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If you’ve been raising chickens, you’ve probably heard that bedding is critical to your hens’ health.   And you’ve probably heard that if you don’t use this or that bedding, your chickens will live unhealthy lives.   And there’s some interesting opinions and attitudes out there about which bedding is best.   Bedding is a controversial topic in the backyard chicken world, to say the least, and in this podcast I give you my take on it, as well as “the big takeaway.”   You’ll learn: * What your bedding choices are * The good, the bad, and the ugly about each * What I really think about these choices * The only thing you really need to worry about when it comes to bedding for your coop     Links I mention: Manna Pro Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock     I’d like to hear from you! What bedding do you use? Leave a comment below!

There’s no point in getting chickens if you’re not prepared…and preparation includes more than just buying a coop and some chicks.   Every year, I get messages from new chicken owners who got chicks at their local feed store….and they’re a bit over their heads.   There’s a consistent theme to their questions and concerns that could have easily been avoided if they asked themselves some simple questions.    In this episode, we explore 6 critical questions you need to ask yourself before heading to the feed store and bringing home some day old chicks. You’ll learn:   * The #1 question you should ask before any others (or getting chicks) * What your neighbors have to do with your decisions (and it’s not what you think) * And more! Links we discuss: Manna Pro How to Preserve Eggs Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock Where to buy lemon essential oil  

Last week we tackled your backyard chicken’s first 6 weeks, and in this episode we take on weeks 7-16!   (Want to listen to last week’s episode first? Click here!)   Weeks 7-16 are a little bit different then weeks 1-6 (especially weeks 11-16!) so we break down how you should care for your chicks each week so they grow into healthy layers.   You’ll learn: * What to feed, * How to introduce your chicks to your existing flock * How to keep them safe outside (in and out of the coop) * And more!     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Chickens: Naturally Raising The Sustainable Flock     I’d like to hear from you! Are you getting baby chicks this spring? What breeds? Leave a comment below!

Baby chicks require special care – that’s pretty much a fact.   And they’re fragile! Luckily, in this episode, we delve into the care they need week by week, as we explore the first 6 weeks of your new flock members’ lives.   (Want to learn about weeks 7-16? Click here for the next episode!) You’ll learn:   * What equipment & food you will need * How to make sure your chicks are healthy & the perfect temperature * When your chicks are ready to go outside     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock     I’d like to hear from you! Will you get baby chicks? What worries you most about their first six weeks of life?

Leafy greens are some of the healthiest “treats” you can give your backyard chickens.   And now is the perfect time to start them!   (Want my favorite leafy green seed package for chickens? Click here to grab the exact one I use!)     While I don’t personally like leafy greens too much, my hens gobble them up whenever we throw some bunches into the coop.    Greens are also easy to grow, and an easy way to save a bit of money.   In this episode, we discuss several varieties of leafy greens that are perfect for your hens. You’ll learn: * How to grow spinach, lettuce, kale, and more! * When to transplant them * Just why they’re so great for your fluffy butts   Links we discuss: Manna Pro Where to buy Manna Pro’s Garden Delight Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock I’d like to hear from you! Do you think you’ll grow a garden for your chickens? Which leafy greens will you grow?

Baby chick season is almost here….and they have special needs adult chickens don’t.   We are definitely getting chicks this spring (despite what my husband says!), and right now we’re busy preparing for their arrival.   Baby chicks are a needy bunch, and it’s best to be prepared before they show up on your doorstep (ask me how I know!)   I know many of you are also looking to bring some chicks home, so this podcast will help you get organized.   From feed requirements to heat lamps (and alternatives to heat lamps!), we go through everything you need to consider before bringing your baby chicks home to the roost. You’ll learn: * How to feed chicks, * Why I always give apple cider vinegar (and when) * When to introduce them to your adult chickens * How to keep your chicks warm & clean * Why it’s not a good idea to raise them with ducklings     Links we discuss: Where to buy baby chick warmers Manna Pro Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock I’d like to hear from you! Do you think you’ll get baby chicks? How are y

Using store-bought chemical cleaners in your coop is a recipe for disaster.   On our homestead, we try to stick with all-natural cleaners – who wants an egg full of toxins, right?   I’ve found that essential oils are a great natural alternative that promote a healthier living environment and might even help your chickens lay better!   In this episode, you’ll learn about essential oils you can use to make 5 different sprays to help your chickens live healthier lives.   You’ll also learn the dos and don’ts of essential oils, how they are a cost-effective alternative to store-bought cleaners, and how to buy them wholesale.    You’ll learn: * The 5 ways essential oils can help you create a healthy coop for your hens * How to make your own coop sprays with oils * Why I don’t currently recommend using oils for medicinal purposes on your flock (and what to do instead)   Links we discuss: Manna Pro Where to buy Poultry Protector Where To Buy Essential Oils for Less   I’d like to hear from you! Would you try any of these coop sprays? Why or why not?

