backyard Chicken Farming Tips Master Backyard Chicken Farming with Expert Tips! Backyard chicken farming has surged in popularity among urban and rural homesteaders alike. For many, raising backyard chickens symbolizes self-sustainability, a connection to nature, and the joy of collecting fresh eggs. Whether you are just starting your homesteading journey or looking to expand your farming ventures, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the essentials of backyard chicken farming. Why Choose Backyard Chickens for Your Homestead? Backyard chickens are a natural addition to any homestead. They provide a consistent source of fresh eggs, help manage waste by consuming kitchen scraps, and contribute to pest control by eating insects in your yard. For those practicing backyard farming, chickens add a layer of sustainability that is both rewarding and practical. They are also a delightful way to introduce children to the responsibilities of caring for animals. Homesteading with c...

The Joy of Raising Backyard Chickens: Fresh Eggs and Fun Companionship Discover the joys of raising backyard chickens, from fresh eggs to sustainable living and enhanced family bonding. Fun of Raising Backyard Chickens Introduction to the Joys of Backyard Chickens Raising backyard chickens can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any home gardener or animal lover. Not only do they provide fresh, nutritious eggs, but they also contribute natural fertilizer and effective pest control, making them a fabulous addition to any household. In fact, over 5 million pet chickens are kept in the UK alone, with a staggering 85 million in the USA, highlighting their growing popularity as beloved pets. The trend of keeping chickens promotes sustainable living practices and reduces reliance on industrial farming, which can have detrimental effects on our environment. By choosing to raise chickens, individuals can participate in a more humane way of producing food while enjoying the del...

Winter Survival Guide: Keeping Your Chickens Safe and Happy from Predators Discover essential tips to protect your chickens from winter challenges and predators while ensuring their health and well-being. Understanding Winter Challenges for Chickens Understanding the behavioral changes of chickens during winter is crucial for their well-being and safety from predators. As temperatures drop, chickens face several challenges, including the risk of frostbite on their combs and wattles, which can occur if they are not properly cared for. Additionally, increased moisture levels in coops can lead to respiratory issues, making it essential for chicken owners to manage humidity effectively. With shorter daylight hours, chickens may also experience a decline in egg production, further stressing both the birds and their caretakers. Chickens are naturally resilient creatures, but winter can push their limits. Cold temperatures can lead to behavioral changes such as reduced activity and incr...

Winter Warrior: Essential Strategies for Protecting Your Chickens from Predators Learn how to effectively protect your chickens from winter predators with essential coop designs, deterrent techniques, and management strategies. Understanding the Importance of Protecting Chickens in Winter The winter months present unique challenges for chicken owners, primarily due to an increased risk of predator attacks. As food becomes scarcer for wildlife, predators will often seek out easier sources of nourishment, which can place backyard chickens in jeopardy. For example, raccoons and coyotes, typically nocturnal hunters, become particularly desperate and opportunistic, making the protection of flocks essential during this time. Proactive measures are crucial for the safety and wellbeing of chickens. The colder weather can prompt predators to become more adventurous, often leading them closer to residential areas. By understanding these risks and implementing effective protection strategie...

Free-Range Chickens: Seasonal Struggles Explained Free-Range Chickens: Seasonal Struggles Explained Did you know? Free-range chickens produce eggs that are not only more nutritious but also significantly more environmentally sustainable compared to caged systems. However, these benefits come with challenges, especially when seasons change. How Weather Impacts Free-Range Chickens Dealing with Predators Year-Round Seasonal Food Availability Case Study: A Farmer's Seasonal Struggles What Do Free-Range Chickens Do in Winter? How to Keep Free-Range Chickens Cool in Summer The Downsides of Free-Range Chickens Introduction Free-range chickens offer a humane and sustainable alternative to industrial farming. Yet, these birds face unique seasonal challenges, ranging from extreme weather to resource availability. This article explores these strug...

Rare Chocolate Silver Laced Orpington Chickens: A Stunning Addition to Your Flock When it comes to eye-catching poultry breeds, the Rare Chocolate Silver Laced Orpington stands out as a true gem. Revered for their unique appearance and gentle temperament, these chickens are highly sought after by homesteaders and chicken enthusiasts alike. Whether you're interested in enhancing your flock's beauty or boosting your egg production, this rare breed has a lot to offer. The Origins of the Chocolate Silver Laced Orpington The Orpington breed was first developed in the late 19th century in England by William Cook. Designed to be a dual-purpose bird for meat and eggs, Orpingtons quickly gained popularity due to their productivity and adaptability. The Chocolate Silver Laced Orpington , a modern rarity, is a newer variety bred for its stunning feather patterns and rich chocolate hues combined with intricate silver lacing. This breed is a marvel ...

Throwing a Chicken Party: Big Feathers Farm's 3rd Anniversary Celebration Throwing a Chicken Party: Big Feathers Farm's 3rd Anniversary Celebration At BIG Feathers Farm , life is all about celebrating the little joys of homesteading. For our 3rd anniversary, we decided to throw a unique party-not for us, but for our beloved chickens , including the ever-charismatic Bob the Rooster . This event was not just a milestone; it was a chance to honor our flock while sharing some essential tips for Chicken Care 101. Planning the Chicken Party To make the party memorable, we enlisted the help of Bria, a fellow homesteader and chicken enthusiast. Together, we brainstormed ideas to ensure the chickens enjoyed themselves while staying safe. From choosing chicken-friendly foods to picking out bright decorations, everything was planned with care. Our goal was not only to entertain the flock but also to inspire other homestead enthusiasts with creative ways to enrich ...

Chickens Catching Mice Chickens LOVE to Catch Mice and Rats! Mice infestations are a common issue for farms and homesteads, particularly around chicken coops. These small pests not only pose health risks but can also damage supplies and spread diseases. While conventional methods of pest control involve traps, poisons, or other farm animals, there is a surprisingly effective and natural alternative: chickens. Yes, your backyard flock can do more than lay eggs; they can serve as your first line of defense against mice. Understanding the Mouse Problem on Farms Farms, especially those with barns and coops, provide an ideal habitat for mice. These rodents thrive in environments with easy access to food, shelter, and nesting spaces. Left unchecked, a mouse infestation can grow rapidly, leading to: Contaminated food supplies. Chewed-through wiring and structural damage. The spread of diseases harmful to both animals and h...

 

Choosing the Best Brown Chicken Breeds for Your Easy Backyard Farming Adventure A comprehensive guide to the top 8 easy-to-raise brown chicken breeds for backyard farming, including tips on selecting the ideal breed, preparing your backyard, winter care, managing broodiness, and promoting sustainable and ethical farming practices with BIG Feathers Farm. ISA Brown Chickens Overview of the Top 8 Brown Chicken Breeds for Backyard Farming The allure of brown chicken breeds for backyard farming is undeniable. These breeds not only exhibit a stunning array of brown shades that enhance the visual appeal of your coop but also boast remarkable qualities that make them a top choice for both beginners and experienced farmers alike. Among the myriad of chicken breeds available, eight brown varieties have garnered particular attention for their exceptional egg-laying abilities, resilience, and adaptability to backyard settings. The ISA Brown is celebrated for laying over 300 eggs per year , m...