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Protecting Chickens from Predators
Livestock
Whether you’re in an urban environment or surrounded by acres of land, other critters may want to cash in on the hard work you’re putting into raising chickens. Here are some tips for coop construction and care that will help keep predators at bay.
Terms Every Chicken Owner Should Know
Farm
Newcomers to the world of raising chickens face a whirlwind of new terms and unfamiliar jargon associated with poultry production. Reviewing this list of chicken terminology and chicken-related definitions will quickly have you knowing the difference between a wattle and a comb. And when someone asks you how your pullets are, you'll know how to answer.
What To Expect With Your First Chicken Eggs
Livestock
It's an exciting time when your hens have reached maturity and are ready to lay eggs. Most hens start to lay eggs around the age of 4 to 6 months although the time can actually vary depending on the breed and the time of year. As a first-time chicken owner, what can you expect with your first eggs? Southern States has the answers to your questions here.
How to Set Up Your Brooder for New Chicks
Livestock
A good brooder provides your chicks a safe, clean home with plenty of airflow, warmth, food and water. You can purchase new brooder elements, or you can use items around your house to build a happy home for your new chicks.
Safe Handling Techniques for Baby Chicks
Livestock
Practicing safe handling techniques protects both you and your chicks. Start off on the right foot by buying your chicks from a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified hatchery. This ensures the chicks arrive free of many poultry-specific diseases that could hurt them and you.
Educating Your Children about Your Chickens
Farm
Backyard flocks can teach children about responsibility and where food comes from, but children must understand that there is a potential health risk associated with handling chickens.
Exposing Chicks Pets or Other Animals
Farm
It’s not uncommon for domestic cats and dogs to want to make a tasty treat out of chicks or even full-grown chickens. However, while your pets may behave unpredictably around your chicks, there are steps you can take to protect your new feathered friends.
Building A Chicken Coop
Farm
Building a chicken coop is the first step towards healthier living and saving you dollars at the grocery store. Find what you need to get started at Southern States, from building your coop to selecting quality chicken feed, supplies & more.
How To Care For Your Chickens During Molting Season
Farm
Whether you are a first-time chicken owner or have had chickens for a while, knowing how to care for them while they molt is important to their overall health. All chickens molt annually. This occurs when the days start to get shorter and fall approaches. Some chickens will molt twice in one year and this second molt is called a soft molt. To the untrained eye, you will not be able to tell this is happening because your chickens will only lose some feathers to thin out their coat. During a hard molt, the chicken will become almost bald. This process can take anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks; however, each bird is different, and the length of its molting process can vary. Caring for your birds while they molt is of the utmost importance as they are more susceptible to illness.