Volume 12, Number 4 Backyard August/September 2017
PoultryAmerica's Favorite Poultry Magazine
COOL COOPS THERAPY CHICKENS MOLTING 101 PIGEON BREEDS AND MORE...
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DBC_BackYard_ZyfendA_BackyardPoultryMag_v1r3.indd 1 6/5/2017 5:17:29 PM contents // 12.4
08 Editor’s Letter
10 Celebrating the Coolest Coops Meet our Coolest Coops winners and get inspiration for your flock.
16 Coming Events
20 Something to Crow About
26 Poultry Talk Ron Kean and Pam Freeman answer reader questions about their flocks.
30 Flock Photos The best of the best submissions via snail mail and our social sites.
34 My Journey with Chickens Starting young, and with inspiration from Grandpa, a passion for chicken keeping is born. 34
36 Therapy Chickens Gaining Popularity A look at the growing use for chickens in therapy in the United States and abroad.
42 Bethel Home Helping Hens A project to help a sick grandmother helps an entire community.
46 From Rollers to Racers: Explore Pigeon Types and Breeds Meet the colorful and unique pigeon breeds available for fanciers.
36
4 Backyard Poultry
contents // 12.4
54 Frittatas 101 - Start Basic Then Make it Fancy A quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s delicious and nutritious.
58 Keeping Show Chickens Healthy Tips to make sure your flock stays healthy at home and away.
64 Tall & Proud - Meet the Malay Chicken A unique addition to a backyard flock. 58 86 70 Six Basics for Chicken Coop Design The coolest coops offer the basics!
78 Breeding to Establish Traits You Want in a Backyard Flock You don’t have to rely on a commercial breeder to meet your needs.
84 Chickens in a Minute Molting 101: Know why chickens lose and replace feathers.
86 Protein-Packed Smoothies for Molting Chickens Extra nutrition for a healthy molt.
93 Breeders Directory
95 Classifieds
96 Just for Fun
6 Backyard Poultry largest
Many Supplier of Breeds to Choose Backyard From! Poultry in the USA!ideal poultry
RARE LEGHORNS •BROILERS DUCKS •CRESTED •ROCKS •GEESE ORIENTALS•LAKENVELDERS •LONGTAILS GUINEAS •HAMBURGS•BANTAMS
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EDITORIAL Steph Merkle, Content Director Coop Inspiration [email protected]
Pam Freeman, Editor [email protected] ur backyard coops are intensely personal. Each fam- ily has its own idea of how they’d like to house their Editorial Assistants chickens. Yes, we all follow the basic rules for size Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom O and nest boxes. But we each take a different path from there. CIRCULATION & MARKETING Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director Some purchase a pre-made coop, others purchase a kit to [email protected] put together, some repurpose existing outbuildings and still, Pam Freeman others choose to build a coop from scratch. I can tell you the Publication Designers Editor Malisa Samsel & Madelyn LyBarger coop in my backyard was built by my husband. While it’s pretty, it seems to be an ongoing project. Adding decorations ADVERTISING here and there. Changing the nest boxes or the roost bars. Adding more ventilation Alicia Soper, Advertising Director because our shade tree died. The list seems endless. But it’s ours and our chickens [email protected] seem happy with it. 715-748-1388
Kelly Weiler No matter your stage of chicken keeping or the stage of your coop, it seems like [email protected] coops are always of interest. Looking at coops is like HGTV for poultry buffs. We 715-748-1389 love to see what others have done and we get inspired. Maybe even taking that inspiration back and pouring it into our own coops. Sue Lapcewich [email protected] 970-392-4436 In this issue, we’re celebrating our Coolest Coops contest winners. You’ll see our winner featured on the cover and inside. We love the rustic look and functionality of this Tennessee coop! You’ll also see our readers’ favorite picks inside. Our readers General Manager certainly picked well! We hope that you enjoy touring our Coolest Coops spread Mike Campbell [email protected] and find some things to add to your own coop. I know I have!
Also in this issue, you’ll find some fantastic stories that cover everything from Backyard Poultry’s Main Coop keeping your show chickens healthy (good advice for anyone adding to their flock), Backyard Poultry making frittatas with your backyard eggs to a breed spotlight on the Malay chicken. 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 www.countrysidenetwork.com You’ll also find some heartwarming stories on chickens being used as therapy birds. You’ll discover the diverse and beautiful world of pigeon breeds. Plus, learn all about molting and grab a recipe to make for a smooth molt. Subscriptions (U.S. funds): $24.99 per year Backyard Poultry Subscriptions PO Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 Happy reading! 970-392-4419
Printed in the U.S.A.
Backyard Poultry (ISSN 1559-2251, USPS 023-374) is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, at 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and additional mailing offices. ©2017 Countryside Publications. Countryside Publications is owned and operated by Fence Post Co. The views presented here do not necessarily ON THE COVER represent those of the editor or publisher. All contents of this issue of Backyard Poultry are copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole Winners of the Coolest Coops photo contest. or in part is prohibited except by permission of the publisher.
See pages 10-15 for a list of winners POSTMASTER: and photographers. Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Backyard Poultry Subscriptions, PO Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702
8 Backyard Poultry worthcrossingroads for
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AVAILABLEONLINEAT WWW.HAPPYHENTREATS.COM COOLEST COOPS WINNER: Editors’ Choice
Winner: April and John Andrews Coop: Best Little Henhouse in Tennessee Location: Elizabethton, Tennessee Photographer: Brandon Hicks
In March, my husband asked for someone wanting to build what I wanted for my birthday. their own coop is to plan first I jokingly told him chickens, and try to use as many recycled which I’ve really wanted for a materials as possible. Not only while now. A couple days and is it less expensive, it gives it an extensive Pinterest board a unique look that is hard to later, we decided to dive in! make with all new materials. We have eight Silver-Laced The most important thing I Wyandotte hens. We chose that have learned along the way is breed for their easy-going na- that it takes time to establish a Winners received ture and gorgeous lacing. Our flock. I thought we would just prizes from Brinsea, daughter, Lillian, and our son, jump into it and have laying Backyard Poultry Fields, just have so much fun hens within weeks. I’m terri- goodies, and of course, spoiling them with treats. The bly impatient but soon realized first one we named was Birdie, that the time spent with our bragging rights! after my mamaw, because she family as we created the coop had such a take charge and and run was well worth it. We bossy attitude. all enjoyed the experience and My handy husband, John, love watching the chickens had the coop framed up the play and explore. day after we decided to get - chickens. He can build any- April thing from scratch (no pun intended). The siding is built from an old fence that had fallen down. The old door was donated by a friend. Most of the wood was sawmilled by my husband as well. My fa- Top to Bottom: The Andrews' coop was vorite thing has to be the little built from old fence porch. All they need now are and the old door was tiny rocking chairs. I also love donated by a friend. the rain-fed watering system. The chickens receive That was designed and built by water from the rain-fed my husband. My best advice watering system.
10 Backyard Poultry Collecting eggs is easier with an access door to the nesting boxes.
The Andrews installed a gate with a built-in trough.
The coop is home to eight Silver-Laced Wyandottes.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 11 COOLEST COOPS WINNERS: Voters’ Choice
Winner: Mindi and Emmett Moore Coop: Storybook Coop Location: Washington, West Virginia Photographer: Nate Knobel
I had wanted chickens for Shortly after that, Emmett a long time but could never completed the run, which find a way to make it work. I reminds me of an aviary at had never owned them, never the zoo. It’s spacious and really been around them, but open with a plastic corrugated as an animal lover with a large roof over half of it. The family (between the two of us corrugations are filled so that we have seven children), having snakes can’t find their way fresh eggs to go along with our into the coop. The hardware garden seemed like a dream cloth is buried two feet under come true. the ground with an apron My husband, Emmett, secured by bricks and covered designed the coop entirely on with dirt. He did everything he his own, most of it coming could to make a safe place to together as he went. He owns put the new additions. a sawmill and supplies most The finished coop is better of his own wood by cutting up than I could have ever hoped. trees and sawing them by hand. I love it, and I love our new Emmett has a full-time job as a chickens. I spend way too much city firefighter, and on the side, time out there just watching owns his own woodworking them and feeding them treats. business (Eli Woodworks), so It took a while, but now they he built the coop in the evenings come running when someone when he had time. approaches the coop. They just As Emmett was building know that we have something the coop and posting pictures good for them. Eventually online, a friend saw it and said we’ll get those farm fresh eggs, she had seven baby chicks we but until then, I’m just happy could have if we wanted them. to share our property with Four weeks later, the coop chickens that make me smile. was done enough for the fully feathered babies to live in, and - Mindi we brought them home.
top to bottom: Emmett designed the coop entirely on his own. He harvested the wood for the coop from their land. The coop includes nesting boxes for seven hens, plenty of ventilation to keep things cool and roosting bars for the flock.
12 Backyard Poultry Daryel's vision for his coop came from a destination in Missouri known as Red Oak II, a re-creation of a now- vanished town.
Winner: Daryel Shaffer Coop: Wild West Coop Town Location: Webb City, Missouri Photographer: Drew Kimble
Our backyard chicken little town in our area called Red experience started with a friend Oak II. It’s a community where giving us three hens and a small all the old buildings were moved coop. By the next week, three there from the original Red Oak, became six, and we knew we Missouri. Most of the materials needed a bigger coop. I had fun in our coop came from old barns designing and building the first and recycle stores. We spend a coop, so I wanted to try to build lot of time in the back yard and a bigger coop. One thing led to enjoy adding more vintage items another with the idea of building to the coop as we find them. a chicken town to look like an old west town. My idea came from a - Daryel
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 13 COOLEST COOPS Honorable Mentions
Thank you to all the flock owners who sent us pictures and building notes of your inspiring custom-built coops. We had so many favorites! Here are just a few!
Owner: Jessica Fender Coop: Barnyard Coop Location: Arkansas
Our coop was made out of repurposed barnwood and tin, everything from the door and window, to the old lantern made into a porch light! Owner: Abbey March My favorite features are the barnwood flower box and window. But, I Coop: Talies-Hen love everything about my coop! Location: Wisconsin
Living very close to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin and his amazing architecture, we designed and built something we would love looking at just as much as our hens love living in. “Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral.” - Frank Lloyd Wright
Owner: Priscilla Cole Coop: Nantahala Location: North Carolina
I built this coop here in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. My goal was to provide a safe and entertaining coop for my chickens with a beautiful park-like setting. The chickens love all the natural tree branch roosts swings, and the grapevines that edge their 65-foot run. I love watching them each morning with coffee in hand!
14 Backyard Poultry Owner: Karen Hopkins Coop: The Chick Inn Location: Maryland
My hubby built this version of the Carolina Coop. He built it with no plans, just a few photos, and a lot of YouTube videos! I think he's a keeper.
Owner: Shane Munhollon Coop: Chicken Cabin Location: Texas
We brought a little bit of the mountains to the country. These highlights include a handmade wooden chair with a coonskin cap hanging off the left side, a piece of log for a table with a moonshine jug on top and spring traps hanging. A metal art catfish, a pinecone above the deck, and a whirlybird for air circulation round off the mountain feel. Off the back is a 8’ x 25’ run.
Owner: Tracy Pavone Coop: Playset Conversion Location: Georgia
Kids’ playset gets converted into a Park Avenue chicken coop!
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 15 COMING EVENTS: The Coming Events listing is gathered and provided by www.poultryshowcentral.com. Add your show listing on their website or send to: Coming Events, Backyard Poultry, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email: [email protected]. To be included in the Backyard Poultry magazine listing, event details must be sent 60 days in advance.
