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Annie
9 hours ago4 min read
Understanding the Growth Stages of a Hen: From Chick to Mature Layer
There is nothing better than getting little chicks. I love listening to their tiny peeps and spend hours just observing their behaviors....
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Annie
Jan 283 min read
How to Treat Respiratory Infections in Chickens
Raising backyard chickens is so rewarding and fulfilling ! There’s nothing better than watching your girls flock toward you or collecting...
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Annie
Jan 133 min read
How to Deworm Chickens: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment
Deworming chickens is an essential part of maintaining a healthy flock. Worm infestations can lead to weight loss, decreased egg...
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Annie
Jan 133 min read
Why Aren’t My Hens Laying Eggs? Common Reasons and Solutions
It’s a cold January here in Minnesota and I’ve had a number of people reach out as to why their hens aren’t laying eggs. Keeping chickens...
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Annie
Jan 133 min read
When to Switch Chicken Feed: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Flock
When to switch chicken feed is a common question for new backyard chicken keepers. I get it! I had a lot of the same questions when I...
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Annie
Dec 30, 20244 min read
How to Care for Cracked Eggs in an Incubator
Incubating eggs is an exciting but sometimes stressful journey. I’ll never forget the first time I hatched Silkie chickens—it was both...
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Annie
Dec 27, 20242 min read
All About the Holland Chicken
Pictured: Barred Holland Chicken Picture Credit: Braided River Farm Holland chickens are a rare and special breed with plenty to offer....
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Annie
Dec 23, 20242 min read
The Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for Christmas
Picture Credit: PKP Way Merry Christmas, everyone! Today, I’m excited to share one of my family’s favorite holiday recipes—our delicious...
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Annie
Dec 17, 20244 min read
What Chickens Lay Pink Eggs?
Picture Credit: Spectrum Poultry I know what you’re thinking…pink eggs?!?! Stick with me. I’m not talking about bright pink eggs. While...
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Annie
Dec 10, 20242 min read
What Essential Oils Are in Coop Recuperate Orange Spice?
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know it’s not a secret. Coop Recuperate is hands down, one of my favorite...
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Annie
Dec 3, 20243 min read
How to Treat Thrush in Birds
Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that affects birds and is caused primarily by the Candida species. It can lead...
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Annie
Nov 20, 20243 min read
What Are the Best Seeds for Chickens
As we know, raising healthy and productive chickens requires a well balanced diet. One of the best ways to ensure your chickens get all...
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Annie
Nov 11, 20243 min read
How to Predator-Proof Your Chicken Coop and Keep Your Flock Safe
Keeping your chickens safe from predators is one of the biggest challenges for any backyard chicken keeper. Recently, I’ve had a couple...
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Annie
Nov 4, 20243 min read
How Long Can Chicken Eggs Stay in the Coop Before Harvesting?
When it comes to raising backyard chickens, one of the most rewarding moments is collecting fresh eggs. A question I get asked a lot is,...
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Annie
Oct 28, 20241 min read
Gramma’s Apple Dip Recipe: A Sweet and Easy Recipe for Any Gathering
I have the perfect side dish for you to bring to your next gathering! Sure, it’s easy to grab a bag of chips or cookies, but I promise...
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Annie
Oct 16, 20244 min read
What Chickens Lay White Eggs?
When it comes to backyard poultry, one of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is about the color of the eggs their hens will...
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Annie
Oct 8, 20244 min read
How to Treat Mites on Chickens
Today, we’re talking about the not-so-fun side of chicken keeping...mites! Yuck! I think mites and lice are every backyard chicken...
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Annie
Oct 1, 20242 min read
All About the Cinnamon Queen Chicken
Picture Credit: Hoover’s Hatchery The Cinnamon Queen chicken breed is a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers. Known for their...
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Annie
Sep 16, 20243 min read
Best Apple Butter Crock Pot Recipe: Easy, Delicious and Perfect for Fall
Are you guys ready for a super easy recipe for apple butter? Hurry up and go pick those apples hanging from your tree! Or if you don’t...
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Annie
Sep 3, 20242 min read
Easy Vegetable Egg Roll Ups
Fall is in the air, and while I’ve been holding on to the last days of summer, it’s time to face the reality of sending the kids back to...
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Annie
Aug 27, 20245 min read
What Chickens Lay Blue Eggs?
I remember when I started raising backyard chickens. The only thing I was concerned about was having nice chickens that loved me and laid...
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Annie
Aug 21, 20243 min read
How Far Can a Chicken Fly?
I’ve been raising chickens for nearly twenty years, and a question I often hear is, “How far can chickens actually fly?” Since chickens...
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Annie
Aug 14, 20244 min read
All About the Silver Laced Polish Chicken
Polish chickens are one of my all-time favorite breeds. They are quirky, hilarious and such fun chickens to watch! I’ve had a few...
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Annie
Aug 6, 20245 min read
Are Chickens Omnivores?
Believe it or not, chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals in the world, providing us with eggs, meat, and incredible...
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Strong Animals Team
Aug 2, 20245 min read
Chicken Lice 101: What You Need to Know
Chicken lice may not be the most glamorous topic, but they’re a critical concern for chicken owners everywhere. These pesky pests are...
