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Molting is an essential part of chickens’ growth and health, but losing and replacing feathers is also a messy, stressful process. Taking steps to help chickens with molting can minimize the stress and keep your backyard flock happy and healthy. About Molting All chickens molt to replace old, broken, and worn out feathers with fresh plumage that will provide better insulation. Young chickens typically have several juvenile molts as they grow to their full size, but won’t begin their regular seasonal molts until they are 12-18 months old. Mature chickens will molt once or twice a year, often with one...

Grass tetany can be a serious and even fatal problem for different types of livestock. Understanding and recognizing the condition, however, can help you keep your animals healthy and prevent grass tetany from taking a toll on your livestock. About Grass Tetany Grass tetany is a magnesium deficiency in an animal’s blood and is often more common in lactating females or older animals that have more difficulty absorbing magnesium. Ruminants are susceptible to grass tetany, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and the disease is most common in spring and fall when pasture may not have as much new growth rich...

Your lawn can be a great source of personal pride and a tremendous asset to your home’s curb appeal, but invading grubs can quickly damage even the most well-maintained turf. It is possible, however, to avoid grub invasions with careful preventative steps and alert monitoring. About Grubs Grubs are the larval form of beetles, and there are more than 400,000 species of grubs found throughout the world, with more species being identified and classified regularly. The larva is the first stage of the beetle’s life cycle after it hatches from the egg, and it is the most active growing stage,...

With summertime in full swing, it means there are longer days and more time you can spend outside with your barn animals. However, summertime and warm weather also means that flies begin to reproduce and will start tormenting your livestock. Follow these tips to fight back and prevent barn flies from causing problems for both you and your barn animals. Flies are not only annoying, but they can also spread diseases to your horses and livestock that can lead to digestive or growth problems. Preventing barn flies is not just about getting rid of a pest; it’s also about protecting...

Chickens can be a valuable addition to any urban homestead, hobby farm, or budget-friendly household. But to keep chickens safe and comfortable, a coop is essential. Knowing how to build a chicken coop can help you provide a proper home for your flock. Why Chickens Need a Coop A chicken coop is more than just a quaint decoration or kitschy structure. A chicken coop provides… Shelter from inclement or stressful weather, including rain, snow, wind, or sun Protection from predators and nest raiders like raccoons, hawks, rats, and snakes Comfort and privacy for nesting or roosting hens to improve their...