CALIFORNIA GEORGIA August 19, 2017 — Kimmell, Bird_Small_Animal_Swap.html Indiana, Wolf’s Swap Meet August 2-6, 2017 — Ventura, September 9, 2017 — Calhoun, www.poultryshowcentral.com/ September 17, 2017 — Waukon, California, Ventura County Georgia, Northwest Georgia Poultry Wolfs_Swap_Meet.html Iowa, Northeast Iowa Bird Fair Open Poultry Show www. Club www.poultryshowcentral. and Animal Club Swap www. poultryshow com/Northwest_Georgia_ September 2, 2017 — poultryshowcentral.com/Northeast_ central.com/Ventura_ Poultry_Club.html Spencer, Indiana, White River Iowa_Bird_Animal_Swap.html County_Fair.html Poultry Club Show www. IDAHO poultryshowcentral.com/White_ September 23-24, 2017 — Grundy August 3-6, 2017 — Crescent River_Poultry_Club_Show.html Center, Iowa, Grundy County City, California, Del Norte County August 18-27, 2017 — Boise, Bird and Animal Swap www. Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Idaho, Western Idaho Fair September 10, 2017 — Knox, poultryshowcentral.com/Grundy_ com/Del_Norte_County_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Indiana, Golden Horseshoe County_Bird_Animal_Swap.html Western_Idaho_Fair.html Saddle Club Swap Meet August 3-13, 2017 — Santa Rosa, www.poultryshowcentral. KANSAS California, Sonoma County Fair & September 1-9, 2017 — com/Golden_Horseshoe_ Exposition www.poultry Blackfoot, Idaho, Eastern Idaho Saddle_Club_Swap.html August 12-19, 2017 — Coffeyville, showcentral.com/Sonoma_ State Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Kansas, Inter-State Fair & Rodeo County_Fair_Exposition.html com/Eastern_Idaho_State_Fair.html September 16, 2017 — www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Shipshewana, Indiana, Newbury Inter-State_Fair_Rodeo.html August 18-27, 2017 — Lancaster, ILLINOIS Square Swap Meet & Flea California, Antelope Valley Fair Market www.poultryshowcentral. September 8-17, 2017 — August 1-6, 2017 — Woodstock, www.poultryshowcentral.com/ com/Newbury_Square_Swap_ Hutchinson, Kansas, Kansas Illinois, McHenry County Fair Antelope_Valley_Fair.html Meet_Flea_Market.html State Fair www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral.com/ com/Kansas_State_Fair.html August 23-September 4, McHenry_County_Fair.html IOWA 2017 — Ferndale, California September 16, 2017 — Gardner, Humboldt County Fair www. August 3-6, 2017— Warren, August 6, 2017 — Walker, Iowa, Kansas, Heart of America Game poultryshowcentral.com/ Illinois, Jo Davies County Fair Walker Farmer’s Swap & Flea Breeders’ Association Gardner Humboldt_County_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Market www.poultryshowcentral. Sale www.poultryshowcentral. Jo_Daviess_County_Fair.html com/Walker_Farmer_Swap_ com/Heart_of_America_Game_ September 5-7, 2017 — Santa Flea_Market.html Breeders_Poultry.html Rosa, California, The National August 10-20, 2017— Springfield, Heirloom Exposition www. Illinois, Illinois State Fair August 13, 2017 — West KENTUCKY poultryshowcentral.com/ www.poultryshowcentral. Burlington, Iowa, West Heirloom_Exposition.html com/Illinois_State_Fair_ Burlington Flea Market www. August 17-27, 2017 — Louisville, Open_Poultry_Show.html poultryshowcentral.com/ Kentucky, Kentucky State Fair September 30-October 8, Southeast_Iowa_Pigeon_Club.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ 2017 — Perris, California, August 18, 2017 — New Berlin, Kentucky_State_Fair.html Southern California Fair www. Illinois, Central Illinois Farm Swap August 14-15, 2017 — Des poultryshowcentral.com/ Meet www.poultry Moines, Iowa, Iowa State September 16, 2017 — Southern_California_Fair.html showcentral.com/Central_ Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Brownsville, Kentucky, Green Illinois_Farm_Swap_Meet.html com/Iowa_State_Fair.html River Poultry Club, Inc. Fall COLORADO Show www.poultryshowcentral. August 23-27, 2017 — Peotone, August 25-26, 2017 — Kalona, com/Green_River.html August 4-6, 2017 — Denver, Illinois, Will County Fair www. Iowa, Kalona Alternative Bird Colorado, Denver County Fair poultry and Animal Auction www. MAINE www.poultryshowcentral.com/ showcentral.com/ poultryshowcentral.com/ August 20-26, 2017 — Denver_County_Fair.html Will_County_Fair.html Kalona_Sales_Barn.html Union, Maine, Union Fair August 25-September 4, 2017 September 3, 2017 — September 3, 2017 — Walker, www.poultryshowcentral. — Pueblo, Colorado, Colorado Kankakee, Illinois, Tri-K Pigeon Iowa, Walker Farmer’s com/Union_Fair.html State Fair www.poultryshowcentral. & Bantam Club Pigeon Fair Swap & Flea Market www. August 27-September 4, 2017 com/Colorado_State_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ poultryshowcentral.com/Walker_ — Windsor, Maine, Windsor TriK_Pigeon_Bantam_Fair.html Farmer_Swap_Flea_Market.html September 30, 2017 — Pueblo, Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Colorado, Colorado Poultry September 10, 2017 — New September 10, 2017 — West com/Windsor_Fair.html Association Fall Show www.poultry Berlin, Illinois, Central Illinois Burlington, Iowa, West Burlington September 2-24, 2017 — showcentral.com/Colorado_ Farm Swap Meet www. Flea Market www.poultry Unity, Maine, Common Poultry_Association.html poultryshowcentral.com/Central_ showcentral.com/Southeast_ Ground Country Fair www. Illinois_Farm_Swap_Meet.html Iowa_Pigeon_Club.html DELAWARE poultryshowcentral.com/Common_ INDIANA September 10, 2017 — Ground_Country_Fair.html September 9, 2017 — Smyrna, Waverly, Iowa, Waverly Iowa August 4-20, 2017 — Indianapolis, September 17-23, 2017 — Delaware, Delmarva Poultry Exotic Bird and Animal Swap Indiana, Indiana State Fair Farmington, Maine, Farmington and Waterfowl Swap Meet www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Fair www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral. com/Waverly_Iowa_Exotic_ Indiana_State_Fair.html com/Farmington_Fair.html com/Delmarva_Poultry_and_ Bird_Animal_Swap.html Waterfowl_Swap_Meet.html August 5, 2017 — Shipshewana, MARYLAND September 16, 2017 — Indiana, Newbury Square Swap Meet Maquoketa, Iowa, Eastern Iowa & Flea Market www.poultry August 11-19, 2017 — Bird and Small Animal Swap www. showcentral.com/Newbury_Square_ Gaithersburg, Maryland, poultry Swap_Meet_Flea_Market.html Montgomery County Agricultural showcentral.com/Eastern_Iowa_
16 Backyard Poultry Fair www.poultryshowcentral. August 19, 2017 — New Ulm, showcentral.com/Fremont_Exotic_ www.poultryshowcentral.com/ com/Montgomery_County_ Minnesota, New Ulm Bird & Bird_and_Animal_Auction.html San_Juan_County_Fair.html Agricultural_Fair.html Small Animal Swap & Sale Days www.poultryshowcentral. September 9-10, 2017 — August 22-27, 2017 — Portales, MASSACHUSETTS com/Brown_Co_Pigeon_ Allen, Nebraska, Love a Lop Fall New Mexico, Roosevelt County Poultry_Club_Swap.html Animal Swap Meet Fair www.poultryshowcentral. August 6, 2017 — Brockton, www.poultryshowcentral. com/Roosevelt_County_Fair.html Massachusetts, New England August 24-September 4, com/Love_A_Lop_Animal_ Bantam Club Fall Swap & 2017 — St. Paul, Minnesota, Swap_Meet.html September 8-17, 2017 — Sell www.poultryshowcentral. Minnesota State Fair 4-H Poultry Albuquerque, New Mexico, New com/New_England_Bantam_ Show www.poultryshowcentral. September 17, 2017 Nebraska, Mexico State Fair www.poultry Club_Fall_Swap_Sell.html com/Minnesota_State_Fair.html Lexington Fall Exotic Bird showcentral.com/New_ and Animal Auction Mexico_State_Fair.html MICHIGAN MISSOURI www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Lexington_Fall_Exotic_Bird_ NEW YORK August 5, 2017 — ClareLoomis August 4-6, 2017 — Boonville, an_Animal_Auction.html (Yoder’s Blacksmith Shop), Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks August 9-20, 2017 — Hamburg, Michigan, Michigan Bird & Game Pigeon Club Swapper’s Days NEW HAMPSHIRE New York, Erie County Fair Breeders Assoc. Sale - Clare www.poultryshowcentral.com/ www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral. Lake_of_the_Ozarks_Pigeon_ September 28-October com/Erie_County_Fair.html com/Michigan_Game_ Club_Swappers_Days.html 1, 2017 — Deerfield, New Breeders_Swap_Clare.html Hampshire, Deerfield Fair August 15-20, 2017 — Bath, August 10-14, 2017 — Sedalia, www.poultryshowcentral. New York, Steuben County Fair September 9, 2017 — Montrose Missouri, Missouri State Fair com/Deerfield_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ (Montrose Orchard), Michigan, www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Steuben_County_Fair.html Michigan Bird & Game Breeders Missouri_State_Fair.html NEW JERSEY Assoc. Sale - Montrose www. August 23-September 4, poultry August 12-13, 2017 — Filmore, August 4-13, 2017 — Augusta, 2017 — Syracuse, New York, showcentral.com/Michigan_ Missouri, Fillmore Swap Meet - New Jersey, New Jersey State New York State Fair www. Bird_Game_Breeders.html Flea Market www.poultry Fair www.poultryshowcentral. poultryshowcentral.com/ showcentral.com/Fillmore_ com/New_Jersey_State_Fair.html New_York_State_Fair.html September 9, 2017 — Swap_Meet-Flea_Market.html Trenary, Michigan, Trenary September 9, 2017 — Mullica September 9-10, 2017 — Bath, Fur and Feather Swap www. NEBRASKA Hill, New Jersey, New Jersey New York, Twin Tier Poultry Club poultryshowcentral.com/ State 4-H Small Animal & Poultry www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Trenary_Fur_Feather_Swap.html August 25-September 4, 2017 Show www.poultryshowcentral. Twin_Tier_Poultry_Club.html — Fremont, Nebraska, Nebraska com/New_Jersey_State_ MINNESOTA State Fair www.poultryshow Small_Animal_Poultry.html September 16, 2017 — Bath, central.com/Nebraska_ New York, Twin Tier Poultry August 16-20, 2017 — State_Fair.html NEW MEXICO Club Fall Auction www. Hutchinson, Minnesota, poultryshowcentral.com/Twin_ McLeod County Fair www. September 2-3, 2017 — Fremont, August 14-15, 2017 — Tier_Poultry_Club_Auction.html poultryshowcentral.com/ Nebraska, Fremont Exotic Bird and Farmington, New Mexico, McLeod_County_Fair.html Animal Auction www.poultry San Juan County Fair
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 17 Odors Flee, September 17, 2017 — OREGON TENNESSEE Gouverneur, New York, with the use of Northern NY Poultry Fanciers August 5, 2017 — August 14-19, 2017 — www.poultryshowcentral. Brownsville, Oregon, Dandridge, Tennessee, Sweet com/Northern_New_York_ Summer Chickenstock Jefferson County Fair Poultry_Fanciers.html www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral.com/ com/Oregon_Summer_ Jefferson_County_Fair.html PDZ. September 24, 2017 — Poultry_Swap.html Cobleskill, New York, Eastern, August 18-26, 2017 — New York State Poultry August 15-19, 2017 — Canby, Lebanon, Tennessee, Wilson Association www.poultry Oregon, Clackamas County County Fair www.poultryshow showcentral.com/Eastern_ Fair www.poultryshow central.com/Wilson_ New_York_State_Poultry.html central.com/Clackamas_ County_Fair.html County_Fair.html NORTH CAROLINA September 8-17, 2017 August 16-19, 2017 — Grants — Knoxville, Tennessee, September 16, 2017 — Pass, Oregon, Josephine Tennessee Valley Fair Lincolnton, North Carolina, County Fair www.poultryshow www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Carolina Chickenstock central.com/Josephine_ Tennessee_Valley_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ County_Fair.html Now the Carolina_Chickenstock.html September 8-17, 2017 August 18-20, 2017 — — Nashville, Tennessee, September 29-October 8, Newport, Oregon, Lincoln Tennessee State Fair Coop 2017 — Winston-Salem, County Fair Open Poultry www.poultryshowcentral.com/ North Carolina, Dixie Classic Show www.poultryshowcentral. Tennessee_State_Fair.html Fair www.poultryshowcentral. com/Lincoln_County_Fair_ Is full of com/ Dixie_Classic_Fair.html Open_Poultry_Show.html TEXAS
OHIO August 24-29, 2017 — Salem, September 7-16, 2017 — Glee, Oregon, Oregon State Fair Abilene, Texas, West Texas August 18-26, 2017 — Lima, www.poultryshowcentral. Fair & Rodeo Poultry Show Ohio, Allen County Fair www. com/Oregon_State_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral. poultry com/West_Texas_Fair.html showcentral.com/ September 18-20, 2017 — Allen_County_Fair.html Cottage Grove, Oregon, September 8-16, 2017 — WOE Heritage Fair Odessa, Texas, Permian Basin August 21-27, 2017 — www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Fair www.poultryshow Wellington, Ohio, Lorain WOE_Heritage_Fair.html central.com/Permian_ County Fair www.poultry Basin_Fair.html showcentral.com/ PENNSYLVANIA Lorain_County_Fair.html September 9, 2017 — August 1-5, 2017 — Amarillo, Texas, Amarillo Scratch September 2-4, 2017 Arendtsville, Pennsylvania, Bantam Club Show — Johnstown, Ohio, South Mountain Fair www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Johnstown Swapper Days www.poultryshowcentral. Amarillo_Bantam_Club.html www.poultryshowcentral. com/South_Mountain.html n Sniff com/Johnstown_ September 22-October 1, ‘ Swappers_Days.html August 6, 2017 — York, 2017 — New Braunfels, Texas, Pennsylvania, White Rose Comal County Fair & Rodeo are Ammonia September 14-16, 2017 — Pigeon Association Summer www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Mt Hope, Ohio, Mid Ohio Show www.poultryshowcentral. Comal_County_Fair.html Alternative Animal and Bird com/White_Rose_Pigeon_ Sale www.poultryshowcentral. Association.html September 23, 2017 — Free! com/Mid_Ohio_Swap.html Lubbock, Texas, Panhandle August 19-26, 2017 — South Plains Fair www.poultry New from the September 16, 2017 — Meadville, Pennsylvania, showcentral.com/Panhandle_ Fremont, Ohio, Fremont Crawford County Fair South_Plains_Fair.html #1 stall freshener, Pigeon Club Young Bird Show www.poultryshowcentral.com/ www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Crawford_County_Fair.html UTAH ® Fremont_Pigeon_Club.html August 20, 2017 — September 7-17, 2017 — Salt Sweet PDZ Lake City, Utah, Utah State September 23-24, 2017 Dunbar, Pennsylvania, — Lucasville, Ohio, Uniontown Poultry and Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Lucasville Trade Days www. farm products association com/Utah_State_Fair.html poultryshowcentral.com/ www.poultryshowcentral. Lucasville_Trade_Days.html com/Uniontown_Poultry_ VIRGINIA Association.html September 24, 2017 — August 26, 2017 — Berryville, Eaton, Ohio, Dayton Fancy September 8-17, 2017 — Virginia, PS Pearrell Poultry Feather Club Swap Days York, Pennsylvania, Auctions www.poultry www.poultryshowcentral. York Fair www.poultryshow showcentral.com/PS_Pearrell_ com/Dayton_Fancy_Feather_ central.com/York_Fair.html Poultry_Auctions.html Club_Swap_Days.html September 17, 2017 — September 2, 2017 — September 30-October 1, Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Berryville, Virginia, PS Pearrell 2017 — Greenville, Ohio, Uniontown Poultry and Poultry Auctions www.poultry Dayton Fancy Feather Club farm products association showcentral.com/PS_Pearrell_ www.poultryshowcentral. www.poultryshowcentral. Poultry_Auctions.html com/Dayton_Fancy_ com/Uniontown_Poultry_ September 16, 2017 — Glen Feather_Club.html Association.html Allen, Virginia, Gilmanor Swap OKLAHOMA SOUTH DAKOTA & Sale www.poultryshowcentral. com/Gilmanor_Swap_Sale.html September 30, 2017 — Tulsa, August 31-September 4, Oklahoma, Tulsa State Fair 2017 — Huron, South Dakota, For more info and a retailer near you: www.poultryshowcentral. South Dakota State Fair com/Tulsa_State_Fair.html www.poultryshowcentral.com/ 800.367.1534 South_Dakota_State_Fair.html
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18 Backyard Poultry
VERMONT AmericAn PoultryAssociAtion September 10, 2017 — Johnson, Vermont, Vermont Bird Fancierís Club Swap www.poultryshowcentral.com/ DEDICATED TO PROMOTING AND Vermont_Fanciers_Swap_Johnson.html PROTECTING STANDARD-BRED POULTRY August 8-12, 2017 — New Haven, Vermont, Addison County Fair and Field Days Poultry Show www.poultryshowcentral. Benefits include: com/Addison_County_Field_Days.html Quarterly Newsletter-Annual Yearbook WASHINGTON Officially Sanctioned Shows and Judges August 14-19, 2017 — Lynden, Washington, Northwest Washington Fair (A.K.A. Lynden Fair) www.poultryshowcentral. com/Northwest_Washington_Fair.html
August 29-September 1, 2017 — JOIN TODAY-Dues: $20 per year or $50 for 3years Monroe, Washington, Evergreen State Fair www.poultryshowcentral. Junior members $15 per year or $40 for 3years com/Evergreen_State_Fair.html September 1-24, 2017 — Payallup, American Poultry Association Washington, Washington State Fair www.poultryshowcentral.com/Payallup_Fair.html PO Box 306, Burgettstown, Pa. 15021
September 8-17, 2017 — Spokane, Phone: 724-729-3459 -Email: [email protected] Washington, Spokane Co. Interstate Fair www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Website: amerpoultryassn.com Spokane_Interstate_Fair.html
September 22-October 1, 2017 — Yakima, Washington, Central Washington State Fair www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Central_Washington_State_Fair.html
WISCONSIN
August 3-13, 2017 — West Allis, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Fair www.poultryshowcentral. com/Wisconsin_State_Fair.html
August 19, 2017 — Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Lil’ Outlaw Farm Small Animal Swap www.poultryshowcentral.com/Lil_Outlaw_ Farm_Small_Animal_Swap.html
August 26, 2017 — Wheeler, Wisconsin, RiceStonian Craft and Critter Swap www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Ricestonian_Animal_Swap.html
September 9, 2017 — Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin ,Tri-City Riding Club Dale Carlson Small Animal Swap Meet www.poultryshowcentral.com/Tri-City_ Riding_Club_Dale_Carlson_Swap.html
September 15, 2017 — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, West Central WI Pigeon and Poultry Club Fall Swap www.poultry showcentral.com/West_Central_WI_ Pigeon_Poultry_Club_Swap.html
September 16, 2017 — Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Lil’ Outlaw Farm Small Animal Swap www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Lil_Outlaw_Farm_Small_Animal_Swap.html
September 23-24, 2017 —Portage, Wisconsin, Wisconsin International Poultry Club www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Wisconsin_International_Poultry_Club.html
September 30, 2017 — Dunn Co., Wisconsin, RiceStonian Craft and Critter Swap www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Ricestonian_Animal_Swap.html
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August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 19 Do You Have Something To Crow About? We want to hear from you. Send questions, comments, opinions, advice, coming events, etc. to: Backyard Poultry Editor, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email [email protected].