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Annie
Jul 29, 20243 min read
How to Keep Chickens Cool in Summer: Easy Tips & Hydrating Treats
It’s hot here in Minnesota! The heat index has been in the high 90s and low 100s for the last week. The air is heavy with humidity and we...
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Annie
Jul 23, 20243 min read
Can Chickens Eat Eggshells?
Chickens are known for their quirky eating habits and foraging for interesting snacks right in your backyard. If you’re new to raising...
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Annie
Jul 16, 20243 min read
What Vegetables Can Chickens Eat?
Discover which veggies your chickens can safely enjoy! From leafy greens to pumpkins, these treats will keep your flock happy & healthy.
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Annie
Jul 10, 20243 min read
Can Turkeys and Chickens Live Together? Here's What You Need to Know
Photo Credit: Cackle Hatchery I remember when our kids begged us to add a couple of turkeys to our flock. While the idea sounded fun, we...
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Annie
Jul 1, 20242 min read
Best 4th of July Mocktails
Photo Credit: Sugar Maple Farmhouse Our family loves the 4th of July! Celebrating our country’s independence while hanging out with...
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Annie
Jun 21, 20242 min read
Treats for Chickens: Easy Homemade Recipe
It’s summertime and for the most part our flock loves to free range as much as possible during the day. They love to scavenge the yard...
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Annie
Jun 19, 20243 min read
Can I Have Chickens Where I Live? And How to Find Out
Keeping chickens as backyard pets and for egg production has become very popular among homeowners! I feel like since covid hit, backyard...
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Annie
Jun 10, 20242 min read
Cowboy Bean Recipe for Your Next Picnic
I have incredible memories of our kids’ birthday parties. One of my favorite memories is listening to my grandpa swoon over my baked...
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Annie
Jun 3, 20243 min read
Can Chickens Get Fleas?
Summer has officially started in the Midwest, and we are so excited! The luscious green grass, trees and landscape are especially...
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Annie
May 21, 20243 min read
What Chickens Lay Green Eggs?
When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t think much about egg color. I was more focused on having healthy, fresh eggs for...
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Annie
May 13, 20243 min read
How to Sex a Baby Chick
Let me kick off this blog with a quick disclaimer: I'm no pro at determining whether your cute little chick is a he or she, but let's...
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Annie
May 6, 20243 min read
Will Chickens Stop Laying Eggs if the Coop is Dirty?
It was a coop cleaning weekend around here and let me tell you, that is a chore that feels so good to have done! While chickens are...
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Annie
Apr 30, 20243 min read
Feeding Flaxseed to Chickens
We all want to ensure our backyard flocks are as healthy as possible. Many of us get into raising chickens primarily for fresh,...
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Annie
Apr 23, 20243 min read
The Scoop on Apple Cider Vinegar for Chickens
In the world of backyard chicken care, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become the latest craze. Many owners tout its health benefits,...
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Annie
Apr 9, 20243 min read
What Fruits Can Chickens Eat?
Chickens are actually very smart! The whole idea of “bird brains” doesn’t really apply to these wonderful birds. Chickens can recognize...
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Annie
Apr 9, 20243 min read
What Do Baby Chicks Eat?
It’s springtime and that means one thing around our place….chicks! There is nothing better than bringing those cute little feather balls...
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Annie
Apr 4, 20243 min read
All About the Sapphire Gem Chicken
Photo Courtesy of Hoover’s Hatchery It’s time for another breed spotlight! I love doing these because I learn so much about the different...
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Annie
Mar 26, 20242 min read
Easter Basket Ideas for all Ages
I put this little basket together for our granddaughter. Happy Easter week everyone! Easter is one of my absolute favorite holidays....
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Annie
Mar 20, 20244 min read
Can Coccidiosis Be Managed Naturally in Chickens?
Today let’s talk about something less fantastic when raising backyard chickens: coccidiosis. While raising chickens has been my favorite...
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Annie
Mar 13, 20243 min read
Do Chickens Have Taste Buds?
Today, we get to talk about a fascinating topic. I get asked quite often about things chickens can and cannot eat and if there are...
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Annie
Feb 26, 20242 min read
The Best Greek Salad Recipe
I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for healthy, simple meals to feed my family. We have had an unseasonably warm winter this...
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Annie
Feb 13, 20242 min read
4 Ingredient Valentine’s Day Dessert
Happy Valentine’s Day! I realize this is an unpopular holiday for some, but I’ve loved this holiday my whole life. I’ve always loved the...
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Annie
Feb 8, 20243 min read
How Do Roosters Fertilize Eggs?
It’s no secret I love talking to people about all things chickens. I get so many great questions from people who are genuinely interested...
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Annie
Jan 29, 20242 min read
All About the Dominique Breed
Today we’re going to talk about a breed that looks so much like the Barred Rock, it’s almost hard to tell the difference. In fact, you...
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Annie
Jan 22, 20243 min read
How Long Do Chickens Live? Factors That Affect Their Lifespan
One question I get asked a lot is, "How long will your chickens live?" As you know, my chickens are more than just egg layers—they’re my...
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