As more and more have started raising small backyard flocks of fowl, a lively dispute has erupted over the merits of washing eggs. On one side of the isle, we have staunch no-washers who argue that cleaning eggs with water can actually invite harmful bacteria through the shell membrane. On the other side, we have […]
Continue Reading5 Unexpected Benefits of Raising Chickens
When many homeowners decide to start raising a small flock of their own, they have one thing on their mind: Fresh, delicious eggs. While the eggs gathered from your hens will no doubt be far superior to anything you can find in a grocery store, eggs are just one of many great reasons to keep […]
Continue ReadingStudies Demonstrate Nutritional Benefits of Free-Range Eggs
Animal rights activists aren’t the only ones concerned about factory farming; now nutritionists are shedding light on the detrimental effects the practice can have on our food as well. Research has shown that the restricted grain diets of factory-raised chickens are making their eggs less nutritious than those of their free-range counterparts. Even the USDA […]
Continue ReadingHow Can I Prevent My Chickens From Getting Sick?
Keeping your chickens healthy is vital to maintaining your flock, whether they are an egg-laying brood or just family pets. Fortunately, diseases in isolated groups tend to be a rare occurrence, but there are some steps you can take to be proactive and protective of your birds. For starters, make sure that your birds […]
Continue ReadingPromoting Healthy Egg Laying
So your hens have reached six months of age and slowly, but surely, they’ve begun to lay eggs. So far, however, laying has been infrequent and egg shells have been thin and brittle. In order for your chickens to produce strong, healthy clutches on a regular basis, they’ll need the right resources. In this entry, […]
Continue ReadingProtecting Your Chickens from Predators
After devoting months to diligently caring for your baby chicks, the last thing you want is to have one become the hapless victim of a hungry hawk. Unfortunately, self-defense isn’t your chickens’ strong suit, so it’s up to you to keep them safe from harm. Birds of prey, coyotes, foxes, and even large domestic dogs […]
Continue ReadingTips for Caring for Your Baby Chickens
Raising baby chickens is a joy, especially for families with young children, but it requires care and preparation. Follow our suggestions below and the process will be fun and enriching, without too much mess or stress! In the early stages of your chicks’ lives, they’ll require a great deal of your attention. There should be […]
Continue Reading2014 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest Winners and Runner Ups
These are the winners of the 2014 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest: Runner ups:
Continue Reading2013 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest Winners and Runner Ups
These are the winners of the 2013 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest: Runner ups:
Continue Reading2012 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest Winners and Runner Ups
These are the winners of the 2012 Cackle Hatchery Photo Contest: Runner ups:
Continue Reading