Advice For Aggressive Roosters Poultry Ballad Descending from the tractor’s seat I am responding with a tip that might help I followed in dismay Mia Patel regarding her aggressive rooster. It Is the Way Toward the roo that needed me I generally eat my aggressive roosters, but His feathers flew, his feet prevailed And headed for the fray sometimes that is not an easy option. I had a His pace a charge toward Marans rooster (usually a pretty docile breed) The one he knew he had reviled And there she was, the red fox too that was a real jerk. I paid a lot of money for With every morning's chords Its mouth around her neck him and I wanted his genetics, even at the Too late I think to save his girl risk of raising Junior Jerks. Acting dominant How stout, how fierce his daily crow But then I think oh heck! toward him did not work — he would back This lord of all his flock down and look away, then nail me as soon as Now humbly seeking rescue from He charged with rage and anger pent I turned to exit the coop. Finally, I got a clean The one he loved to mock His spurs unfurled in vain spray bottle, filled it with water, set the nozzle The fox it spun and ran away for stream, and let him have it in the face each It is the way that nature planned Avoiding any pain time I entered his coop. If he even looked in my The male to remain true direction while I was in there, I sprayed him To give his life, to lay it low It is the way that nature planned again. He did not like that a bit. Ultimately he His hens, his chicks they knew The male to remain true learned that the best place to be whenever I To give his life, to lay it low came around was standing in the back corner He stopped his run, he stomped his feet His hens his chicks they knew looking at the wall. If I didn’t carry the bottle in He turned and ran away with me, however, he was right back in attack Toward the hen that needed him mode, so I kept the bottle hanging on his coop He couldn’t stay today Lynn Mayberry door where I could grab it each time. I have another rooster, a Marans cross, who free-ranges with my hens. He is about six years old, enormous, and has rather frightening looking spurs. He is right on top of things whenever there is a commotion in the flock, but he has never threatened me, my dogs, or other ranging farm critters. I think the difference between him and the confined roosters is that he has a large territory to keep him satisfied — he’s willing to share space with those he is used to and do not pose a threat to his turf. He also has lots of room to move himself and his hens around if he feels threatened. My breeding roosters have small territories where they may feel threatened Dan Minzer and Danielle Kouba, Sara Heideman, Fort since they can’t escape danger in a small Fort Collins, Colorado Collins, Colorado enclosure. Ultimately, I decided not to breed the jerk Backyard Poultry Rides Tour de Coop with the wet face, opting instead to introduce Thanks to the Sustainable Living Association of Fort Collins, Colorado for some more docile genetics from another inviting Backyard Poultry to ride in the Tour de Coop. What a blast! We enjoyed breeder. Life is too short to put up with nasty a gorgeous summer day on bikes, visiting seven awesome coops — from an up- roosters. Mmm, jerk chicken for dinner. cycled barn to a tiny quail coop. But more importantly, we met some pretty neat Jane Sommers people along the way. Here are just a few! Salem, OR -Editorial
20 Backyard Poultry Backyard Poultry Upcycled Coop Your “Coolest Coops” pho- to contest entries were so inspiring, we grabbed our tools and built a coolest coop of our own — Backyard Poul- try style! This upcycled coop is perfect for a small flock of three to four hens, and was designed and built by Clint Lindell (advertising), with recycled materials from Steph Merkle (editorial). It’s got a rear door for easy egg collection, plenty of side-door ventilation, and is made from 90 percent old fencing. The adorable “Farm Sweet Farm” sign — also from recycled fencing — was designed by Sharon Lindell of Rose of Sha- ron Designs (facebook.com/ roseosharondesigns). We’re sure the new tenants love it! Your photos and stories inspire us ... keep them coming. KEEP YOUR CHICKENS -Editorial HAPPY ANDSAFE NO MATTER WHERE Persistence Pays Off YOUARE WITH AN I wanted to share this. I have AUTOMATICCHICKEN three mommas right now, one had COOP DOOR hatched her chicks a few days be- fore the other two. I went to open up the coops one morning and Electric or Solar Powered found this little guy had hatched Fully Programmable but the mom pushed it out of the nest. He was cold and not even Internet Enabled dry. I thought he was dead but I Dusk-to-Dawn or Schedule have a saying, not dead until warm Solid Steel Worm Drive and dead. I started blowing warm Predator Proof air on him and he moved just the tiniest bit. So I brought him in and used a hairdryer to warm him up. I wrapped him in a heating pad and 20 minutes later he was trying to escape and was chirping like mad. I stuck him under this momma and when I got home from work this is what I found. It always amazes CoopTender.com me how resilient they are. He hatched from eggs that had gotten ice-cold twice. % USE COUPON CODE Saving a Chick 5 OFF BYP5 Robin Fuchs Brumfield
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 21 Becoming One Flock I just wanted to share this picture of our one-year-old son, Charlie, frolicking with our three Wyandottes. Our small flock had dwindled to just these three so we decided to add some new birds this season. We purchased a half dozen chicks in early April and kept them inside in a brooder for about six weeks. It’s been about a week and a half since we introduced the new birds (ISA Brown Sex Links) to the coop with the Wyandottes. The coop itself is a new residence for all nine of our birds. While there isn’t any all-out fighting going on, the three older hens keep the six younger ones from getting outside into the run. I make sure everyone can eat and get fresh P.S. I love your magazine and so do Hi Jon! As long as you’re making sure water but am disappointed that our little my friends. There are many, many peo- the new chickens and older chickens have pullets are, for lack of a better term, so ple with backyard flocks in this corner access to water and places to get away cooped up. of Vermont. Every issue I get cycles to from the fray, the flock will come together Is this something that will diminish about three other chicken owners before in its own time. It can take some time for over time or do I need to do something to it is through! Thanks again! chickens to accept each other. Wyandottes get the Wyandottes to loosen up? can be a dominant breed, so it may take a I appreciate any help you can offer. little more time, but it will happen. Jon Newhard, Vermont -Editorial
22 Backyard Poultry Chiming in on Backyard Poultry Facebook: Give your birds a Better Start. Finally,results you can see! Poultry Nutri-Drench™ The Fastest NutrientBoost foryourpoultry. Backed by 20 years of research, field trials and 2U.S. Patents. •Weak Newborns •Shipping and Weather Stress all benefit from supplemental nutrition. Contains only Natural Nutritional Ingredients. Bovidr 1/6 page ad Tryittoday,only $12 for a4oz. bottle. 2.25” wide x4.875” high FREE SHIPPING.MoneyBack Guarantee. Backyard Poultry Feb/March 2017 document: BovidrPoultryAd120216r.ai 1-800-658-4016 www.nutridrench.com 12/02/16 17:00sg 4color process
nancy baumgartner — This is my set up. Miles of construction string with ribbons of caution tape tied off webbed over their turn out. It works.
carolyn hylan humble — We got a rooster for this reason. He is good about protecting them but carolle white — for a few laughs: one unfortunately, we did We finally set up my friend waved until he lose a hen to a hawk not husband’s “BOB” (Body realized his mistake, and too long ago. But the Opponent Bag) and a Department of Natural rooster had the others haven’t lost a bird to a Resources officer under cover and didn’t hawk since. He wears reached for his hip. let them out for some a bright t-shirt, hooded time after the hawk left sweatshirt, ball cap, and the area. glasses. We occasionally move him and strangers (especially the ones up to no good) think someone is out patrolling the area. BOB is also good
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 23 Coloring Page Fun At Any Age Anthony, 8 years old
Lonnie Lindsey, 72 years old
24 Backyard Poultry August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 25 Pam Freeman Ron Kean Editor Extension Poultry Specialist Backyard Poultry magazine University of Wisconsin-Madison Poultry Talk Ask our Poultry Experts About your Flock’s Health, Feed, Production, Housing, and More
Mystery Chicken is the last of the three to lay eggs, and they Spur Trimming 101 Do you know what kind of chicken that are a very light brown, smaller egg. Back My rooster’s spurs are so long. I don’t is on page nine of the April/May issue of to my beautiful Light Brahma giving us know the safest and humane way to clip Backyard Poultry magazine? our first eggs, the large brown ones, and them, please any suggestions would be Norma Grainger they were perfect. For about two weeks appreciated! Thank you! now, these eggs have been cracked on Beth Gorsline Hi Norma, the smaller end. Twice the eggs are to- Hi Beth, It looks like the chicken that’s on the Ideal tally smashed, and with nothing left but Rooster spurs can be daunting when Poultry ad on page nine is a Mille Fleur smashed eggshell? I had run out of the they get long and can cause damage to d’Uccle. They are a beautiful and friendly ground oyster shell, and I thought maybe the hens during mating. Luckily, this is bantam breed that make a great addition to a that was the reason the small end, which easily remedied. backyard flock. The article below gives you I guess is the first part of the laid egg that There are a few options depending on more information about Belgian d’Uccles. hits the surface. Today is the second day the temperament of your rooster. Even countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/ it was totally smashed. Can you please if your rooster is docile, make sure he is chickens-101/belgiums-d-uccles-a-true- give me some advice on why this might be safely secured before you start. bantam-chicken-breed/ happening, and if there is anything I can The easiest method is to clip the spurs Hope this helps! do to change this behavior? These three just like you would clip a pet cat or dog’s beauties are my first chickens, and I have claws. Since a rooster’s spurs are large really fallen in love with each of them. and won’t fit into a standard clipper, Many largest Breeds to Your Countryside Daily has already given you’ll need something a little bigger. Choose Supplier of From! me so much information! Thank you! You’ll also need to make sure it’s sharp so Backyard Melody Larson the spur doesn’t split as you’re clipping. Poultry (That can be painful!) Clip small amounts in the USA! Hi Melody, at a time making sure not to hit the inner CRESTED •BROILERS •BANTAMS RARE LEGHORNS •DUCKS•ROCKS It can be hard to determine exactly what’s soft bone. GEESE •ORIENTALS•GUINEAS going on through an email, but some gener- You can also file a spur if it’s not too LAKENVELDERS •LONGTAILS•HAMBURGS al advice may be helpful. First, make sure long and your rooster is patient and easily you are feeding your hens a high-quality handled since this can take a bit of time. call or visit us online for more layer feed. That will give them good calci- Filing can also be done after clipping to informationStopping and your free Brokenprice list! Eggs um for laying strong eggs. If you run out of remove any sharp edges. Iidea havelpoultry three different breeds of hens, so the oyster shell, you can always feed your There is also a hot potato method where breeding farms, inc. it makeswww.idealpo it hardultry.com to know for sure who is eggshells back to your hens for extra cal- you warm up a potato in the microwave laying800-243-3257 which|2 egg,54-697-667 but7 luckily my Rhode cium. Just wash the shells off, let them dry and then fit the potato over the spur mak- fax254-697-2393 Island Red is my brown layer. I believe my and then break them up into small pieces. ing sure not to touch the leg. Leave the Light Brahma has been the one laying the Also, make sure your nest boxes are lined potato on the spur until the potato cools largest brown eggs I’ve been getting for with lots of fresh chips or straw. That will and then gently twist the spur so that it several months now, and my third chicken cushion the eggs as they are laid. pops off. This will leave behind the ex- is a White Laced Cornish and I think she Hope this helps! posed inner soft bone. The spur will grow
If you have health-related poultry questions, send them to us at Backyard Poultry, Attn: Ask the Expert, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email to [email protected]. All submissions will be considered for print publication. Please include your name and hometown with your questions, which should be as detailed as possible. Pictures help us answer questions, so please include those too!