Getting eggs is one thing….but getting GREAT eggs is an entirely different matter.   In this episode, we look at 5 edibles you can feed your chickens for great tasting eggs!   You’ll discover: * How to make sure your hens have an optimal diet * What to feed for healthy yolks * How to adjust the pH of their guts so they’re healthier * Why I don’t recommend mixing apple cider vinegar with feed   Links we discuss: Manna Pro Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock Feeding Your Hens Right Video Course Where to buy calendula

Spring will be here in just 90 days….are you ready?   Although it’s the dead of winter, spring will be here before we know it….and there’s several decisions you should make NOW to prepare your flock for warmer weather.   In this episode, we look at 5 decisions you should make before spring arrives.    You’ll learn: * Which 2 breeds of backyard chickens I’m adding to my flock (and how I’ll get them!) * Why you should reconsider how your garden is laid out * Ideas to chicken-proof your garden * And other chicken-centric decisions you need to make before it’s spring     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock I’d like to hear from you! How are you planning your spring with your chickens? Leave a comment below!

If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you will probably find a weird egg or to in your coop eventually.   Every day (yes, literally every day), I get an email from a fan who asks me why they got a weird-looking egg in their coop.    So, I decided to do a podcast about WHY chickens lay weird eggs and what you can do about it.    Chickens lay odd looking eggs for a variety of reasons, so in this episode we look at the reasons your hens can lay the occasional funky egg, and we touch on the 5 most common bizarre-looking eggs I get asked about.   You’ll get tested and proven strategies to help your flock when they start laying weird eggs!    You’ll learn: * The top 5 eggs I get asked about * The 1 underlying factor that contributes to most funky eggs * Why you need to pay special attention to diet * Why I don’t usually worry when my flock gives me a weird egg     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock 10 Abnormal Chicken Eggs & What You Need To Know

You probably hear that apple cider vinegar is healthy for your backyard flock. But do you know why?   We rely on apple cider vinegar on our farm. Buuuttt…I have some hard and fast rules when it comes to this magic liquid.    I’ll tell you one right now: I think homemade apple cider vinegar is the best there is.   So, in this episode we get down and dirty about ACV. You’ll learn:   * Why ACV is so healthy for your hens * How to make it at home * Where to score my instructional video * What the studies tell us about its impact on your flock’s health     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Where to get my instructional apple cider vinegar video Where to buy Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Where to buy my favorite fermenting kit     I’d like to h

While it might seem frivolous to give your backyard chickens holiday gifts, the truth is winter is an easy time for them to develop bad habits.   When they’re stuck in the coop all day, they’ll need a distraction to prevent stress.   In this episode, we discuss find 5 winter gifts to give your backyard flock to reduce stress, keep their diet in tip top shape, and squash negative behaviors before they begin.    These are tried-and-tested suggestions that work wonders – and the best part is you can buy them or make them at home.     Links we discuss: Visit Manna Pro Where to by Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock Where to buy a chicken swing Where to buy a xylophone Where to buy FrugalChicken Nesting Box Herbs

Although it’s winter, now is the time to start thinking about what breeds you want to add to your backyard chicken flock.   While all chickens will lay eggs, some are better layers than others. In this episode, we talk about 5 breeds you can add to your flock for consistent egg production. They also make great pets!   You’ll learn: * Which breeds I’m planning to add * Why you need to start thinking about your perfect flock now and not in the spring * Which breeds will give you blue eggs * Why I love Production Reds out of all the available layer breeds out there.     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Feeds Chickens: Naturally Raising a Sustainable Flock Araucana, Ameraucana, & Easter Egger Chickens: 3 Breeds For Blue Eggs   I’d like to hear from you! What breeds of chickens will you add to your flock this spring? Which is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

Keeping mice and rats out of your chicken coop is no easy task, but it CAN be done.   We do have the occasional mouse build a nest in our coop, and with all the grain we have on our farm, we’re ripe for an infestation.   Preventing mice is definitely better than trying to exterminate, so use the pro tips in this week’s podcast to prepare for the chances that a rodent freeloader will try to make a nice home in your coop.   You’ll learn: * My favorite battle-tested way to prevent mice in your coop * Why your bedding matters * The secure ways to make sure your feed doesn’t attract rats * How to make sure your coop is prepared to fend off a mouse visit     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock   I’d like to hear from you! How you do keep rodents out of your chicken coop? Leave a comment below!

