The Good Life Backyard

01/09/2024

Happy dad’s day to all the chicken dads out there!

❤️🐓

31/08/2024

Nest Blend Sale finishes tomorrow‼️

🌸 Keep your flock’s nest boxes and coop clean, comfortable, and healthy with Nest Blend!

Our all-natural, CERTIFIED ORGANIC blend of dried plants, herbs, and flowers is designed to maintain a healthy nesting environment.

💜 Anti-parasitic
💜 Pest repellent
💜 Anti-bacterial
💜 Calming

No artificial scents, no nasties—just pure, food-grade goodness!

Compostable with bedding and coop materials.

31/08/2024

Here are some of the common questions we get and our responses. If you have a nesting question, feel free to ask in the comments and we will do our best to answer‼️

𝐐: Why are my hens laying eggs on the ground instead of in the nesting boxes?

𝖠: If your hens are laying eggs on the ground, it’s likely that the nesting boxes aren’t meeting their needs.
Here are some steps to encourage them to use the boxes:
❶ Location: Ensure the boxes are in a quiet, private area of the coop. Hens prefer secluded spots to lay their eggs. If the boxes are too exposed or near high-traffic areas, your hens might choose a more hidden location, even if it’s on the ground.
❷ Comfort: Make the nesting boxes more inviting by adding soft, clean bedding such as wood shavings, or nesting pads. The bedding should be thick enough to cushion the eggs and warm enough to encourage the hens to settle in.
✅ Tips: Consider placing a few fake eggs or golf balls in the boxes to signal to your hens that this is the best place to lay. Also, ensure the boxes are at an appropriate height—not too high or too low—and accessible to all hens.

𝐐: I’m finding cracked eggs in the nesting boxes. What could be causing this, and how can I prevent it?
𝖠: Cracked eggs can result from insufficient bedding, overcrowding, or rough handling by the hens. Here’s how to address it:
❶ Bedding: Check the softness and thickness of your bedding—thin or hard bedding won’t provide the necessary cushion. Add more bedding, and consider using materials that mould easily to the egg’s shape, like straw or shredded paper, to absorb impact.
❷ Rollaway Nesting Boxes: Consider using rollaway nesting boxes. These are designed so that once an egg is laid, it gently rolls away from the hen’s reach, landing in a padded collection area. This prevents eggs from getting stepped on or pecked and reduces egg eating, which can sometimes be triggered by accidentally cracked eggs.
✅ Tips: Ensure there’s enough room in each nesting box to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to jostling and accidental damage to eggs. Also, collect eggs frequently, especially in the morning when most hens lay, to minimise the risk of damage.

𝐐: How can I keep my nesting boxes clean and free from mess?
𝖠: Messy nesting boxes can discourage hens from using them and lead to dirty eggs. Here’s how to maintain a clean nesting environment:
❶ Regular Cleaning: Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material at least once a week—or more frequently if needed. This keeps the nesting area inviting for your hens and reduces the risk of egg contamination.
❷ Herbal Blends: Consider using a natural herbal blend like Nest Blend. Not only does it add a pleasant scent to the nesting area, but it also contains herbs with natural pest-repellent and antibacterial properties. This helps keep the area free from harmful parasites and reduces the presence of bacteria.
✅ Tips: Train your hens to avoid sleeping in the nesting boxes, as this can lead to an accumulation of droppings. Make sure they have adequate roosting space elsewhere in the coop. Periodically, do a deep clean of the nesting boxes, removing all bedding, disinfecting the area, and letting it dry completely before adding fresh bedding and herbs.

31/08/2024

30/08/2024

It's that time again...

🌿🌻 WORMING TIME 🐝🌻

🪱 This is a gentle reminder to worm your chooks! I like to worm every season, and it is very nearly Spring! 🌸

29/08/2024

29/08/2024

The importance of nest boxes‼️

🔸 Less Breakage: Nesting boxes provide a secure, cushioned space for your hens to lay their eggs, greatly reducing the risk of broken eggs from accidental stepping or crushing.

🔸 Durability: High-quality nesting boxes are built to withstand the daily wear and tear from active hens, ensuring they last through many egg-laying cycles and continue providing a safe space for your flock.

🔸 Easier to Clean: Clean nesting boxes are essential for the health and productivity of your flock. Many nesting boxes are designed with easy-to-clean features, helping you maintain a sanitary environment, which leads to healthier hens and better egg quality.

