Strong Animals Chicken Essentials

06/24/2024

Give your chickens a summer treat they'll love! Check out my easy and fun homemade chicken treat recipe below. This is a great boredom buster and keeps them healthy! 🐔🍪

It’s summertime and for the most part our flock loves to free range as much as possible during the day. They love to scavenge the yard and find interesting treats as they scratch around and explore. However, there are days that I don’t let the girls’ free range due to weather, our dogs, or sim...

06/20/2024

Thinking about raising backyard chickens? Before you dive in, check your local zoning laws, HOA rules and ensure you have the space and setup for a happy flock. 🏡✨

Learn more about legal considerations and best practices in our latest blog post!

Keeping chickens as backyard pets and for egg production has become very popular among homeowners! I feel like since covid hit, backyard chickens and gardening blew up because people were home and had time to care for their flocks and gardens. Since then, thanks to Pinterest and responsible chicken....

06/12/2024

Try Annie’s cowboy bean recipe for your next party. Colorful, hearty and perfect for the crockpot. It’s a crowd favorite and even better the next day! 🌟

I have incredible memories of our kids’ birthday parties. One of my favorite memories is listening to my grandpa swoon over my baked beans! I can just hear him now. I miss him and think of him every time I make this yummy recipe. We love to celebrate birthdays in my family, and whether it’s a pa...

06/04/2024

Did you know chickens can get fleas? 👎 Learn how to prevent and treat fleas to keep your chickens happy and healthy all summer long! Check out our latest blog for tips and tricks! ⤵️

Summer has officially started in the Midwest, and we are so excited! The luscious green grass, trees and landscape are especially gorgeous in Minnesota at this time of year. However, along with summer’s beautiful landscapes, it also brings some gross pests for your flock. Don’t get me wrong, the...

05/23/2024

🌞 Summer fun isn’t just for us—our chickens love it too! 🐔✨

From hanging treat balls to DIY playgrounds, discover my top picks for toys that will keep your flock entertained and happy all summer long: https://www.getstronganimals.com/post/my-favorite-toys-for-chickens

05/21/2024

Looking to add some green-colored eggs to your basket? 💚🥚

Explore the breeds known for their unique green eggs, fascinating genetics and friendly nature. Bring diversity and charm to your backyard flock with these vibrant birds!

When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t even consider egg color. I was more concerned about healthy, fresh eggs for my family and docile chickens who were fun to be around. It wasn’t too long into this adventure, though, that I dreamed of a colorful egg basket! I really had no i...

05/14/2024

🐥 Wondering if your chicks are boys or girls? Let's dive into some expert tips on how to tell them apart! From feather growth to behavior, learn how to identify the gender of your adorable flock members.

Let me kick off this blog with a quick disclaimer: I'm no pro at determining whether your cute little chick is a he or she, but let's dive into how the experts do it! If you’re part of any backyard chicken group on Facebook, you’ve probably seen folks asking weekly about their chicks’ gender. ...

05/09/2024

With Mother’s Day this weekend, let’s talk about some sassy mothers – broody hens! 🐔

Dealing with a hen that won’t stop sitting on her eggs? Here are some tips to break that broody behavior and keep your coop running smoothly:

• Collect eggs frequently to discourage nesting.
• Gently remove the hen from the nest area.
• Keep them cool with frozen water bottles in their nest.
• Block their preferred nesting areas with a bucket or something to keep them out.
• Place their bottom in a cold water bath. (Not recommended in winter!)
• If all else fails, give them a timeout from the coop for the day.

Remember, consistency is key! 💪 If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn hen, gloves might be your new best friend.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the chicken mamas out there! 🐣

Read more about what breeds are most prone to broodiness: https://www.getstronganimals.com/post/how-to-break-a-broody-hen

05/06/2024

We just finished a major coop clean-out this weekend—what a job! Ever wonder if a dirty coop affects your hens’ ability to lay eggs? 🐔🥚

Dive into our latest blog to explore the impact of cleanliness on egg production!

It was a coop cleaning weekend around here and let me tell you, that is a chore that feels so good to have done! While chickens are one of my favorite animals on the planet, they are messy. Chickens love to scratch around their bedding and this creates so much dust. Honestly? It’s a little crazy t...

04/30/2024

🐔🥚 Want healthier eggs from your backyard flock? Boost their diet with flaxseed for a mega Omega-3 kick! Learn how these tiny seeds can lead to richer, more nutritious eggs and a healthier flock. ⤵️

We all want to ensure our backyard flocks are as healthy as possible. Many of us get into raising chickens primarily for fresh, nutritious eggs. But did you know that the diet of your chickens plays a crucial role in the quality of their eggs? Incorporating flaxseed into your chickens' diet is a fan...

