Your Flock's Outdoor Spaces
Coops & runs
Using Coffee Grounds Bedding
Jess shares her experience with using alternative bedding material made from coffee grounds in her chicken coop and brooder.
Build A Chicken Tunnel, or “Chunnel”
Guest blogger Julie M shares how she built a chicken tunnel, or chunnel, to keep her chicken flock out of her garden but happily scratching.
Dealing With Rodents In Your Coop
Rodents in your chicken coop may not seem like an issue, but rats and mice can cause other issues for your flock if left unchecked.
Spring Coop Refresh
Cheryl, our store manager, shares about her spring coop cleanout and her favorite chicken feeders and waterers for use in all weather types.
The Difference Between Chicken Coop And Run
Read about the difference between a chicken coop and run. We also discuss points to consider when deciding where to put your coop and run.
How To Deter Wild Birds From Your Chicken Coop
Wild birds in your chicken coop can bring diseases and parasites to your flock, Read how to deter wild birds from gathering in your coop.
How Do Chickens Stay Warm in the Winter?
How do chickens stay warm in winter? You may be surprised to learn that they don’t need supplemental heat in their coop!
Identifying Predators and Protecting Your Poultry
Learn how to identify common poultry predators and steps to take to help protect your chickens.
All About Roosting Bars
Roosting bars are the place your chickens should perch to sleep at night inside the coop. A roost is an elevated bar in the coop.
Fall Chicken Coop Prep Made Easy
Shorter days and cooler weather mean fall is approaching. This is also the perfect time to clean out and prep your chicken coop.
How To Train Hens To Lay In Nest Boxes
Here are a few ways to help your chickens learn to lay in their nesting boxes.
Learn About The Omlet Eglu Coop
The Omlet Eglu coop is a great option for a small backyard flock. Read about the design features of the Omlet Eglu Coop featured at the hatchery store.
Beneficial Plants For Your Chickens
If you garden, try growing some beneficial plants that your chickens will enjoy. Many fruits, vegetables and flowers are easy to grow and benefit your flock.
Coop Ventilation and Why it is Important
Ventilation is important year-round. In the summer months, it helps keep your birds cool and their coop air ammonia-free. In the winter months, it helps prevent frostbite. Did you know ammonia is lighter than air? Providing proper ventilation up high in your coop allows ammonia to escape easily.
Cold Weather Chicken Care
You may be wondering how to take care of your chickens in the winter and if it is going to get too cold for them to keep warm, especially at night. Chickens can handle reasonably cold temperatures and will be able to handle more than you may think! Here are a few Dos and Don’ts for winter.
Brooding Chicks in the Winter Months
Brooding chicks in the winter is possible. Raising chicks during the winter means they will be nearly grown and ready to lay eggs the following spring.
Branchline Farms Coop Tour
Meyer Hatchery Coop Tour of Branchline Farms located in Wellington, OH. Unique in their larger capacity set-up, housing 400 chickens, you can find Branchline Farms in two Cleveland Area restaurants and at the Dayton, OH market!
The Best Poultry Waterers For Winter Use
For those of us who live in areas that experience cold or harsh winters, keeping fresh water available for your flock can be challenging at times. It never fails, when you think you have the best solution for your freezing waterer issue, Mother Nature throws a curveball with something like a polar vortex.