Winter is well on its way…which means keeping your hens flush with water will get a little bit harder.   You can always use an electric water heater….but I know most of you don’t have electricity out to your coop.   In this podcast, we cover how to provide water when the mercury dips, as well as key items you should have on hand to keep your flock’s water from freezing.   You’ll learn:   * My favorite hacks to keep water from freezing (and which work and which don’t) * The best type of hose to use * Why hot water is critical to keeping your flock hydrated * The experiment I’ll be running this winter * What the cisterns in Istanbul have to do with your backyard chickens     Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock How to make your own automatic waterer How to keep your flock’s water from freezing article     I’d like to hear from you! What are your favorite tips to keep your hens hydrated over winter? Leave a comment below!

T’is the season for pumpkins…but do you know why they’re so healthy for chickens?   Do you know how to safely feed them? How about how to get them for next to nothing?   Well, get ready and get on the edge of your seat, because you’re about to discover just how beneficial pumpkin can be to your coop AND your wallet this season. In this podcast, you’ll learn: * Why pumpkins are a great addition to your flock’s diet (but why they shouldn’t REPLACE their diet) * How to safely feed pumpkin so your flock gets the most benefit * Where to find pumpkins for free and how to ask for them * My recipe for a fall spray to help keep your coop clean and smelling fresh   Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry How to save money on essential oils I’d like to hear from you! Why do you feed pumpkins to your chickens? How do you think they benefit? Leave a comment below!

Let’s face it. If you have chickens, you probably have worms as well.   When it comes to livestock, worms and a worming program are just a natural part of life.   There’s a lot of information out there, so in this episode of What The Cluck?! we talk about the different traditional options, as well as natural ways to worm a chicken with a butt load of worms.     We also debunk some myths, and look at what options REALLY work…and which are myth.   You’ll learn: * Why a worming program is necessary for your flock * How to tell if your hens are wormy * Natural options you can try out * The one product on the market that I think is total BS     ** Note: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. I am not a licensed vet, and the information in this episode is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure your chickens. None of the statements in this episode have been evaluated by the FDA. You are ultimately responsible for the decisions you make. Happy listening! Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising A Sustainable Flock I’d like to hear from you! How do you worm your chickens? Leave a comment below!

Halloween is a great time for humans, but it can be downright scary for backyard chickens.   Kids, dogs, and candy can wreak havoc on your carefully-raised and tended hens, and possibly lead to a reduction in egg production. In some cases, you might lose your entire flock.   In this episode of What The Cluck?! we talk about how to keep your flock safe when trick or treaters come rolling around.   In this episode, you’ll learn:   * The one thing you NEED to do on Halloween to make sure your flock stays safe * Why predators are a bigger concern during this time than any other * How to make sure your flock stays out of the candy and away from wrappers Links we discuss: Manna Pro Poultry Chickens: Naturally Raising a Sustainable Flock I’d like to hear from you! What are your plans to keep your flock safe on Halloween? Leave a comment below!

Dust bathing is natural and even healthy for your flock.   Your chickens NEED to dust bathe – it’s good for ’em physically AND mentally.   BUT….all dust baths aren’t created equal.   In this week’s podcast, I dish all about why chickens dust bathe, how to create a better dust bath, and how to keep them rolling in dirt even when there’s slush and snow on the ground.    You’ll learn: * Why chickens need to dust bathe * What exactly they’re doing when they’re tossing dirt * Why the size of your dust bath matters * Why I use diatomaceous earth instead of wood ash * Why you shouldn’t bother including charcoal in your flock’s bath   Links we discuss: How to Build A Dust Bath in 5 Minutes Manna Pro Poultry Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth   I’d like to hear from you! Did you learn anything from this podcast? If so, leave a comment below and tell me what it is!

Ahhh….molting. It’s a crazy annual event that can definitely freak you out if you’re new to backyard chickens.   While molting is a totally natural process, if you’ve never experienced it, you might wonder how best to support your flock while they regrow their feathers. In this podcast, you’ll learn: * Why you should never handle your chickens as they’re molting * How to best feed your flock so they stay healthy while they grow new feathers * How to keep them warm when the temperatures turn cold and they’re naked * The specific pattern you should look for when your chickens molt     Links we discuss: Molting checklist Manna Pro Poultry website Where to buy Calf Manna Where to buy Manna Pro Organic Layer Pellets   I’d like to hear from you! Have you ever dealt with a chicken molting? Did it totally freak you out? Leave a comment below!