26 Backyard Poultry around that over time, but in the short • countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ term, that area can be tender and painful. poultry/feed-health/what-not-to-feed- Whatever method you choose, there your-chickens-so-they-stay-healthy- is the risk of bleeding, so make sure to rooster-booster/ have some styptic powder or cornstarch • countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ All-Natural on hand to stop any blood flow. And be poultry/feed-health/an-overview-of- prepared to treat the wound if an accident what-to-feed-chickens/ should happen. • countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ Hope this helps! poultry/feed-health/feeding-backyard- chickens-5-common-mistakes-to-avoid/ VETERINARY AID Chicken Treats • countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ We have some dried dates that have poultry/feed-health/what-to-feed- POULTRY AID been in our refrigerator for awhile, and they chickens-to-keep-them-healthy/ are not moldy. Enjoy your flock! Promotes Healthy Upper I was wondering, can chickens have Respiratory Function dates? I couldn’t find anything online. Ice Water in Hot Weather Thanks! I love your magazine and wait eagerly Keeps Ears and Legs Clair Cardwell for each edition. I heard from someone Clean & Clear that it’s a good idea to put ice in the Hi Clair, chicken water, so I did. I killed every Also available for: It’s funny, but dates aren’t usually in- one of my chickens. I went to a friend Caged Bird Cat & Kitten cluded in the lists of what can chickens eat, and asked why this happened. He told Dog & Puppy but they’re also not included in the lists of me that certain animals such as chick- Goat & Sheep Equine what chickens can’t eat. After some research ens and pigs cannot have their body PPigeon about pet birds eating dates, it’s clear this is temperature changed quickly or they Rabbit a murky subject. Some say dates have high go into shock. Pigs and chickens cannot Small Fur Animal amounts of tannin and shouldn’t be given to sweat, so their temperature needs to www.goodwinol.com pet birds. Others say the pit is poisonous and stay the same. I also asked a veterinar- should be avoided. Still, others say dates are ian and he told me the same thing. My fine, but to remember they’re high in sugar friend, when he was a child, was taking and shouldn’t be given often; only as a treat. care of pigs for a neighbor. He thought A good rule of thumb, with a few excep- he was being kind and gave them ice tions, is that if it’s fine for humans to eat, it’s water. He killed every pig. I give my ok for your birds. But if you’re unsure, it’s chickens new water several times a day probably best to air on the side of caution when it is really hot, but no more ice and not give them to your birds. water. Thank you and hope this advice Hope this helps! saves someone from going through what I went through. It is hard to raise a bunch Feeding Chickens of chickens from peeps and then have Can you over feed chickens, and would them die, like this or in any way. too much feed affect egg laying? Linda Caldwell Linda Champlin Hi Linda, Hi Linda, The fatalities you experienced with Overfeeding chickens is possible; espe- your flock are heartbreaking and this is a cially when they don’t get free range time to good topic to explore especially since it’s exercise or are given too many treats. Chick- hot weather season in most of the country. ens can become overweight. This leads to A visiting poultry veterinarian said health problems, just like it does in humans, he doesn’t know of any mechanism that and can result in fewer eggs being laid. would explain this being a problem. As It’s important to find a good, well-bal- a comparison, he said we drink ice water anced commercial feed that’s given in when we are hot, and it doesn’t kill us. feeders free choice. From there you can Very cold water can cause vasocon- feed treats, but they should be nutritious striction (tightening of the blood vessels), and make up no more than 10 percent of a which could slow blood flow throughout bird’s overall diet. the body. This is usually seen in the Here are some links that you may blood vessels in the skin and extremities, find helpful. though. This can actually have the effect
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 27 of limiting cooling of the body core since Again, this hasn’t been studied, so Hi Kris, less heat will be transported out to the there could be some mechanism we’re Wow, that’s not normal! extremities by the blood. not aware of. The best guess is that the It looks like a large clot of blood. The However, drinking cold water most deaths have been coincidental, possibly hen must have hemorrhaged in her ovi- likely doesn’t create enough of this due to overheating. duct (or possibly from her ovary), and effect to be noticeable. Since the water Hope this helps! it passed through like an egg. From the would go to the crop, it wouldn’t be dras- pictures, it looks like there was at least tic enough to cause a problem. Spraying Odd Eggs some normal shell inside? It’s hard to tell birds with icy water or immersing them I found this, I don’t know what it is. A what might have caused something like in cold water would be more likely to gross, black, bloody, spongy egg? A blood that. It would be good to monitor your have this effect. clot? I cut it open and it oozed out a yolk. hen to make sure she doesn’t continue Not surprisingly, this hasn’t been The outer part was thick, black, spongy and to bleed. researched in chickens! looked burned. What is it? If this happens more than once, you’ll There is some research on humans Kris Gibbs want to look for things that might be though, from the late 1950s. They over- causing injury – something the hens are heated people to a rectal temperature of flying into or hitting that might cause 104 degrees, then compared methods trauma to the abdomen, etc. You may of cooling. They also referenced one also want to check their diet. A lack of person, who was submerged in ice water Vitamin K might cause poor clotting to cool his body for heart surgery. This so she’d bleed more than usual. Some didn’t kill the person. Interestingly, mycotoxins can interfere with proper they found that exposure to moving air, clotting, too. It does look like the blood with or without wetting the skin, cooled clotted, however, so that’s most likely the body faster than immersion in cool not the problem. water. So, it might be good to point out Hopefully, you won’t see this again! that a fan (or somewhere with a natural breeze) would be better.
Animals speak louder than words. And hens fed with Layena® Plus Omega-3 poultry feed have eggs with 250mg of Omega-3. Store-bought eggs only have 50mg*.Turns out one egg can say morethan others.
Your local Purina retailer can tell you morethan this ad ever could. Or visit purinamills.com/chicken-feed
©2017 Purina Animal NutritionLLC.All rights reserved. Layena is aregistered trademark of Purina Animal Nutrition. *When fed adietofLayena® Plus Omega-3 exclusivelyfor at least3weeks. Based on large egg (56 g).Results may vary with factors such astotal diet and hen health. Atypical store bought egg contains 50 mg of Omega-3 fatty acidsper large Egg (USDA:National Nutrient Base)
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MWBTP-FullPageAd.indd 1 11/29/2016 10:23:07 AM These are our three hens Camila, Isabella, and Lily showing off their coop and hutch which they all happily share after being brought into our family just last fall. –Jacob Seibernellart
Lilac Lounging. –Keri Gollance
This is our bantam Old English game rooster, Petal, who loves to crow his heart out in the early morning or anytime he feels like it. –Jennifer Garcia
Here is my beloved Golden Comet, Zommie. This is her at the end of her recovery from a vicious fox attack earlier this year. She’s certainly the My spunky Pekin and Black Swedish ducklings enjoy star of the flock! –Cheri Michaud exploring through the green grass. –Avery Roth
WAYS TO SHARE: EMAIL PHOTOS IN JPG FORMAT TO [email protected] MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/BACKYARDPOULTRY TAG US ON INSTAGRAM OR USE #BACKYARDPOULTRYMAG: INSTAGRAM.COM/BACKYARDPOULTRYMAG MAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: BACKYARD POULTRY, 145 INDUSTRIAL DR., MEDFORD, WI 54451
Backyard Poultry retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted. To have your photos returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. I went out to put my chickies up for the evening and found them having a hen party on the railing of the deck. –Heather Ginther
This is a picture of Snappy, my Golden Laced Wyandotte hen, enjoying a fine Louisiana spring day in a clover patch. –Brandon Kaske
My Ameraucana, Moonshine, enjoying the spring flowers. –Robin Carson
This is our rooster, “Buddy.” –Mary Lou Rennie
Our eight-month-old rooster is very protective of our hens. He and his brother were raised by my two daughters — Emily (age 11) and Alison (age 7). –Rhonda Conley
WAYS TO SHARE: EMAIL PHOTOS IN JPG FORMAT TO [email protected] MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/BACKYARDPOULTRY TAG US ON INSTAGRAM OR USE #BACKYARDPOULTRYMAG: INSTAGRAM.COM/BACKYARDPOULTRYMAG MAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: BACKYARD POULTRY, 145 INDUSTRIAL DR., MEDFORD, WI 54451
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464 pages, $19.95 166 pages, $19.95 166 pages, $19.95
To request a bookstore catalog, call 970-392-4419 or write to: Bookstore Catalog Request, PO Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 or for a complete list of books visit www.CountrysideNetwork.com.
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August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 33 Left - Rosebud, a Japanese bantam rooster. Top - Bigboy, a white Silkie rooster.
time we spent together meant the world to me. He would take me down to his uncle’s MY JOURNEY farm. There were honey bees, chickens, a pond and even a sugar cane patch. On one of our trips to the farm, my grandfather’s WITH CHICKENS uncle asked us to go and purchase some baby chicks. I would soon encounter my first live A Trip to the Store Leads to a True Passion chick. I was instantly smitten. Returning for Chicken Keeping home that evening, I asked my parents for permission to buy some chicks. They By Mason Sandifer (Age 14) gave me the response that countered my question. “Maybe when you are older.” It was the frustrating response every kid think everyone experiences the excitement of chickens at some point or another. hates to hear. For me personally, it is when I go to my local Tractor Supply Company and see Fast forward four years and again I I the cute fluffballs of fun. The heat lamps. The fence. The sign that reads Chick brought up the question of chickens. Days! It is all very exciting. Who can resist those precious peepers? I can’t. Chickens Thank goodness, they said, “Yes!” We be- are, in my opinion, addicting and unique. gan with one coop, but as the years went I got started in raising chickens, let’s see, oh I’d say a good seven years ago. That on we added three more. Our small flock, was when I received my first flock. However, my love of chickens began at age three. what my dad thought was going to be My grandfather and I used to spend every Thursday together, and I must say that the seven hens, turned out to be at one point
34 Backyard Poultry 50! As I have raised chickens over Hershey is a Muppet-inspired Silkie the past few years, I have found their Polish mix and has a great desire to be personalities unique and entertaining. a mother of sixteen babies. She is some- times moody, but overall, she is a good Meet The Flock friend. Bigboy is a white Silkie rooster. He The Old Ladies Garden Club is a group has a passion for food and a concern of hens who have a daily meeting when for his increasing wideness. His fa- they dust bathe. Their conversations mous quote, “I really need to diet, but range from a simple,“Isn’t today a lovely I love my food!” day?” to “Quick! It’s a hawk drill! What Gus is a bantam Golden Laced do you do?” Cochin rooster. He loves his wife, I know the dialogue of the chickens Hershey, and is a devoted husband. His sounds completely made up. For instance, famous quote is, “I is coming pronto Gus’s “I is coming pronto hasty!” quote. hasty!” However, as I have watched my flock, Rosebud is a vain and prideful and spent countless hours with them, I’ve Japanese bantam rooster. His greatest noticed they seem to speak. Not English joy, he says, is to see his tail feathers of course, but their own special language glimmer. However, it has been seen with which we communicate. I know it and proven that he truly cares about sounds silly, but it’s true. We, as a flock, his flock. have experienced heartache, happiness, Indy is an enormous Welsummer and hilarity. Everything that happens at rooster. He tries to act big and is a lead- the coop will, I know, further my journey er and hero to his flock. He has bravely with chickens. Spend time with your own defended his flock from a hawk who flock and you will discover their person- thought he could make a meal of one alities, their language, and ultimately of the elderly hens. pure joy.
Top: The Old Ladies Garden Club. Bottom Left to Right: Gus, a bantam Golden Laced Cochin rooster; Hershey, a Silkie Polish mix; Indy, a Welsummer rooster.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 35 Ione and Mabel a therapy chicken. Photo by Remi Bumstead.
36 Backyard Poultry Therapy Chickens From the UK to U.S.
Therapy Chickens: By Susie Kearley Gaining Popularity
he therapeutic value of taking dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes is well known. Even docile cats are now sometimes used as therapy animals, providing T companionship, confidence, and a feeling of well-being to people in need. But therapy chickens? Who ever heard of chickens being used in therapy?
Chickens as pets are wonderful birds, full of life, enjoy perching on people’s laps, making them the and with the instant ability to make us smile. So perfect therapy animal. The experience promotes perhaps that’s why Ione Maria Rojas thought they’d interaction and can make those who are very reserved make great visiting companions for elderly people in and withdrawn want to join in and hold a chicken! London’s nursing homes. For some people who kept chickens in their youth, Ione founded the Furry Tales project at Stepney it brings back happy memories.” City Farm in London in 2013, and with the help of Therapy animals provide physical comfort, laugh- volunteers, took Pekin bantam chickens, rabbits, and ter, and are a great topic of conversation. The very guinea pigs to residential care homes and day centers fact that the therapy chickens seem so content is a across the capital. talking point because people think they’ll run away, “Living in London is intense!” she explained, “So I but the hens are born and raised on the farm. “When started volunteering at Stepney City Farm and found the experience really beneficial for my well-being. I’d had a long-term interest in art therapies and elderly health, and I’d volunteered in a couple of care homes running painting workshops. My positive experience with the farm animals made me think the elderly people would benefit from meeting the animals too. I took a few small animals into a home and it snow- balled from there.” The reaction from elderly people to seeing ther- apy chickens arrive in their communal lounge was delightful. They were smiling broadly and keen to participate. “Pekin bantam chickens are known for being really docile,” explained Ione. “They like to be stroked and
Merlin and Jane with the chickens. Photo by Furry Tales.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 37 Top: Ione visiting Age UK Appian Court. Photo by Remi Bumstead. Lower Right: Chicken at the farm. Photo by Remi Bumstead.
