domestic chicken

Hens Stop Laying in Winter Because of Feed Many Keepers Think Is Ideal Grain Alone Isn’t Enough

Egg production often drops in autumn and winter, but it doesn’t have to collapse. The key is a balanced layer ration, unfrozen water, adequate light, and a calm, dry coop rather than relying on grain alone.

5 min read

The Most Common Mistake With Home-Laid Eggs That Seems Careful but Actually Harms Them

Fresh eggs from your own or local hens have a natural protective coating that helps keep bacteria out. Washing them too soon can strip that protection and shorten their keeping quality.

5 min read

Egg Laying Drops in Autumn and Keepers Return to a Generations-Old Trick

As the days shorten and temperatures dip, many hens naturally slow down on egg production. A simple, traditional add-in of garlic with a tiny pinch of black pepper can help support the flock’s overall condition as autumn sets in.

5 min read

How to Feed Laying Hens So They Stay Healthy, Lay Steady All Year and Produce Strong Shells

A well-balanced diet is the key to healthy hens, strong eggshells and consistent laying. Learn what to feed, what to top up, and what to avoid through the seasons.

5 min read

Planning to Keep Chickens Ask Yourself These Five Questions First

With egg prices rising, keeping a small flock is tempting—but success depends on space, housing, security, feeding and choosing the right birds. These five practical questions will help you decide whether chickens will be a joy or a headache.

5 min read

How to Get Your Chicken Coop Ready for Summer So Hens Can Handle Heat and Parasites

As spring turns to summer, heat and parasites can quickly undermine laying performance and flock health. A few timely coop and run upgrades will keep hens cooler, cleaner, and less stressed through the hottest weeks.

5 min read

How to Manage Deep Litter in a Chicken Coop and Get Excellent Garden Fertiliser

The deep-litter method keeps your chicken coop cleaner with less winter work while turning bedding and manure into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. With the right balance of dry material, turning, and ventilation, you’ll end up with valuable compost for your beds.

5 min read

How to Tame Chickens So They Come When Called and Trust You

Chickens are far more observant than many people think, and with calm, consistent handling they can learn to come when called. A clear cue, timely treats, and patience are the foundations of real trust.

5 min read

Interesting Facts About Chicken Eggs from Laying to Hatching Chicks

From how an egg forms inside the hen to what affects laying, shell colour and odd eggs, this guide explains the basics in practical, keeper-friendly terms. It also covers fertilisation, broody hens, hatching, and simple ways to judge egg freshness in the kitchen.

5 min read