The stuff scattered over the floor of a chicken coop is often called bedding, because at night livestock bed down on. Although chickens may rest on the floor during the day, at night they would rather roost than bed. Therefore many people prefer to call it litter. Whatever you choose to call it, the best […]
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A chicken’s beak is an important tool for gathering food, drinking water, and exploring and manipulating objects in the environment. A chicken also uses its beak for preening, nest building, and engaging in social interactions. But occasionally a chick hatches with, or later develops, a deformity known as crossbeak. Also called crossed beak or scissors […]
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A child’s initial experience with chickens is often the most memorable. To ensure that the youngster’s introduction to chickens is pleasant and fun, consider these qualities when choosing the best first chickens for kids: They are calm in disposition They are friendly with people The breed is appropriate for small hands The chickens enjoy hugs […]
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Lakenvelder chickens are an ancient laying breed from the Utrecht area of southern Holland and the neighboring Nordrhein-Westfalen area of Germany. They take their name from the Dutch village of Lakervelt, in a region that favors the color pattern of a white mid section with black extremities. Besides Lakenvelder chickens, examples include goats, rabbits, pigs, […]
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The Buttercup is an ancient breed from Sicily, an Italian island long noted for its farmyard chickens with a cup-shape comb and greenish legs. Sicilian Buttercup chickens in the United States all trace back to hatching eggs imported in 1892. The breed was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1918. Physical Attributes The […]
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For exhibition purposes, large chicken breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) are organized into six classes. Most of the classes represent the geographic region where the breeds originated or were developed. Knowing a chicken’s APA class lets you infer a number of things about the breed, including temperament, laying ability, climate tolerance, and […]
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Heredity describes how traits are passed from a hen and rooster to their offspring. These traits are encoded in genes, which in turn are found on chromosomes. Since only the end results — but not the genes and chromosomes themselves — are clearly visible, the mechanics of how heredity works can sometimes seem rather vague. […]
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Welsummer chickens come to us from the village of Welsum in eastern Holland. First arriving in the United States in 1928, this breed is beloved for its handsome appearance and its prolific egg laying. Physical Attributes Welsummer chickens are mid-size, upright birds with a broad back, full breast, large full tail and a single comb. […]
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Homegrown chicken can be more flavorful than any other kind. But if you make any of the following mistakes, you may end up serving something unpalatable or even unsafe. Avoid these 5 common mistakes when cooking chicken: Thawing Frozen Chicken When you plan to cook frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator for a day […]
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Black Australorp chickens were developed in Australia by crossing black Orpingtons from England with other breeds that are good egg layers. The idea was to develop farmstead chickens that excel in egg production. The breed name comes from combining the words Australia and Orpington. Physical Attributes The United States favors Australorps that are black, although […]
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