Volunteers take therapy chickens to schools, events, and care environments, where people enjoy the interaction and learn about the birds. the animals are very young, volunteers spend a lot of time with them. They get a lot of handling, so they’re used to it,” said Ione. In 2015, Ione visited animal therapy centers across America to learn best practices and share experiences of an- imal therapy in care homes and other environments. At the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton, Massa- chusetts, she learned about their hugely successful animal therapy program. They have a brood of therapy chickens and the residents with Alzheimer’s benefit hugely from just sitting and watching the birds; they say the experience is calming. One resident started feeding the chickens to improve his mobility. In Kansas, a day care worker showed the clients how to care for chickens and encouraged those with DIY skills to build a coop. It was a thoroughly enjoyable activ- into her work in the United Kingdom. to combat that, generate conversations ity, which gave them purpose and a sense Then in March 2017, Ione handed over and promote positive relationships. of accomplishment, lifting their spirits. the responsibility for Furry Tales to her “Some of our beneficiaries are living When Ione returned from her trip, co-workers, Jane and Merlin. Jane said, independently, but they’re socially isolat- she was struck by the range of physical, “We’ve now developed a series of out- ed and struggle to get out. Some are in emotional, cognitive, and social benefits reach packages where we take chickens wheelchairs or have mobility problems. she’d observed, including faster healing and other animals to a hospital dementia We can help. We’ve also introduced times in patients, and greater community ward, various residential homes, and to weekly Friday afternoon drop-in ses- cohesion when animals were involved in sheltered housing, visiting each location sions at the farm, so people who enjoyed treatment regimes. It opened her eyes to for eight weeks. Some of our clients are their eight-week session can prolong new ideas, some of which were integrated isolated or socially excluded, so we help the experience. We help with a range of
38 Backyard Poultry THERAPY CHICKEN RESOURCES Register My Service Animal, LLC registermyservice animal.com/home.html
Official ESA Registration of America esaregistration.org/my-account
Intermountain Therapy Animals therapyanimals.org/Volunteer.html
Chickens and You chickensandyou.com/course_ therapy_chicken.html
Top: A therapy chicken at a care home. Photo by Jess Folan. Right: Ione at the farm with a baby chicken. Photo by Remi Bumstead. issues including anxiety and depression. Although most beneficiaries are older, we do accept people as young as 25 if we can identify a need and see that they’ll benefit from the experience. They get a mini-tour of the farm and one-to-one contact with the chickens,” said Jane. Although the work can be therapeutic, Jane is keen to stress that they don’t actu- ally undertake therapy. “We offer Animal Assisted Interventions and activities,” as a child. As an adult, he couldn’t shake animals when they get there. This means she says. off the feelings of shame and depression, people are motivated to push themselves Elsewhere, a charity called Henpower, had a full psychotic breakdown, retired to achieve greater mobility and indepen- set up in 2011 in the north of England, from his job on medical grounds, and dence. The therapy chickens make people encourages hen-keeping as a way to then a friend suggested he adopt battery laugh, and bring simple pleasures to combat loneliness and depression among hens. “They’ve had a horrible life, just people who face huge challenges with ill older people. A study by Northumbria like you,” his friend persisted. health, disabilities, or have serious mental University, published in 2013, showed Paul adopted four hens; they were health issues. that Henpower not only helps to beat featherless and terrified from their or- loneliness and depression, it also reduces deal. But as he watched them grow into Criminal Rehabilitation the need for antipsychotic medication in beautiful, confident chickens. He found it Therapy chickens are also being used care homes. Henpower encourages peo- immensely rewarding and the experience to rehabilitate prisoners. At The State ple to take full responsibility for therapy gave him the strength to fight his own Hospital in Scotland, where 75 percent chickens, so they’re not just petting them. demons. “The hens accept me. They calm of patients have schizophrenia, chickens Participants have a lot of interaction with me down and I feel that, through the hor- roam the animal garden. You might think the project while learning about different rors in both their lives and mine, we con- the patients are a threat to the animals but aspects of chicken care. Volunteers take nect,” he told The Guardian newspaper. in fact, they treat them with kindness and therapy chickens to schools, events, and Today therapy chickens are used compassion. Animals offer non-judge- care environments, where people enjoy around the world to help those in nurs- mental companionship, so the sessions can the interaction and learn about the birds. ing homes improve their mobility and be the first positive relationship that some Chickens can change lives too. Paul have fun. Residents are more inclined criminals experience in their lives, open- Checkley from England suffered abuse to go outdoors if they can interact with ing the door to new positive attitudes and
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 39 successful rehabilitation. It’s therapeutic, Top and calming, and can enhance their wellbeing. Bottom: Hens Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside, En- at Edinburgh prison. gland, looks after dangerous criminals, using therapy chickens to help them deal with a wide range of mental health issues. One of the patients called Chris was hurt- ing himself in prison and was suicidal. He was sent to the hospital to recover and told a BBC reporter, “I look after the chickens. I enjoy it. It’s therapeutic. It helps me. It’s good to get off the ward and forget about where I am.” On Rikers Island, the main prison in New York City, the Horticulture Society of New York administers a horticulture
The therapy chickens make people laugh, and bring simple pleasures to people who face huge challenges with ill health, disabilities, or have serious mental health issues.
you never really leave the farm Top and course called the GreenHouse program, Bottom: Hens which trains prisoners to be gardeners and at Edinburgh provides employment in gardening roles prison. in the city, following their release. Part of this experience is working with chick- ens, where they have the opportunity to nurture the birds. For some prisoners, learning about horticulture and animal care provides a valuable connection to nature, which begins a healing process. At Dartmoor Prison, England, the therapy garden is home to a brood of ex-battery chickens who are now thriv- ing in the prisoners’ care. Their eggs are sold and the money raised is spent on the garden project. Edinburgh Prison in Scotland has a brood of therapy chickens, who improve the mood of the prisoners who care for them. The prisoners built a chicken coop for them and learned about their welfare. They use the eggs in cooking lessons, and one prisoner said the chickens “put more Hens in the next boxes at Edinburgh prison. light into every day.”
you never really leave the farm The simple waytohelp keep your flock healthy.
SavAChick.com MyFarmJourney™ Therapy Chickens: A Personal Story
Bethel Home HELPING HENS Therapy Chickens Delight Residents and Visitors By Marissa Ames
ristina Reser-Jaynes Kristina had to follow a few even have a chicken swing, though watched a Facebook rules. No roosters, for instance, Kristina’s daughter Katherine uses K video with fascination. and the chickens had to be vac- it more than the hens do. Within Australia, animal therapy cinated. Someone had to care Five chicks came to the home in care homes had reduced medi- for them. Since she visits Bethel and grew up within view of the cation taken by dementia patients Home daily to help feed her residents. They are some of the by as much as 50 percent. She mother, she happily volunteered friendliest chicken breeds: two realized therapy chickens could for the job. Ameraucanas, a Buff Orpington, also help her own mother. When choosing animal therapy a Silver-laced Wyandotte, and a Bethel Home, in Viroqua, Wis- in care homes, it’s important to Barred Rock. They turned one year consin, provides skilled care, focus on the right natural temper- old in June. memory care, and rehab for elderly aments. Flighty or aggressive birds During the cold Wisconsin residents like Kristina’s mom. are not okay. Luckily, Kristina had winter, the hens “went south.” They have a sunny courtyard; the her own chickens and had grown Ten miles south, that is, to Kris- perfect chicken coop location. up with them, so she already tina’s own sheltered coop. “They Kristina approached the board knew about temperaments and got along fine with their country of directors about her idea of tendencies. cousins,” says Kristina. When the using hens as animal therapy in She started a GoFundMe ac- weather warmed enough that water care homes. She expected to be count, which raised $1,000 in two no longer froze, the hens returned rejected on every level. When the days from family, friends, and total to Bethel Home. Kristina owns a board said yes, she approached strangers. Fundraising paid for a rooster and she hoped a hen would the city. They approved it. So she nostalgic red coop with a wheel- hatch babies, but so far nobody has next consulted the local chief of chair-accessible nesting box and sat on eggs. police. Apparently, there was an a picket fence for the hens’ yard, Visitors will notice two happy ordinance that specifically allowed and volunteers set everything up. kids playing with the chickens. chickens for educational purposes. Community members came out They are Katherine, Kristina’s The chief said a local preschool to bless the coop. The Chamber daughter, and her friend Cash. had chickens, so why would it be of Commerce donated a Flock When Katherine and Cash aren’t any different for animal therapy in Block for hens to peck at beside playing on the chicken swing, they care homes? the sitting room window. They bring hens around to residents’
42 Backyard Poultry Five chicks came to the home and grew up within view of the residents. They are some of the friendliest chicken breeds: two Ameraucanas, a Buff Orpington, a Silver-laced Wyandotte, and a Barred Rock. They turned one year old in June.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 43 Bethel Home Helping Hens’ Facebook page is full of updates, and Kristina invites friends and fans to check in for pictures and stories. so hens could facebook.com/ come inside the bethelhomehelpinghens home. Kristina tried chicken di- apers, but the hens didn’t care for them. Res- idents who cannot make it outside can see the birds within the stroller enclosure. And what about those eggs? Unfortunately, the residents can’t eat them because of health regu- lations. So, the eggs go home to feed Kristina’s family, neighbors, and friends. She is drowning in eggs. But back at Bethel Home, residents joke around whenever chicken soup is served. Kristina had better go count the hens, they say. For residents who can no longer communicate, like Kristina’s mom, it’s valuable to have a fun destina- tion outside. And for those who can, the discussion doesn’t stop. “Everybody is always talking about what the chickens are doing and if there are eggs outside.” The Facebook page regularly accumulates likes and visitors. Other volunteers or staff have contacted Kristina, hoping to em- bedroom windows. They scoop Kristina says nursing homes of- ulate a program of animal therapy up recently laid eggs and set them ten become isolated communities. in care homes. And as for Kris- into residents’ hands. Though, in Anything that brings people in is tina’s own project, she says that the excitement, many eggs fall exciting for residents. And because GoFundMe account has enough and crack. When groups journey many of the residents grew up on or donations left to feed the hens for outside, Kristina holds the hens around farms, chickens bring back several more years. so residents can see and pet them. fond memories. It’s a low-cost and Kristina invites all readers to Animal therapy in care homes is high-impact way to allow everyone check out Bethel Home Helping a simple solution. Many residents to have more fun. Hens’ Facebook page. If you want are elderly and frail, Kristina ex- Her own mom has Alzheimer’s to start local animal therapy in care plains, but they can hold eggs and disease and can no longer speak. But homes, see how Bethel Home does come down to look at chickens. she had chickens when Kristina was it. Send a message. Follow along The hens’ coop faces the phys- growing up. “She’s always enjoyed on the adventures! ical therapy room. In front of the birds,” says Kristina. “She always sitting room window, a ramp leads fed the birds. It’s definitely because to a platform where chickens peck of her that this all came about.” Resources: at a xylophone. Residents throw The GoFundMe account re- Bethel Home Helping Hens scratch from the feed bucket. cently funded a chicken stroller, Sage Journals
44 Backyard Poultry August/September 2017 FROM ROLLERS TO RACERS
Explore Pigeon Breeds and Types By Kenny Coogan
ecognized as a Master Breed- in various breeds. She may have chosen facts include their ability to adapt to er of Old Dutch Capuchines Capuchines for their elegant Cruella various conditions and their inexpen- Rand Bavarian Pouters, Layne de Vil neck feathers and possibly the sive maintenance costs, which doesn’t Gardner has had the good fortune of Bavarian Pouters for their attractive bal- help narrow down the choices. One of traveling the world photographing var- loon-like crop. But what characteristics the best ways to choose a breed is by ious types of pigeons. In her 50 years and breed will you choose? focusing on the flock’s purpose. Types of raising pigeons (she started early!) With hundreds of types of pigeons to of pigeons may be grouped into three she has developed a passion for quality pick from, selecting a breed or variety classes: utility, fancy, and flying or and enjoys seeing excellent specimens can be overwhelming. Popular pigeon homing breeds.
PIGEON BREEDS BY CLASS
Utility Breeds These birds are used mostly for squab production. The largest types of pigeons in this category include the White Kinds, Red Carneau, French Mondain, Giant Homers, and the ironically named Runts. Michael Kolodziej, owner of Ruffled Feather Farm, has been raising pigeons for 30 years. Currently, he raises one of the largest pigeon breeds and one of the smallest. The giant Runt is the largest breed of pigeon, and their size alone makes them regal,” he says. “They are truly a gentle gi- ant. They are not the easiest breed to work with; because of their size, they break their eggs and even crush their young. He tells me that they are best left un- disturbed. When the squabs hatch, it’s amazing to watch this tiny chick develop into a giant. “I very seldom advertise my Runts; they sell themselves,” Kolodziej adds. “When people see them, they just have to have them. Their mass and impressive size win you over.”
RUNT PIGEON Photo by Michael Kolodziej
46 Backyard Poultry THE FRENCH MONDAIN is valued for its beauty and food source. Photo by Layne Gardner
CARNEAU originated in northern France and southern Belgium. Their size makes them suitable for squab production. Photo Red Carneau by Layne Gardner
Here is a beautiful example of an OPAL FRENCH MONDAIN, compared to the typical blue. Photo by Layne Gardner
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 47 Fancy Breeds These pigeons are kept for their gorgeous color, form, and texture. I remember fondly going to the New York State fair annually and visiting the poultry building. I would spend hours on the second floor which was dedicated to the whimsical types of pigeons New York fanciers had to offer. These exhibition breeds included Fantails, Jacobins, Owls, Pouters, Tumblers, and Modenas.
Too little space for peafowl? Add a flock of FANTAIL PIGEONS to your yard for a fraction of the space. Photo by Layne Gardner
Originating in Tunisia, African, OWL PIGEONS have short and stout beaks, requiring small seed. This khaki pied individual is an amazing example of artificial selection. Photo by Layne Gardner
This RED SPLASH JACOBIN radiates elegance. Photo by Layne Gardner
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August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 49 Flying or Homing Breeds Possibly the most famous, this cat- egory includes racing pigeons that are used for endurance flying (distance or height) and their homing instinct. Breeds include Racing Homers and Rollers. Kolodziej says that Portuguese tum- blers are one of the smallest breeds of pigeons. “They are extremely fast flyers and they perform well.” Their small size is intriguing as well as the way they carry themselves. They have an erect stance, powerful chest and a small beak which makes their appear- ance pleasing.
"When the males court, they walk on tip-toe and almost inhale to make themselves appear more impressive,” Kolodziej has noticed. “Another interesting factor is the wide variety of colors and unique patterns. It is always exciting to watch the young birds feather out to see what you produced. My biggest enjoyment is watching them fly. I sit for hours and just watch."