🔸 Improved Flock Health: By maintaining clean and well-designed nesting boxes, you minimise the risk of bacteria and pests, supporting the overall health and well-being of your chickens.

🔸 Efficient Egg Collection: Nesting boxes help organise the egg-laying process, making it easier and more efficient for you to collect eggs while minimising disturbances to your hens.

Nesting boxes are not just a convenience—they're a vital part of successful chicken keeping, contributing to the health of your flock and the quality of your eggs.

29/08/2024

1. Cleaner, Healthier Eggs
The primary benefit of a rollaway nest box is that it ensures your eggs stay clean. The sloped design allows freshly laid eggs to gently roll away from the nesting area into a separate compartment, preventing them from coming into contact with droppings or debris. This means less cleaning for you and cleaner eggs for your kitchen.

2. Reduces Egg Eating
Hens sometimes develop the habit of pecking at their eggs, which can lead to egg-eating—a behaviour that can be difficult to stop once it starts. With a rollaway nest box, the eggs are quickly moved out of the hen's reach, reducing the temptation and helping maintain the quality and quantity of your eggs.

3. Easier Egg Collection
With rollaway nest boxes, egg collection becomes a breeze. The eggs roll into a separate compartment, often accessible from outside the coop or in a designated collection area. This design means you don’t have to disturb the hens or navigate around them to gather eggs, making the process quicker and more efficient.

4. Enhanced Hygiene
By removing the eggs from the nest area immediately after they are laid, rollaway nest boxes help maintain a cleaner and more sanitary environment for your hens. This can contribute to better overall flock health by minimising the chance of eggs breaking and spreading bacteria in the nest.

5. Fewer Broken Eggs
Eggs left in traditional flat-floored nest boxes can be accidentally stepped on or crushed by hens. The rollaway design ensures eggs are promptly moved to safety, reducing the risk of breakage and ensuring you get the maximum yield from your flock.

28/08/2024

Nest Blend Sale!

🌸 Keep your flock’s nest boxes and coop clean, comfortable, and healthy with Nest Blend! 🌸

Our all-natural, CERTIFIED ORGANIC blend of dried plants, herbs, and flowers is designed to maintain a healthy nesting environment.

💜 Anti-parasitic
💜 Pest repellent
💜 Anti-bacterial
💜 Calming

No artificial scents, no nasties—just pure, food-grade goodness!

Compostable with bedding and coop materials.

28/08/2024

I get a lot of questions about chicken nesting box tips, whether it be the best nesting materials, nest boxes, and the most common “How do I get my chicken to lay in the nesting box?”

New layers are the most likely to lay somewhere other than the nesting box provided. This is because they don’t actually know WHERE we want them to lay!

If they lay outside of the box, we end up with dirty, broken eggs. And sometimes we don’t even find their secret stash! Chickens love eggs. If you end up with broken eggs, the hens will eat them. Once they get a taste for them, it is much harder to discourage this behaviour, so starting them from the outset in the nesting boxes is ideal.

Here's some tips to get them laying in the right place 👇

28/08/2024

Keeping your flock’s nesting boxes clean, cosy, and pest-free just got even better!

Limited-time sale on our popular Nest Blend, the all-natural herb mix that transforms your nesting boxes into a sanctuary for happy, healthy hens.

Why Choose Nest Blend?

💛 Natural Pest Repellent: Keep mites, lice, and other pests at bay with ingredients that naturally repel them.
💛 Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Inflammatory: Promote overall health and well-being with herbs that may help with natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
💛 Calming Effects: Create a serene environment that reduces stress and promotes better laying conditions.
💛 Safe & Natural: No nasties! Only food-grade, pesticide-free, non-toxic ingredients.
💛 Eco-Friendly: Compostable with your bedding and coop materials, making it a sustainable choice for your chickens.

🌸 Featured Herbs: Chamomile, Lavender, Mugwort, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Rosemary, Calendula, and Wormwood – each chosen for its unique benefits to your flock.

Already using Nest Blend? Now’s the perfect time to grab a refill! Save money, reduce waste, and keep your nesting boxes in top shape.

28/08/2024

Do your hens have a favourite spot in the coop? 🏠 We’d love to see where your flock calls home.

Share 📸 photos of your chicken coops in the comments below and show off your setup. Whether it’s a simple DIY box or a fancy store-bought one, we want to see them all!

