In an era defined by climate uncertainty, antibiotic resistance, and consumer demand for transparency, small-flock turkey production has emerged as a beacon of regenerative agriculture. With fewer than 250 birds per flock, these operations are not just farms—they are living laboratories of biodiversity, animal welfare, and local food sovereignty. While industrial turkey farming produces over…
Creating your own chicken feed—commonly referred to as DIY (Do-It-Yourself) feeding—is gaining popularity among backyard poultry keepers, homesteaders, and small-scale commercial producers. It offers a unique opportunity to take full control over what your birds consume, allowing for customization based on flock size, breed, production goals, and personal values such as avoiding GMOs, synthetic additives,…
Poultry vaccination is a non-negotiable cornerstone of modern poultry production, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding bird health, enhancing productivity, and reducing reliance on antibiotics. With intensification of poultry farming and increasing global trade, the threat of infectious diseases has escalated—making proactive immunization not just beneficial, but essential. Modern broilers, layers, and breeders may receive…
Selecting the proper metal mesh for your chicken coop is not merely a construction detail—it’s your flock’s primary defense against predators. Standard chicken wire (hexagonal mesh) fails as protective barrier despite its name, as its large openings (typically 1-2 inches) allow predators like raccoons, foxes, and hawks to reach through or tear it easily ….
For decades, Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm has been a revolutionary voice in regenerative agriculture, challenging industrial norms with practices that prioritize soil health, animal welfare, and food quality. At the heart of his successful pastured poultry operation lies a deceptively simple yet profoundly thoughtful element: his homemade broiler feed ration. Unlike the commodity-based, often…
Commercial poultry feed is engineered for scale, not affordability or local adaptability. By switching to homemade rations, small-scale poultry keepers can reduce feed expenses by $400–$900 per year (per 50 hens) and boost egg production by 5–15%, provided the formulations meet nutritional standards. All content references the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (1994), FAO technical…
When you raise chickens—whether for eggs, meat, or companionship—you know how vulnerable your flock can be to predators like raccoons, foxes, and stray dogs. One of the most effective ways to protect your birds is by using hardware cloth (woven wire mesh) in your coop or run construction. But here’s the challenge: hardware cloth can…
Arizona’s urban farming movement has transformed backyard chicken-keeping from a hobby into a viable income stream. With consumers paying $4–$7/dozen for truly farm-fresh eggs—double the price of commercial brands—the incentive is clear. But recent legal shifts and avian flu outbreaks make compliance more critical than ever. This 2025 guide demystifies Arizona’s regulatory landscape and provides…
In recent years, the global egg market has experienced significant disruptions. Commercial egg prices have become increasingly volatile due to outbreaks of avian flu and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. These challenges have exposed the risks associated with concentrated production models. For example, during the 2024–2025 avian flu crisis, over 50 million egg-laying birds were…
Ever stared blankly at your flock, wondering if that’s really Beatrice pecking near the coop, or just her sneaky doppelgänger, Bertha? If your chickens look more like identical feathered clones than individuals, you’re not alone! Keeping track of who’s who is crucial for monitoring health, egg production, breeding, or just knowing which hen is sneaking…