50 Backyard Poultry A variety of Kolodziej’s flock of PORTUGUESE TUMBLERS. Photo by Michael Kolodziej
FLYING BALDHEAD KITE PIGEON. Photo by Layne Gardner
A dark check show ROLLER PIGEON. Photo by Layne Gardner
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 51 GERMAN LONG FACE TUMBLER is a slender upright breed. Photo by Layne Gardner
The DOMESTIC SHOW FLIGHT PIGEON originated in New York state. This variety is a red plainhead. Photo by Layne Gardner
BERLIN SHORT-FACED TUMBLERS were developed in the mid 19th century by crossing the Ancient Tumbler, Kazaner Tumbler and other breeds in Berlin. Photo by Layne Gardner
52 Backyard Poultry EXHIBITION BLUE BAR HOMER AMERICAN SHOW RACER Photo by Layne Gardner Photo by Layne Gardner
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KENNY COOGAN, CPBT-KA, is a pet and garden columnist. He shares his one-acre permaculture homestead with ducks and chickens. facebook.com/crittercompanions
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August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 53 FrittatasStart Basic Then Make it Fancy101 by Rita Heikenfeld
hen I learned to make frittatas, I knew I had a dish simple enough for a family supper yet fancy enough for entertaining. W Frittata, which translates to “fried” in Italian, is an egg-based classic dish. Yes, eggs are the main ingredient in any basic frittata recipe, and that’s good news for us who have a daily supply of healthful, fresh eggs. Think of a basic frittata as a blank canvas. Even with just eggs and seasonal herbs, it’s a winner. Take my best frittata recipe, for example. All it takes are eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs to make this delicious savory meal in a pan. Frittatas take just minutes to make, a boon for busy folks. Along with my best frittata recipe, I’m sharing two more. One is a spinach and bacon frittata suitable for Paleo guidelines. The other has a Southwestern flair and uses fresh or frozen corn.
54 Backyard Poultry Best Eggs for Frittatas I use eggs from my chickens, but I have used Pekin duck eggs in place of chicken eggs. Since Pekin duck eggs are larger, for every two chicken eggs called for, use one duck egg.
Folding Yolks into Whites If a recipe calls for beaten egg whites, beat until stiff but not dry, then pour the yolks over the beaten whites and fold them in with a spatula.
Filling Possibilities Yolks over Herbs, meat, greens, cheese, vege- whipped whites tables, potatoes, or pasta. Check to see what’s leftover in the refrigerator! My Best Frittata Cover pan with a lid whose underside Use the Right Pan has been sprayed to prevent sticking. (You Although you can use any ovenproof Recipe: Frittata with can also use sprayed foil.) pan, a nonstick ovenproof omelet pan with Tarragon, Parsley, and Cook over low heat for about five min- sloping sides or my trusty well-seasoned utes. Remove cover and sprinkle omelet cast iron skillet is my preference. For these Onion Chives with both cheeses and herbs. recipes, a 10-inch pan works well. Put the pan in oven until top is set, This recipe is lovely for brunch, lunch, about 10 minutes. or a light supper. Remove from oven, using mitt since the handle is hot. Ingredients Use a spatula to loosen edges and 4 large eggs bottom. Salt and pepper to taste Place on a plate, sprinkle with Romano 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and extra herbs. Cut into wedges to serve. 8 oz. shredded Gruyere, white cheddar or Fontina cheese Romano for sprinkling on top 2 tablespoons each: fresh tarragon, onion chives, and parsley plus extra for garnish Change it up Instructions If you don’t have the herbs Preheat oven to 375°F. on hand from my best frittata Separate eggs. Whisk yolks with a recipe, you can certainly little salt and pepper, until thick and substitute with what you have Don’t Overbake fairly light. Frittatas typically don’t get brown on on hand. Substitute parsley, Beat whites with a dash of salt until the top since they’re in the oven such basil, and garlic chives for the stiff but not dry. a short time. Overbaking results in a Pour yolks over whites and gently fold tarragon, spongy texture. If you insist on a golden them into whites. parsley, and brown top, run the almost cooked frittata Melt butter in a 10-inch nonstick ov- onion chives. under the broiler for a few minutes. enproof skillet and heat just until starting to foam but not brown. Pour egg mixture into skillet, spread evenly and smooth top.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 55 FRITTATAS, OMELETS AND CRUSTLESS QUICHES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Frittata Paleo Chard and Bacon Instructions Cooking starts on top of the stove Preheat oven to 375°F. and finishes in the oven. Frittata Cook bacon over medium heat in a 10-inch nonstick, ovenproof omelet pan. My daughter-in-law feeds her family a Remove and leave the drippings in the modified Paleo diet, rich in protein. She skillet. Put leeks in skillet and when they Omelet would like this recipe. Leafy greens fit start to get soft, add garlic and chard. Cooked entirely on top of the stove; the Paleo profile, too, so I can use my Cook until chard wilts. Add the bacon eggs folded around filling. garden chard. back into the pan and mix. Pour in the eggs and cook just until the eggs start to Ingredients set around the edges. 1/2 pound pork or turkey bacon, cut into Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 Crustless small pieces minutes or until middle is set. Remove 1/2 cup leeks or onions, diced or to taste from oven, using mitt since the handle Quiche Cooked in the oven. 1 clove garlic, minced is hot. (Some fillings may be cooked 2-3 cups Swiss chard chopped Loosen edges and bottom with a on top of the stove and then added 5-6 large eggs, beaten or whisked until light spatula, and turn over upside down onto and somewhat fluffy a plate. to egg mixture.) Eggs and filling Freshly ground black pepper to taste Cut into wedges to serve. either mixed together or poured in Tomatoes for garnish layers in the pan.
Tips from Rita’s Kitchen Serve shredded cheddar Substitute spinach for are flavorful additions cheese on the side for those who the chard. to stocks. like it. That addition makes it a modified Paleo dish. Use bottom part of leeks only. Wash leeks after dicing. Leaves are too tough to eat but It’s easier that way!
56 Backyard Poultry Tex-Mex Frittata with Corn and Bell Pepper
One of my students shared this recipe with me. “My family likes anything Southwestern, and it’s a kid-friendly dish, too,” she told me. Since corn is still in season, this is a must have on our table. I’ve adapted her recipe only slightly.
Ingredients 6 large eggs 1/4 cup whole milk Salt and a dash of cayenne pepper Olive oil Garnishes: Your Choice! 3/4 cup onion, diced Salsa 1 small red, orange or yellow bell Avocado pepper, diced Sour cream Cut Corn From 1 cup corn, fresh from cob or frozen, Cilantro The Cob Easily thawed Diced tomatoes 8 oz. Mexican blend shredded cheese Instructions Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat or whisk eggs, milk, salt and cayenne pepper until light and some- what fluffy. Film the bottom of a 10-inch oven- proof nonstick skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, peppers, and corn. Cook until tender. Pour in eggs, Change it up stir to mix and cook until edges start Put corn in the center of to set. Remove from heat and sprinkle an angel food pan for with cheese. Substitute sautéed zucchini and easy cutting from the cob. Place in the oven and bake 10 minutes tomatoes for the bell pepper and No flyaway kernels! or until middle is set. corn. Instead of Mexican blend Remove from oven, using mitt since cheese, use Italian blend cheese. the handle is hot. For garnish, serve warm marinara Loosen edges and bottom with a sauce on the side. spatula, and place onto a plate. Cut into wedges to serve. Pass sides.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RITA HEIKENFELD comes from a family of wise women in tune with nature. She is a certified modern herbalist, culinary educator, author, and national media personality. Most important, she is a wife, mom, and grandma. Rita lives on a little patch of heaven overlooking the East Fork River in Clermont County, Ohio. She is a former adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, where she developed a comprehensive herbal course. abouteating.com • column: [email protected]
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 57 KEEPING SHOW CHICKENS HEALTHY
How to Use Biosecurity for Show Chickens by Jeremy Chartier
how chickens are hugely entertaining. Fun, as they may be, keeping and exhibiting show chicken breeds can be more involved than keeping run-of-the-mill egg layers. One of the big differences is S the act of showing your chickens, which opens your flock up to new health risks. Poultry shows are a health hazard by nature, which is why biosecurity is such a big deal. The good news is that by following some basic tenets of biosecurity, you can significantly reduce your risk of infecting your flock.
58 Backyard Poultry Get Tested Most if not all states and shows now require show chickens to be tested an- nually for Salmonella Pullorum. Some states may require more tests, but expect Salmonella Pullorum at a minimum. Each bird that’s tested is banded with a steel leg band that has a unique number. These bands will be issued to you either by your state testing authority, or the vet who drew the blood. Getting your birds tested will qualify them to enter shows like the Ohio National Poultry Show.
Leave Sick Show Chickens at Home Even if you tested your birds this year, it doesn't mean they’re healthy right now. You know your birds better than anyone else, so spotting a sick chicken should be easy for you. If your show chickens are acting differently than usual, take that as a sign that something's changed. Some of the most common sick chick- en symptoms are easy to see, such as coughing, weeping eyes, and drippy nostrils. Others can be more dramatic like paralysis, listlessness, coughing blood, or gasping. Sick birds may have diarrhea, which leaves the feathers under the vent soiled and loose or watery droppings on the coop floor. Other sick birds may just look depressed, pale, oblivious and, un- willing to move. If you see any of these NEWand IMPROVED ® signs in your show chickens, don’t take DR FieldField and Brush Mowers them to show! There’s an unspoken code of conduct Faster…Easier... among fanciers (people who show fancy chickens) and part of that code includes Lower-Priced! 20 HP, not bringing sick chickens to a show. If PRO MMAX-34AX-34 you bring an ill bird to a show, all you’re Mow fiefi elds, brush, doing is making other people’s birds sick even saplings and risking the life of your chicken. with never- Also be sure to check your show chickens for mites and lice. Fanciers and before ease! judges don’t appreciate parasite-infested chickens. Depending on the show, your birds may even be denied entry if there’s NEW N EW WIDE CUT MODELS ATTENTION: TRACTOR AND ATATVVO OWNERS!WNERS! for faster mowing! NEW MODELS starting at $1399 99 evidence of a mite infestation. NEW POWER STEERING for easier handling! Shipping Stress NEW LOW PRICES Being stuffed in a box and carted an reduced up to $500! 017 hour or so in the back of an SUV is stress- ©2 ful for your show chickens. Your birds ROUGH CUT & FINISH MOWERS—
the most complete selection available. 97321X may have a sub-clinical disease, which means they are sick but not showing signs FREE SHIPPING Call for FREEDVD andCatalog! of illness. Putting extra stress on these 1YEAR TRIAL TOLL birds will bring these hidden sicknesses FREE 800-365-6422 to the surface. If you arrive at a show and SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY Call or go online for details. DRfieldbrush.com
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 59 There’s an unspoken code of conduct among fanciers (people who show fancy chickens) and part of that code includes not bringing sick chickens to a show.
you have a bird or birds showing signs of illness, withdraw them immediately and take them home if possible. Take care to reduce shipping stress as much as possible. Use shipping containers that offer ample ventilation, room, and good absorbent bedding to keep them clean and dry. If you have a mated pair, consider shipping them together instead of isolating them so they don’t become
60 Backyard Poultry stressed over missing their other half. Other than mated pairs, I usually suggest organic eggs. keeping birds segregated so they don’t fight, crowd, overheat, or pick on their happy fairy princess. fellow crate mate. Also be sure there are no sharp edges or protrusions in your shipping container that might harm your show chickens or destroy their plumage. Make sure your birds aren’t overheat- THE HEALTHIEST CHICKENS ed or chilled. A good target temperature is 55 to 65 degrees in the crate, so do LAYTHE TASTIEST EGGS. your best to keep them in that range. YOUAND YOUR KIDS WILL NOTICE Don’t let their crate sit in the sun, be- cause they may get overheated even if THE DIFFERENCE. you have the air conditioning on. I’ve found that keeping them in the Get your organic on dark reduces stress quite a bit, just don’t sacrifice ventilation for darkness. Also at newcountryorganics.com avoid cranking the radio up on the way to the show, since loud unfamiliar noise will stress them out terribly.
Coming Home By sheer nature of the beast, a poultry show is a biosecurity nightmare. You’re commingling (or cross contaminating) SOY-FREE, CERTIFIED ORGANIC, with people, equipment, and flocks to LAYER FEED •MOREGREATSTUFF an astounding degree, so treat everything 888-699-7088 •M-F 8-6, SAT9-1, ET you touch as a suspect. If possible, stop by a car wash on the way home to wash any potentially infected debris or dirt off your car, especially the underside and the tires. Professional farms wash vehicles on their way into the farmyard to stop trucks from driving disease in, but a quick stop at the car wash suffices for us fanciers. Expect your footwear and clothing to be infected as well. Change your clothes, shower, and disinfect your footwear when you get home. Don’t wear the same clothes in your regular coop or around your other show chickens. Cleaning the foot wells and floor mats of your car are also advisable since you probably tracked contaminated material into your car. All crates should be washed clean of any dirt or foreign materials, then properly disinfected with a quality disinfectant. Bleach does not qualify. I use and suggest Virkon™ S, which is a popular disinfectant among poultry professionals. Virkon™ S is available as a powder and as a tablet. I highly suggest using the tablets, which are conveniently sized for the proper dilution rate in a spray bottle. Be sure to wet all surfaces and let the disinfectant dry, and be sure
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 61 to use gloves, mask, eye protection, or any other manufacturer recommended protective gear. As a side note, you can forgo disinfect- ing crates if you use recycled cardboard boxes. I go to my local liquor store and grab free boxes which I use once, then recycle. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Isolate and Observe When you get home from a show, you should assume that the birds you just brought home are infected with something. Even if none of the birds you brought home look sick, they could have a disease that is sub-clinical. These birds need to be isolated for three weeks at a minimum since disease incubation can take that long to produce clinical signs of illness. While you have them under isolation, keep an eye out for symptoms of illness. Many people misunderstand what isola- Poultry shows tion means when bringing show chickens are great fun, home. The best example of isolation done but they are a high-risk situation right would be having a completely sep- for disease arate coop, shed, barn, or garage that is transmission. distanced from your regular coop. Don’t
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62 Backyard Poultry let new or returning birds come in contact Celebrating 40 years of incubatordesign or even come near the birds that didn’t Brinsea the world leading incubator manufacturer is adding go to show. to its range of incubators, brooders, egg candlers and automatic coop door openers. Watch Your Step All with 3yearwarranty. NEW As you do your daily chores, be sure range to start in the coop that has the least likelihood of being infected and end in the coop that has the highest risk of being infected. To illustrate what I mean, let’s Free use an example. Imagine you have three Color coops. Coop one is your hatchery, coop For more information Catalog www.brinsea.com two is for your adult breeders, and coop www.brinsea.com or call 1-888-667-7009 three is your isolation coop. You should start your chores in coop one with the chicks, then take care of coop two. The We also sell black Freedom Rangers, inhabitants in coop two didn’t go to the Kosher King Freedom Rangers, show, so they are less likely to be sick. &Novogen Brown egg layers! Last, you should visit coop three with the new or returning birds under isolation. Quality You If you visited in reverse order (coop Can Count On three, then two and one) you run the risk of tracking disease from the high-risk Perfect for free-rangeenvironments, these isolation barn all the way through your tri-colored or red feathered chickens growto entire flock. Doing that would complete- 5-6 lbsinjust9-11weeks. Theyare an active ly defeat the purpose of isolation. breed and thrivewhenallowedtofreerange, scratchand dust batheinnatural sunlight. An Ounce of Prevention We all know the old adage, and as 717-336-4878 •www.FreedomRangerHatchery.com tired as it may be, it’s still true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s far less traumatic to treat a handful of chickens in your isolation coop than to have your entire show chicken flock get sick. Limit your risks by taking these basic precautions to prevent a disease from infecting your whole flock. The world of poultry shows and the fancy, in general, is supposed to be a fun venture for all. Keep it that way by practicing good biosecurity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
At 12 years old, JEREMY CHARTIER became involved with his local 4-H group, later joined the local FFA chapter, and showed livestock until his college years. After graduating from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at Uconn, he joined University of Maine’s Poultry Service Provider training program. Today Jeremy sells started pullets to local backyard farmers, is still involved with 4-H as a poultry showmanship judge, and writes about his passion for farming. flockanswers.com facebook.com/flockanswers
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 63 Malay Blue Wheaten. Photo by Mandy Meyer.