04/26/2024

🐔 Ever heard of fairy eggs? 🧚‍♀️✨ It’s not every day you stumble upon these adorable surprises in your coop!

Learn all about my magical encounter with these tiny eggs. Plus, learn what makes a fairy egg and why they’re nothing to worry about!

Check it out here: https://www.getstronganimals.com/post/what-is-a-fairy-egg

04/24/2024

🐔🍎 Curious about using apple cider vinegar for your chickens? It's all the rage for boosting health, but does it really live up to the hype? Before you start using it, let's crack into the real benefits and possible risks!

In the world of backyard chicken care, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become the latest craze. Many owners tout its health benefits, claiming it can transform the well-being of their flocks. But is ACV really the miracle it’s made out to be, or could it be just another fad with potential drawbacks?...

04/17/2024

Get the fruity facts! Learn what fruits are safe for your chickens and what to avoid. Plus, get tips for feeding and making frozen treats!🍏🍉🍇🍌🍓

Chickens are actually very smart! The whole idea of “bird brains” doesn’t really apply to these wonderful birds. Chickens can recognize up to 150 faces, can learn their name, and have better eyesight than humans during daylight hours! So, when it comes to knowing what they can and cannot eat, ...

04/12/2024

Did you know chickens don't have teeth? They need grit to digest treats & scraps! Learn all about chicken grit & why it's essential for your flock's digestion ⤵️

This week we’re going to talk about a very important piece to raising backyard chickens. It’s a topic that if you’re brand new to this hobby, you may not think about. But it’s very important so pay close attention! Chickens are wonderful creatures! However, they were not created with teeth. ...

04/09/2024

Learn all about what chicks eat, from the must-have chick crumble to the special supplement First Peep™ that keeps them healthy and happy. 🐥 Plus, get insider tips on setting up the perfect chick brooder and when to start treating your fluffy friends.

It’s springtime and that means one thing around our place….chicks! There is nothing better than bringing those cute little feather balls home and getting them all settled in their brooder. Don’t worry, if you’re like I was just starting out, you don’t even know what a brooder is! A brooder...

04/04/2024

Breed spotlight🌟 Sapphire Gems 🌟

Dive into the fascinating history and traits of these stunning birds!

Here's what you'll learn:
• History of the Sapphire Gem breed
• How many eggs they lay
• Characteristics of Sapphire Gem chickens
• Challenges and joys of raising them

Before you add these birds to your flock, learn everything you need to know below! 🥚

Photo Courtesy of Hoover’s Hatchery It’s time for another breed spotlight! I love doing these because I learn so much about the different breeds of chickens. Did you know that more than 1,600 different breeds of chickens are recognized worldwide? I remember starting with chickens thinking there ...

04/01/2024

🌱 Love gardening? Discover the secrets of using eggshells in your garden! Learn how they boost plant growth, deter pests and more! 🥚

I had the pleasure of growing up in a family that understood the rich benefits of growing our own food. We didn’t have any farm animals, but we did have an awesome garden every summer. There is absolutely nothing like those first green beans or that first BLT of the season! YUM! So, as I grew up a...

03/31/2024

From our flock to yours, the Strong Animals team wants to wish you a Happy Easter! 🐥🐰🥚

03/29/2024

Get ready to jazz up your Easter eggs! 🐣 Who knew you could color your brown and green eggs too? Follow these simple steps for some elegant eggs for your dinner table this weekend!🌷

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to our local nursing home and participating in their annual Easter egg hunt. I remember being so nervously excited! There were a lot of kids and just as many eggs, but there was a prized egg—the “golden egg.” Whichever “lucky” kid found that e...

03/27/2024

🐰 Get ready for Easter fun with these egg-cellent basket ideas! From creative treats to thoughtful gifts, there's something for everyone in the family. Check out our blog for inspiration and make this Easter extra special! 🐣🌷

I put this little basket together for our granddaughter. Happy Easter week everyone! Easter is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Being married to a pastor, Easter week is busy for us! So, I have to be on top of my “game” when it comes to Easter baskets, egg hunts and egg coloring. Growing up...

03/20/2024

Today, we're tackling the not-so-glamorous side of raising chickens: coccidiosis. 👎 Learn how to spot, manage and protect your flock from this pesky parasite.

In this blog, you'll discover:
🔹Signs and symptoms of coccidiosis
🔹Causes and outbreaks in chickens
🔹4 essential strategies for protecting your flock

Today let’s talk about something less fantastic when raising backyard chickens: coccidiosis. While raising chickens has been my favorite hobby ever, there are times when it can be a bit more challenging. Multiple diseases can wreak havoc on a flock, but a little knowledge can go a long way in when...

03/19/2024

Are you getting ready to buy some baby chicks? 🐣 Before you do, check out my guide on how to set up a chick brooder - it’s easier than you think!