27/08/2024

Do you have problems with 🦅 crows stealing eggs❓
What tricks do you use to deter the crows❓
(humane tips only please)

27/08/2024

How to make a fun chicken gr***de 💣1. Grab a Birdie Chicken Treat Ball2. Fill with any treat, ours love our Grubbies mealworms3. Throw! 💣4. Chicken entertainment for hours!Mealworms and treat ball available on our website. Husband not included.

26/08/2024

Four days left to enter!

How good are these entries? Make sure you vote for your favourite.

👇
https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/the-great-good-life-backyard-colouring-competition-2/

#

25/08/2024

Why choose our health blends?

Healthy Hens = Happy Hens

🌱 Organic Ingredients
🇦🇺 Aussie Made and Owned
✅ 100% Human Grade Ingredients
✌️Hand-blended to perfection

24/08/2024

Choosing the right bedding for your brooder is essential for keeping your chicks comfortable, healthy, and happy! 🐣 There are several options available, each with its own benefits.

- Pine Shavings:

✅ Pros: Absorbent, low in dust, and easy to find. Pine shavings are a favourite among many chicken keepers for their cost-effectiveness and ability to keep the brooder clean.
❌ Cons: Needs regular changing to prevent odours and moisture buildup.

- H**p Bedding:

✅ Pros: Extremely absorbent, low in dust, and highly sustainable. H**p bedding is also compostable, making it an eco-friendly choice. It has excellent odour control and requires less frequent changing than some other options.
❌ Cons: Can be more expensive and less readily available in some areas.

- Paper Towels:

✅ Pros: Great for the first few days, especially for very young chicks. Paper towels are easy to change and help monitor droppings.
❌ Cons: Not very absorbent and can become messy quickly.

- Puppy Pads:

✅ Pros: Convenient and disposable, puppy pads are absorbent and make cleaning up a breeze.
❌ Cons: Can be expensive over time.

- Sand:

✅ Pros: Highly absorbent, easy to clean, and great for chicks that like to scratch and dust bathe.
❌ Cons: Heavier to manage and may not be suitable for very young chicks due to ingestion risks.

Which bedding do you prefer for your brooder? Each type has its own advantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and the needs of your chicks.

24/08/2024

Don't have a broody hen and want to raise chicks? No problem, set yourself up a brooder box!

From choosing the right container to maintaining the ideal temperature, we've got you covered. Get your chicks off to a healthy start with our step-by-step brooder box setup guide!

👉 https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/setting-up-a-brooder-box/

Share your brooder setup tips in the comments below! What’s your go-to trick for keeping your chicks warm and happy? 🐥

23/08/2024

Top Tips‼️

Is one of your hens refusing to leave the nest? She might be broody! While this behavior is natural, it can lead to health risks if not managed properly. Here are some quick tips to help break her broodiness and keep your flock healthy:

1. Frequent Egg Collection: Collect eggs several times a day to reduce the temptation for broodiness.

2. Nest Concealment: Use curtains or material to cover nesting boxes, making them less inviting.

3. Move the Hen Regularly: Physically remove the hen from the nest multiple times a day.

4. Cool the Nest: Place a frozen water bottle in the nest to lower the temperature and deter brooding.

5. Cold Water Bath: A quick cold water dip can disrupt her broody hormones (only in warm weather!).

6. Broody Jail: As a last resort, use a wire cage with no bedding to discourage her broody behaviour.

Remember, in some cases, letting nature take its course might be the best option, especially if you're looking to add some new chicks to your flock.

Keep reading the full article on How to Break a Broody Hen 👇
https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/how-to-break-a-broody-hen/

23/08/2024

If you've noticed one of your hens spending more time on the nest, she might be going broody. 🐓 This is a crucial time for her—and for you as a chicken keeper!

From setting up the perfect nesting area to making sure she’s eating right, we’ve got all the tips you need. Whether you're hoping for a successful hatch or just curious about broodiness, this post is a must-read.

👇
https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/how-to-look-after-a-broody-hen/

22/08/2024

If you are bit of a nerd like me, here is a cool video of how our heat brooder plates are made‼️

🐣

22/08/2024

Got questions about chick care? Leave a comment below, and we’ll answer them throughout Chick Week!

22/08/2024

So, you’ve picked up some baby chicks. What’s next?

Like any baby, chicks sleep a lot, so make sure they have access to clean food and water, but don’t expect much action during this time.

