Learning About Chickens

Reader Contribution by Faithful Homesteader
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After a stray chicken wandered into my yard, I became a chicken mama. I have been on a journey of learning ever since. I find chickens to be fascinating creatures and I really do like learning all about them.

Our chickens roam free in the backyard during the day, but in the evening, they always return on their own to the coop. I think that is pretty cool how they know where they need to be at night.

I am fascinated by the whole egg laying experience as well. For the most part our girls know how to use the nesting boxes that we provide. On occasion, they have sought other places to lay. It is funny how they always want to use the same one even when plenty of boxes are provided. Our Cochin Bantam likes to find her own places and she can squeeze into a smaller space, but our Red Star was determined to make her way into the smaller area too. It can be entertaining to watch.

I read about the health benefits of cayenne in chickens and it is so interesting to me how even though it is hot for humans, it is not for chickens. Apparently, they do not have heat receptors. I use it on occasion to help with deworming.

I love watching my girls take dirt baths. This is necessary for healthy chickens. This keeps them clean and helps them ward off things like mites. I can always tell where the girls have been bathing.

After a break from laying, a good indicator of when the girls will start up again is the submissive squat. There have been times when the girls would only do that when confronted by the other hens, but then they will start doing it for me. I like it because I can actually pet them rather than have them run from me.

This is just a handful of things that I have enjoyed learning about since I have started raising my backyard chickens. I am always learning and always enjoying what the girls have to offer.

  • Published on Oct 9, 2015
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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