Here’s what you’ll learn:
1. Environment: Create a cozy space for your chicks with simple materials.
2. Heat: Keep your chicks warm and cozy with a safe heat source.
3. Feed: Choose the right feeders and nourish your chicks with essential nutrients.
4. Water: Ensure hydration with safe waterers and special water additives.

You can get my step-by-step blog and video to brooder set up here! ➡️ https://www.getstronganimals.com/post/setting-up-a-brooder

03/14/2024

Are you getting ready to blend your chicken flocks? 🐓 Here's my go-to method for integrating new chicks and chickens into your flock. It's all about patience, treats and a little help Flock Fixer™ to keep everyone happy and healthy! 🌟

Pecking order is no joke! In this video, Annie shares tips and techniques on how to safely integrate chicken flocks. More videos to watch! Deep Litter Method...

03/13/2024

Did you know chickens have tongues? 👅 Yup, it’s true! But don’t expect them to enjoy the same foods you do. These quirky birds have a different palate!

Dive into the quirky world of chicken tastes and cuisine with The Wing Lady! 🌟

Today, we get to talk about a fascinating topic. I get asked quite often about things chickens can and cannot eat and if there are certain foods they prefer. Their taste preferences seem to be quite different from mine! Why is that? Some people are surprised to learn that chickens have tongues. Thei...

03/07/2024

✨Breed Spotlight: Polish Chickens✨

Whether you’re a seasoned chicken owner or getting ready to buy your first chicks this spring, Polish chickens are a great choice and one of my favorites! AKA, Roxanne!

💛 Multiple Colors: Polish chickens come in various stunning hues. Roxanne is a Buff Laced Polish, but I also have a Silver Laced, Golden Laced and White Crested Blue.

🥚 Egg Production: While they may not be the most prolific layers, averaging 180-200 eggs per year, Polish chickens make up for it with their gentle nature and great interaction with kids.

🐣 Flighty Friends: Surprisingly agile, Polish chickens are known to take flight, adding an extra element of excitement to your coop! Ha!

👑 Show Birds: Recognized by The American Poultry Association, Polish chickens are prized for their unique appearance and grace in the show ring.

🤣 Endless Entertainment: With their antics and amusing head feathers, Polish chickens bring joy and laughter to any backyard flock.

Are you going to add Polish chickens to your flock this year?

03/06/2024

Spring is almost here, and so is cleaning season! 🌷🐓 Let's talk chicken coop cleaning, folks! 🧼 Our secret to keeping things s***k and span around here? The deep litter method plus Coop Recuperate.

Read my latest blog for tips and tricks on keeping your coop clean with just TWO cleanings a year!

Spring is in the air! We are looking forward to longer days and warmer temperatures around here! The girls are starting to pick up their egg production, and the long winter days are coming to an end. I often get asked how many times I clean our chicken coop yearly. Since we utilize the deep litter m...

02/28/2024

Looking for a simple, healthy meal for your family? Try our delicious Greek salad recipe, perfect for those warm weather grilling days or any time of year. Bon appétit! 🍅🥒🥗

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for healthy, simple meals to feed my family. We have had an unseasonably warm winter this year. It’s been incredible! Our Minnesota winters don’t usually allow for grilling, but here we are making delicious meals we normally only get to enjoy in ...

02/20/2024

Uncover the mysteries of chicken sleeping habits! Explore how our feathered friends catch their zzz's - from snoozing with one eye open to cozy roosting spots and even dreams. 🐔💤

Chickens are some of the most fascinating birds to watch. Their beautiful plumage, quirky personalities and pecking order are intriguing. From them foraging for snacks to grooming themselves, chickens are always busy. They rest from time to time throughout the day and are great sleepers at night! I....

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate with some heart-shaped healthy treats! 💕🍫 My homemade Reese’s recipe is simple to make and delicious. They’re perfect for any holiday, not just for Valentine’s!

Enjoy and share the love. Just not with your chickens because they can’t have chocolate! 😂

Happy Valentine’s Day! I realize this is an unpopular holiday for some, but I’ve loved this holiday my whole life. I’ve always loved the idea of love I guess! But, I get it. It’s not everyone’s favorite holiday. Even if it’s a day you don't look forward to, everyone loves treats, right? ...

02/08/2024

Did you know hens don't need a rooster to lay eggs? Or that fertilized eggs have a 'bullseye' on the yolk? Join us as we crack open these egg-citing chicken facts and more! And with chick season around the corner, learn everything you need to know to hatch some of your own chicks!🐣🐔

It’s no secret I love talking to people about all things chickens. I get so many great questions from people who are genuinely interested in these feathery friends! Of course, they usually ask about Happy or Roxanne, if I have the fluffy chickens (Silkies) and how many chickens are in my flock. Bu...