Tall & Proud Meet the Malay Chicken Owner of the Tallest Chicken Breed Title
by Kenny Coogan
his spring a YouTube video the first large fowl game breed she Tallest Chicken Breed went viral featuring a giant started to raise for show. “They are like the Great Dane of T chicken. It was so popular “I discovered the Malay breed poultry breeds,” said Meyer. “I was the video made it on the late-night while browsing the Livestock Con- intrigued by their size, their looks talk shows. The video featured Brah- servancy list of heritage breeds,” said and the difficulty in finding them. I ma chickens. While the video was Meyer. “I was looking at photos and also enjoy showing breeds that are impressive because of the chicken's information of the breeds most at risk not as common as other standard size, Brahmas are not the tallest of dying out in the United States.” types of large fowl.” chicken breed. That title belongs to They were novel and unique, Standing between 26 to 30 inch- Malay chickens. and she wanted them. “I had never es tall, it has been said this breed For Mandy Meyer, owner of Fowl seen anything like them before,” can eat from the top of a barrel or Mood Farms, Malay chickens were recalled Meyer. dining table. The breed attains its
64 Backyard Poultry Don’tforget to find us on Facebook. The Malay chicken is an ancient breed, possibly dating back around 3,500 years ago. In 1830 it was chic to have Malay chickens in poultry collections in England.
MALAY CHICKEN BREED FACTS
Characteristics Heat tolerant, tallest of all chickens Egg Color Brown Egg Size Medium Market Weight 5-7 lbs Status Critical Temperament Active Use Meat
towering height from its charac- teristically long neck and legs, and upright carriage of the body. The Malay chicken is an ancient breed, possibly dating back around 3,500 years ago. In 1830 it was chic to have Malay chickens in poultry Wheaten hen. Photo collections in England. By 1846, the by Mike Poole breed had made it to America with the Black Breast Red variety being added to the American Poultry ens, which dates back to a fowl bred breeder is found, you may even Association in 1883. Ninety-eight in Rhode Island in the mid-1800s, have to have your name put on a years later, the white, spangled, hence the name of the breed. Accord- waiting list. black, and red pyle Malay chickens ing to most accounts, the breed was Incubator hatching is recommend- were recognized by the American developed by crossing Red Malay ed to prevent brooding and chick in- Poultry Association in 1981. Game, Leghorn, and Asiatic stock. juries. Keep a close eye on the young Interestingly, Malay chickens are The first step for those interested chicks when brooding and moving said to be involved in the origin of in raising and breeding Malay is to outside pens since they seem to the popular Rhode Island Red chick- finding a reputable breeder. Once a be sensitive to getting coccidiosis.
66 Backyard Poultry
Spangled cockerel with a Wheaten pullet. Photo by Mike Poole
A possible reason Malay chick- to the Livestock Conservancy, the good gut health is key to good ens are listed as critical is because expression of the Malay is snaky immunity. Probiotic supplements other breeds have a faster rate of and cruel; its pearl eye color and while being brooded and while growth for egg and meat production, overhanging brows contributing being introduced to the ground help which makes the Malay chicken less much to this appearance. Feathers them fight off coccidiosis. A good favorable. Malay chickens are also of the Malay chicken are close to deworming program also helps on the list of which chickens lay the body, lacking fluff, and are very them remain healthy as they grow. brown eggs. However, they lay only glossy. Their legs are yellow with The ability to free range on fresh over a short period of the year. And remarkably large scales. grass and access fresh air promotes while they are a very large breed, Meyer says the breed needs a healthy birds. While some breeds they are slow to mature. lot of work because of the limited can handle a confined area, the But this shouldn’t deter you. gene pool. Malay chicken does best in larger “They are wonderful just in their “I continue to work with the enclosures. novelty and size, and they can be breed mainly to preserve an old and “Once you find a reputable quite friendly,” Meyer says. very critically endangered breed, breeder and obtain birds, I believe Because of their large size, flocks but they are fun to show and they you'll be hooked,” Meyer says. are safer from airborne predators. draw a lot of attention due to their “They are fun to watch as they However, their large size means size and expression,” she adds. grow and have their own quirky they cannot fly and must be cooped Chicks need a low-protein food personalities. They always get at night to keep them safe. They just so they don't grow too fast as it can lots of attention at shows and if simply are too heavy to get up in a cause bone and muscle problems kept properly are a beautiful bird tree on their own. if they do. Meyer has noticed that to see.” The Malay chicken has many unique characteristics. Male vo- calization is hoarse, short, and ABOUT THE AUTHOR monotonous, kind of like a roar. The comb is low and thick, and KENNY COOGAN, CPBT-KA, is a pet and garden columnist. He shares his strawberry shaped. Their beak is one-acre permaculture homestead with ducks and chickens. facebook.com/CritterCompanions short, wide, and curved. According
68 Backyard Poultry
SIX BASICS FOR CHICKEN COOP DESIGN Details to Remember When Designing or Remodeling Your Coop
by Erin Phillips
hen thinking about basic chicken coop de- place for the hens to lay their eggs and for all the birds sign, you need to consider six main things. to roost at night. The chickens must be protected from W Whether you plan to construct a high-end, cool winds and precipitation, but you also need to allow stylish coop or something basic, you’ll need to keep for ventilation in the coop. Finally, you have to be able your birds safe from predators. You must give them to keep it all clean. Let’s look at each of these aspects of enough room inside the coop. You’ll need to provide a basic chicken coop design a little more closely.
70 Backyard Poultry
All the openings are lined PROTECTION FROM with hardware cloth and a PREDATORS skirt around the edge is lined with hardware cloth then Just about every predator out covered with rock to prevent there1 likes to eat chickens: coyotes, foxes digging predators. raccoons, opossums, hawks. One of your biggest and most important tasks as a chicken keeper will be to keep your birds safe from predators. Before you even get birds, consider the predators that live in your area. Keep that in mind as you put together your chicken coop design. The materials for constructing your coop should be sturdy. If you are purchas- ing a pre-made coop, inspect all the parts and don’t buy anything that’s flimsy. In- stead of chicken wire, use hardware cloth for your runs and window openings. Hard- ware cloth is stronger than chicken wire and, when held in place with heavy-duty wire staples, provides good resistance to the most determined creatures. Every opening should be covered, even small spots up by the ceiling; any opening is a possible entrance for a predator. Additionally, you can run hardware cloth around the perimeter to prevent digging. Personally, we ran it almost two feet around the whole perimeter to make a skirt. To do this, cut a piece of hardware cloth the length of the side of the coop and about three feet wide. Using a 2 x 4, bend it into an "L" with a short side (less than a foot) and a long side (less than two feet). Staple the shorter side to the bottom of the coop and the long side lay on the ground. We lined ours with landscape cloth to pre- vent weeds, then used timbers to create a rock bed around the edge of the coop. Any digging predator would have to dig more than two feet to get into our coop. the doors. Think about how you will keep All the openings are lined with hardware a regular schedule to get your girls locked cloth and a skirt around the edge is lined up and who will do it for you when you’re with hardware cloth then covered with not home. You may consider an automatic rock to prevent digging predators. chicken coop door, which can be built at When picking a lock for your door, home or purchased pre-constructed. get one that even a raccoon can’t open. If your birds are going to free-range, We’ve had good luck with gate latches. predator protection goes to a new level. For My husband rigged ours so we can open this, it's good to always be thinking, "What them from the inside with a wire in case may try to get my birds in this situation and the door swings shut while we’re inside. how can I prevent it?" Don't assume that Part of predator-proofing your coop is predators only lurk at night; we have seen making sure you lock the door too! A great firsthand that especially brazen coyotes lock will do you no good if you don’t shut have come into our yard during the day.
72 Backyard Poultry SQUARE FOOTAGE You may be wondering: how much room do chickens need? The answer to that question depends on how much time your birds will be inside. If they2 will graze outside, they’ll require less room in the coop (two to three square feet per bird) but if they’ll be cooped up all the time, you need to provide a lot more room per bird (three to four times the room). Overcrowding can lead to negative behavior and health problems so make sure you have the square footage to support the number of birds you intend to get.
NESTING BOXES Your hens will need a 3 comfortable spot to lay their eggs in the coop. This can be as basic as a bucket filled with straw. Our neighbors’ 10 chickens all share one five-gallon bucket filled with straw. Sometimes two chickens stuff themselves in it at the same time! We generally aim for about five birds per nesting box in our coop. It is funny though; they will have their favorites. When we collect eggs, some nests will have 10 eggs in them and some will have two. The nesting box should be about a foot square and have plenty of soft bedding in the bottom to protect the eggs from getting crushed, especially if you have multiple birds using the same nest. For ease of collection, it is tremendously helpful for your nesting boxes to be accessible The nesting boxes from the outside of the coop. My are hinged at just the right angle so husband built ours in a fairly tradi- that they can rest tional design with a heavy hinged on the building to door on top. We used to have a make collecting coop where you had to hold the eggs easier. nesting box lid open while you collected the eggs, which was sur- prisingly difficult if you were also We generally aim for holding a heavy basket of eggs. Consider the angle of your door about five birds per so that it can rest in an open state, leaning against the coop, instead nesting box in our coop. of being held open by you. You’ll appreciate this small detail every It is funny though; they time you collect eggs. will have their favorites.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 73 Straight across roosts have been less popular with the girls.
74 Backyard Poultry ROOSTS scoot together for warmth but in Roosts are certainly one of summer they’ll need the space to 4 the essentials. Chickens have stay cool. We have tried round roosts an instinct to perch up high at night. (think reclaimed tree limbs) and 2 x Before they were domesticated, they 4's on their narrow sides and other perched high up in trees at night. One scrap wood about that size. Whatever of my neighbors tells a story about how you use, make sure it is sturdy enough his birds long ago got locked out of the to support the weight of all the birds coop for some reason one evening and, that will sit on it at once. Secure it so desperate to get up high, they perched it won’t spin when weight is applied in the trees nearby. From that night because chickens move a fair amount on, they always went up into the trees and will knock each other off if the at night. Though this is a fun story, it roosts are moving around a lot. Each is certainly safer for your chickens to roost should be just wide enough for be inside a locked coop (raccoons can them to wrap their feet around it. We’ve climb those trees, too). tried two styles: “stadium seating” Inside your coop, you’ll need to pro- and straight across. The girls seem to vide at least one square foot of perch prefer stadium seating; we assume this for each chicken. In cool climates and is because it allows for the hierarchy winter, they’ll use less because they all that is so important in a flock.
Whatever you use, make sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight of all the birds that will sit on it at once. Secure it so it won’t spin when weight is applied because chickens move a fair amount and will knock each other off if the roosts are moving around a lot.
“Stadium seating” is the most popular kind of roost with our chickens.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 75 100% 100% CEDAR CEDAR d e t f a r Crafted dC n a H Hand HHandandC Craftedrafted
HOEFROM CHOOSE CHOOSE FROM ODELS 5M 5MODELS HICKENS RC FO FORCHICKENS ODEL 1M & & 1MODEL UCKS RD FO FORDUCKS
RSECURE. OR AT RED .P CONSTRUCTION LITY QUA QUALITY CONSTRUCTION.PREDATOR SECURE. nced va ad ther ea l-w al nd ea hardwar al met wire, elded yw y-dut av tra-he ex nized va al lg al With With allgalvanized extra-heavy-dutywelded wire, metal hardwareand all-weather advanced . rs to da re mp ro tf protec to uilt yb ruggedl re sa op co mpany Co op Co Urban methods, joinery joinery methods, Urban Coop Company coopsare ruggedlybuilt to protectfrompredators. nformation ei or rm fo urbancoopcompany.com sit: Vi Visit: urbancoopcompany.com formoreinformation Whatever the chicken coop design you have dreamed, make sure to consider these six Jumbo French elements and your chickens will have a safe and Guineas, Bantam healthy home. The details from here are what Silkies, Muscovy Duck, & will make your coop fun and personal. Khaki Campbell Ducks
WIND PROTECTION/ VENTILATION 5 Your coop will need to keep HOW YOU WILL your birds protected from precipitation, CLEAN IT and more importantly during the winter, Finally, all chicken coops from the wind. Interestingly, though, it require6 regular cleaning. Learning how must also provide adequate ventilation to clean a chicken coop is part of every Guineas are fast growing, suitable for to prevent moisture buildup that can chicken keeper's initiation into raising backyard growers who want to control ticks lead to disease. Birds produce a lot of birds. When thinking up your chicken and for those who would want to use them as humidity and moisture with their body coop design, consider how you will ameat bird. heat and their waste. We left the top few get inside to clean. Do you want it to feet of our henhouse open, covering it be tall enough for you to walk inside? Bantam silkies are with hardware cloth. This allows for a If it's small, will the roof come off to excellent sitters with a lot of airflow but it is mostly above the let you scoop out the dirty bedding? gentle nature that make chickens so they aren’t getting directly Make cleaning a part of your design excellent pets. hit with big gusts of wind. When it gets and you’ll be thankful as long as you very cold (-15°F or lower), we staple keep chickens! heavy plastic up over most of this to pro- “Toorder bantam silkies, call Blue Banty vide further protection, but otherwise, Farm at 717-471-3570 or order online at www.jmhatchery.com” it remains open all year round. Another ENDLESS option might be to reuse some old win- dows, which could be easily opened or POSSIBILITIES Whatever the chicken coop design closed. If you do this, make sure to line you have dreamed, make sure to the inside with hardware cloth so even consider these six elements and your when the window is “open” it is still chickens will have a safe and healthy predator-proof. home. The details from here are what will make your coop fun and personal. The Muscovy is fast growing anda Will you add nesting box curtains? great range duckwith alean meat thatis A chicken swing could be fun! You desired by many restaurants. could choose a theme … the possi- To order Muscovy and Khaki Campbell bilities are endless. ducklings call Stephen at 717-445-6255. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J.M. Hatchery ERIN PHILLIPS lives on a small farm with her family, where they raise chickens and 178 Lowry Road ducks. She also grows fruit, vegetables and herbs, which she makes into homemade New Holland, PA 17557 products like jams, pickles, sauces, infused vinegars, and fresh bread. phillipsfarmbatavia.com instagram.com/phillipsfarmbatavia 717-354-5950 Blog: phillipsfarmbatavia.blogspot.com www.jmhatchery.com
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 77 Taking Control Breeding to Establish Traits You Want in a Backyard Flock
by Doug Ottinger
f you were asked to list which characteristics make the best laying hens, what would you write down? Most people would probably choose things like an ability to lay lots of eggs, strong shell I strength, and high interior quality. A backyard poultry keeper might also value traits like calm and friendly dispositions, a variety of colored eggs, hens that will keep laying eggs for several years, or hens that will go broody and hatch out new baby chicks.