At this age, it’s common for chicks to develop “pasty butt.” This occurs when sticky f***s coat the chick’s backside, drying onto their feathers, and clogging their vent—the area where chickens urinate, defecate, and lay eggs. A clogged vent can be fatal for a chick. To treat this, gently soak the chick’s bottom with a warm, wet paper towel to remove the blockage.

Keep reading 👇
https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/raising-baby-chicks/

21/08/2024

Chicks instinctively seek out the most comfortable temperature zone, so if the heat source is too warm, they'll spread out to the cooler edges. Conversely, if it's too cold, they'll cluster tightly together near the heat source.

Ideally, chicks should be evenly distributed throughout the brooder, indicating that the temperature is just right. This natural behaviour helps chicken keepers monitor and adjust the brooder’s temperature to ensure the chicks are comfortable and thriving.

🐣

21/08/2024

1. Let Chicks Dry in the Incubator:
- After hatching, allow chicks to dry off completely inside the incubator for at least 24 hours before moving them. This helps them regain strength and reduces the risk of chilling.

2. Prepare a Warm Brooder:
- Set up your brooder at around 35°C (95°F) before transferring the chicks. Gradually reduce the temperature by 5°C (9°F) each week as they grow.

3. Provide Fresh Water Immediately:
- Once in the brooder, offer clean, fresh water. Adding electrolytes can give them a boost, especially after the stress of hatching.

4. Start with High-Quality Feed:
- Offer a high-protein chick starter feed as soon as they’re in the brooder. Chicks should start eating within a few hours.

5. Monitor Behaviour:
- Watch the chicks closely. If they huddle under the heat source, they might be cold. If they stay far from it, it may be too warm. Adjust the brooder temperature as needed.

6. Check for Pasty Butt:
- In the first few days, check regularly for "pasty butt," where droppings stick to the vent area. Gently clean with warm water if needed, as this can be fatal if not addressed.

7. Ensure Ventilation:
- Make sure the brooder has good ventilation to allow fresh air circulation. Proper airflow prevents respiratory issues.

8. Avoid Overcrowding:
- Give each chick enough space in the brooder to move freely and access food and water. Overcrowding can cause stress and health issues.

9. Keep the Brooder Clean:
- Regularly change the bedding and clean up spills or droppings. A clean brooder reduces the risk of disease and keeps your chicks healthy.

21/08/2024

Hatching day is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in the process of raising chicks. After nearly three weeks of careful incubation, your eggs are finally ready to hatch, and new life is about to emerge. Understanding what to expect during this critical phase can help you provide the best care for your chicks and ensure a successful hatch. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key signs of hatching, the stages of the hatching process, and how to support your chicks as they make their way into the world.

🔸 Signs of Hatching: What to Look For
The hatching process begins with a few telltale signs that your chicks are getting ready to emerge. Knowing these signs can help you stay calm and patient as you watch the miracle of life unfold.

1. Pipping: The First Sign of Life

What is Pipping?
Pipping is the first visible sign that a chick is ready to hatch. It occurs when the chick, using a small, sharp protrusion on its beak known as the egg tooth, breaks through the inner membrane and then the shell, creating a tiny crack or hole. This allows the chick to start breathing air from the outside world, a crucial step in the hatching process.

Keep reading 👇
https://www.thegoodlifebackyard.com.au/how-to-hatch-chicks/

21/08/2024

Welcome to one of the most exciting days of Chick Week—Hatching Day! 🐣 Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for, when all your hard work and preparation finally pay off as your chicks begin to break through their shells and enter the world.

Understanding what to expect during this crucial time will help you provide the best care for your newly hatching chicks and ensure a successful hatch.

🔸 Signs of Hatching: Discover the key signs that indicate your chicks are ready to hatch, from pipping (the first crack in the shell) to zipping (the chick breaking out of the shell).
🔸 The Hatching Process: Learn about the typical timeline for hatching, including what happens during each stage and how long it usually takes for chicks to fully emerge from their shells.
🔸 Post-Hatch Care: Find out what to do once your chicks have hatched, including when to move them to the brooder and how to ensure they get off to a healthy start.

💡 Quick Tip 💡
During hatching, it’s important not to open the incubator lid, as this can cause the humidity to drop and may endanger the chicks still in their shells. Let nature take its course and give the chicks time to hatch on their own.