Backyard Poultry Magazine

06/03/2026

Pekin ducks aren’t just known for being a tasty dish in Chinese cuisine.
Raising new poultry can be a lot of trial and error, even if you’ve done your homework. If you want to raise Pekin ducks, you’ll discover they grow very quickly. 🪿
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when you’re getting started with your own flock. ✋🏻🤔

When raising Pekin ducks, you'll discover the ducks grow fast. It didn’t take more than a couple weeks for them to outgrow their first home.

06/02/2026

🏆🥉 Congratulations to the 2026 Coolest Coops 2nd RUNNER-UP, Jennifer Whittaker!

More on this unique, upcycled coop: “My husband works for our local power company, and this truck was one of the original trucks used way back when. It was given to him by the son of the original owner. It fits well at our farm as he also collects and restores old vehicles. I told him I wanted a unique coop that fits in with our lifestyle, and this is what he came up with!” 🛻🐓

⭐️ Check out our future August/September issue of the magazine for more photos of the Coolest Coops winners and other top entries. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's contest!

06/01/2026

If you keep chickens for a while, you’ll probably end up asking yourself, “What got my hen this time?” 😢
Many hungry animals love our backyard chickens as much as we do. Closely evaluating the scene after a predator attack will help you identify which animal attacked your flock.🐓🐾

Keep a flock for long and sooner or later you’ll be asking yourself, “What killed my chicken?” Many marauders love our backyard chickens as much as we do, and each leaves a calling card that offers a clue as to which predator you’re dealing with.

05/31/2026

Even if you're a little late to spring cleaning, there's still time to get things in order.🧹🧽 Read more about spring cleaning from the chicken coop to the kitchen and check out these yummy recipes to make when the work is done. ⏲️

The chickens are always a little frantic as I begin to clean, wondering what’s happening to their little world, but they’re all so happy to be out in the spring sun with a light breeze blowing that no one complains too much.

05/31/2026

Keep your chickens in and the predators out with chicken fencing. 🦊🐍🦝
A good fence for your chickens is more than worth the investment. Gail Damerow gives some tips on how to keep your chickens safe. 🐓⬇️

A good fence for your chickens is more than worth the investment. Gail Damerow gives some tips on how to keep your chickens safe.

05/29/2026

Download our FREE guide for all the poultry know-how you need. Learn more about Poultry Feed and Health today!
🐓 An Overview of What to Feed Chickens
🫜 Is Feeding Chickens Scraps From the Kitchen Safe?
🌱 Diet Questions/Answers
🥚 Egg Production Questions/Answers
🪶 Feather Loss Questions/Answers

Everything You Need to Know About Poultry Feed And Health + An Overview of What to Feed Chickens+ Is Feeding Chickens Scraps From the Kitchen Safe?+ Diet Questions/Answers+ Egg Production …

05/28/2026

Learn about five beautiful quail species that can add new variety and value to your flock. 🪺🪶
When choosing quail for your flock, consider size, egg production, and temperament to guide your decision.

When considering quail species to raise; size, egg production, and temperament should lead your decision making.

05/27/2026

Ditch the sand! Chickens are from forests, not beaches. Turn the entire floor of your chicken run into a compost pile for ⭐FREE⭐ by using organic bedding material.

Leaves, mulch, grass clippings, you name it! Stinks? Add more material. 🍂 Damp? Add more material.🌱

Similar to the deep litter method many flock owners use in their coops, this method breaks down chicken manure and removes the hassle of scooping waste! Your flock will naturally scratch and turn the material, making this the easiest low-maintenance option.
With many resources for low-cost or free materials, this option also eases the cost of keeping a flock.

On top of everything- chickens LOVE IT! It's easy enrichment and caters to their natural instincts to hunt and forage. 🐔

Check out the article below for ways to find organic material AND even using CARDBOARD as bedding! ⬇️
https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/dry-leaves-as-chicken-coop-bedding-zbcz2101/

Would you make the switch to organic material for your run?🐥

05/27/2026

Chickens usually enjoy free-ranging, but it is not without risks. You can save money on feed costs but they may be more prone to predator attacks. Check out these tips to keep them safe from predators and other woes. ⬇️

Chickens usually enjoy free-ranging, but it is not without risks. Check out these tips to keep them safe from predators and other woes