78 Backyard Poultry If you are raising chickens for eggs, have to the comb or back of heads where he grabs on its exterior, ready for fertilization. If the you ever thought of trying to breed, hatch, with his beak, or even damage to the bare hen has recently mated with a rooster, the and raise some of your own replacement skin on the back. If you see these signs, and sperm cells are stored in the oviduct, near pullets? If you have a place to raise a few you have enough eggs for your hatching the ovary. One of the sperm will bond with baby chicks, and you can also keep a needs, separate them for a while. Remem- this egg cell, and the egg becomes fertile. rooster for breeding, why not try breeding ber, most hens will produce fertile eggs for The egg then travels through the rest of the some of your own? If there are desirable at least five days after successful mating. oviduct, and the layers of albumen, or egg traits you want to reproduce in your flock, So that you can separate when necessary, white, shell membranes, and shell layers are there is no reason not to try it. Remember, it is always a good idea to have at least two all applied. In most hens, the oviduct is a in a home flock, the best laying hens are the or three small pens built, before you start little over two feet long, and winds around ones that have the traits you like the best! getting too deep into the breeding project. in the left side of the abdomen. New to breeding chickens? You do not Inevitably the questions arise, how do A general rule of thumb is that it takes need to be an expert on genetics or poultry hens lay eggs and how do those eggs be- at least five generations to establish a trait. breeds. Start doing some reading. Talk to come fertile? While a hen has two ovaries, Some traits might take longer, some less. In others who have also bred chickens. As it is usually only the left one that is mature the case of breeding hens for the longevity you start to breed the birds and see the and productive. Each egg yolk is produced of laying, this could take a few more years. results, you will understand what you are by this ovary. When the yolk reaches full If you have the time and want to gradually reading and researching. If you are new to size, it is released from its protective mem- work on it, why not? You will just have breeding, my recommendation is to start brane and drops into the oviduct or egg that much more time to perfect other traits small. Begin with what you have, or what tract. Each yolk has a microscopic egg cell, as well! you can afford. For most people, two or three hens and one breeding rooster is generally enough to start. One rooster will If there are desirable traits you want to reproduce usually suffice in keeping six to eight hens fertile. If you are breeding for improved in your flock, there is no reason not to try it. egg production, pure-bred birds may not be the most important concern. As you Remember, in a home flock, the best laying hens are start working with the birds, you will un- doubtedly find one or two breeds you like the ones that have the traits you like the best! better than others, and you might choose to start breeding those breeds in pure form. As you start out though, keep it simple and keep it fun! Remember, as you breed your best laying hens, the hen who lays the eggs is only half of the equation. Fifty percent of the genetic material comes from the rooster. Certain traits are heavily influenced by the paternal side. Egg size, the intensity of egg color and even how many eggs a hen will lay in her lifetime, are some of these. Since a rooster does not lay eggs, how will you know which rooster to use? Select your breeding roosters from a line of chickens that has the desired traits. If you don’t have this information, se- lect a breeding rooster from a breed known for the traits you want. Hens and roosters are usually kept togeth- er in a breeding flock. Sometimes sexually active roosters can be too hard on hens, especially if there are only two or three hens. Signs may include featherless backs from the rooster’s claws during mating, damage
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 79 Desirable Traits to Hereditary Why Trait is Important How to Reproduce Trait Reproduce or Not
Set and hatch only shells with High Shell Quality Important for eggs used for food Yes and for hatching. strong shells. Can improve in three generations.
Early Maturity Birds that develop earlier are Yes Breed only hens that better layers. mature early. (Age at First Egg)
Calm Disposition Calm disposition is not associated Yes Influenced by both parents. with the best laying, but desirable Must mate a calm hen with a in a home flock. calm rooster.
Long Laying Life Egg laying begins to decline after Yes Breed only hens with laying the first year. In home flocks with longevity.
less stress, laying can continue for years.
Broodiness Desire to incubate and hatch eggs Yes Can be reintroduced into a has been bred out of many breeds. flock with selective breeding. Egg production can be cut back but natural mothering instinct can be worth the trade-off.
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80 Backyard Poultry Incubators,Brooders,Cages &Supplies
Many breeders prefer to incubate eggs in an incubator. However, if you have a broody mama hen, you’ve got a real treasure. Bantam hens are often notorious for being dedicated mothers. Some breeders keep bantams for their Quality, Utility, and Performanceat aReasonable Price mothering abilities. Not only will they hatch their own eggs, they will hatch GQF MANUFACTURING CO. PO BOX1552 the eggs of other chickens, ducks, SAVANNAH, GA 31402 USA pheasants, and turkeys. While setting visit GQFmfg.com on the eggs and raising the babies, many breeders keep them separated from the rest of the flock. However, I knew one breeder who kept a large mixed flock and let the bantams and babies stay with the flock with no problems. The hardest part of breeding is cull- ing or getting rid of birds who do not have desirable traits as well as the extra roosters and the hens who have stopped laying. Culling is very important to any successful breeding program. I recom- mend that you decide what you will do with these unwanted birds before you start a breeding program, and set this part of it up, just like you do the careful selection of the birds you want to keep.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DOUG OTTINGER lives in northwest Minnesota with his wife, Connie. They raise chickens, ducks, and geese on their small hobby farm. Doug’s educational background is in agriculture, with an emphasis in poultry and avian genetics.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 81 LOOK WHAT COCO FOUND FOR YOU! She hunts high and low for the newest, hippest poultry items and brings them to you!
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82 Backyard Poultry The Robinson Family
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Organicfeeds.com I (800) 767-4537 I facebook.com/NaturesBestOrganic CHICKENS IN A MINUTE: Molting 101
by Pam Freeman
Chickens going through a hard molt can look scary.
olting is a natural process that usually takes place in fall when birds re- place old feathers with new plumage. For adult birds, timing is especially M important because feathers equal warmth. So, the nicer shape your feathers are in as you go into the cold months, the warmer you’ll be. Chickens go through different molts during their lives. Their first molt actually starts early. As juveniles, they molt at six to eight days old replacing down for feathers. And then at eight to 12 weeks old replacing baby feathers. FYI – The second molt is when male chickens get their ornamental feathers, so that’s when you know who is who.
MOLTING 101 - TIMELINE
Six to Eight Weeks Old Downy feathers are replaced by baby feathers.
Eight to 12 Weeks Old Baby feathers are replaced by juvenile feathers.
18 Months Old First adult molt replaces old feathers.
Yearly After First Molt Adult feathers are replaced.
84 Backyard Poultry Helping you protect your flock. Adult molting happens around 18 months old, usually in late summer or early fall and each year after. Feather loss starts at the head and then travels down the body. Some chickens will molt “hard” meaning they lose their feathers quickly and then look bare as new feathers are growing. Other chick- ens molt slowly with only some bare patches showing or no bare patches at all. Their molt may be barely noticeable to human caretakers. The process of annual molting takes eight to 12 weeks to complete and is nor- mally triggered by decreasing daylight hours. While both roosters and hens molt, during this time, hens will also de- crease or stop laying eggs. You can help your birds stay healthy during molting by increasing their protein. A good way is through snacks like sunflower seeds, nuts, peas, and soybeans to name a few. During a molt, your chickens may act a little “off” and not have as much energy or enthusiasm as normal. It’s Use Vetericyn to carefor cuts, pecking sores, and important to monitor your chickens and know the difference between sick chick- irritations and jumpstart the healing process. en symptoms and a molting chicken. No antibiotics, alcohol or steroids. A molting chicken is not technically a Non-toxic &safeifingested sick chicken. Adult chickens losing feathers at other Safefor all lifestages times of year should be investigated. No withdrawaltime There can be many reasons for losing
N RI ARI feathers off-season. Chickens that are TE A E N V Buy locally or shop online.
R under stress, sick or infested with E D Made in the USA C E O D Vetericyn.com|866.318.3116 parasites can lose their feathers. Also, MMEN chickens without adequate food, water or light can be forced to molt. It’s important to remember not to handle your molting chickens too much. Growing feathers can be painful to the touch.
CHICKENS IN A MINUTE is our online video series, for both new and experienced chicken owners, that answers frequently asked questions about how to raise a healthy backyard chicken flock. Watch the video at: countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ poultry/feed-health/chicken-molting-101- chickens-in-a-minute-video/.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 85 Protein-Packed Smoothies for Molting Chickens
by Lisa Steele
he shorter days heading into fall ing a bit of extra protein to your molting nature chickens are omnivores and will will usually find the backyard chickens' diet during the fall isn't a bad happily gobble down all kinds of "meat" T chicken keeper with a flock of idea. Some people like to switch back to a including mice, lizards, snakes, and toads.) molting chickens. Chickens losing feath- grower feed since it has more protein than Fortunately, there are lots of sources of ers during autumn should be no cause the layer feed. Others will supplement plant-based protein that your chickens will for concern. their molting chickens' diet with meat love and will help them grow in beautiful, Molting chickens generally stop laying scraps, mealworms or other dried insects, glossy new feathers. Many herbs and partway through the molt, since growing scrambled eggs, or fish. weeds contain lots of protein — and even in new feathers requires loads of ener- grass is packed with it. gy and nutrients. You technically don't Help for Molting Chickens Anyone who grows mint knows that need to do anything different during the But what if your family doesn't eat you'll have way more than you bargained molting season. But because feathers are meat? Or if you aren't comfortable feed- for! So you can add chicken smoothies to almost entirely made up of protein, add- ing your chickens meat (although by your list of peppermint plant uses. And
86 Backyard Poultry think about growing sweet basil for your chickens. If your chickens free range, likely they're getting enough plant protein on their own. If your chickens are penned up, of course, you can offer your chick- ens fresh herbs and weeds free-choice or dried mixed into their feed. Or you can whip up a protein smoothie for your chickens! I don't really follow any set recipe; I just put handfuls of PLANTS whatever I've got on hand into my food FOR processor with a bit of water and then A MOLTING puree it all together. If you have leftover SMOOTHIE vegetable cooking water, you can even use that in place of the plain water. Vegetables Protein Smoothies Alfalfa These protein-packed veggies, weeds, Broccoli and herbs pureed into a smoothie will Collards help molting chickens. Choose as many Kale Spinach Swiss Chard
Herbs
Basil Chervil Dill Fennel Marjoram Mint Oregano sources of plant protein from the list as you have avail- Parsley able. I like to harvest all of my herbs from my raised bed Tarragon herb garden just before the first frost, drying some to add to my chicken's feed through the winter and making Weeds smoothies out of the remaining fresh herbs! Chickweed Puree the fresh herbs, weeds and/or veggies in a food Clover processor, adding water (or vegetable cooking water) Dandelion until the consistency is soupy. Offer free-choice to your Duckweed molting chickens in a bowl, garnished with some black Nettles oil sunflower seeds, if desired. They're a wonderful source of protein as well!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LISA STEELE is the author of Gardening with Chickens: Plans and Plants for You and Your Hens (Voyageur Press, 2016) and Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens...Naturally (St. Lynn’s Press, 2013). She lives on a small hobby farm in Maine with her husband and their flock of chickens and ducks, two dogs, and a barn cat. She is a fifth-generation chicken keeper and writes about her experiences on her award-winning blog at fresheggsdaily.com. facebook.com/fresheggsdaily instagram.com/fresheggsdaily
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LIMIT 3-Coupon valid through 11/13/17* LIMIT 4-Coupon valid through11/13/17* LIMIT5- Coupon valid through11/13/17* LIMIT4- Coupon valid through 11/13/17* SUPER SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON COUPON 16 OZ. HAMMERS • 300 lb. 10" PNEUMATIC TIRE 3-POINT QUICK HITCH Customer Rating 1750 PSI CustomerRating WITH FIBERGLASS HANDLE working load SAVE Customer Rating • 2000 lb. capacity PRESSURE Customer Rating 79% • 27-3/16" WASHER SAVE clearance • 1.3 GPM 70% 99 • Adjustable YOUR CHOICE 99 spray nozzle SAVE $3 $99 99 $ 99 Compare $79 SAVE $2 4 $9.97 $ 99 Compare $90 $ 99 CLA C LAWRW IP 5 $19.89 99 99 ITEM 69006 ITEM 47873 shown ITEM 69385/62388/62409 $ 99 Compare $79 ITEM 63255 Compare 60715/60714 69005/61262 62698/30900 shown 99 $169.99 ITEM 97214 63254 shown $179.33
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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or asimilar functioning item was advertised for sale at *Originalcoupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 daysfromoriginal purchase or without originalreceipt. Valid through11/13/17. or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may varyby location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied.For more information, go to HarborFreight.comorsee store associate.
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This gorgeous hen has gone through her molt and is showing off her new feathers. Take a break and settle in with your crayons, markers, pens, and pencils to have fun filling in her resplendent colors. We want to see your beautiful creations too. So, once you’re done, snap a picture and send it to us via email at [email protected] or via snail mail at Backyard Poultry, Attn: Coloring Pages, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451.
August/September 2017 www.countrysidenetwork.com 97 join the
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Volume 12, Number 3 Backyard June/July 2017 The magazine of modern homesteading one easy-to-use PoultryAmerica's Favorite Poultry Magazine
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