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Chicken Guides

At OurPets HQ, we share the most extensive guides on select farm animals, birds, and pets. In this section, we have guides on chicken birds covering topics such as chicken breeds, chicken coops, chicken health, and extensive info on caring for chickens.

Our guides will provide chicken care guides and are aimed to assist those looking to keep chickens as farm animals. The guides will answer common questions related to keeping chickens such as “What do I need before getting my first chicken?” or “What is the best way to take care of my chickens?”.

We also include tips on how to build a chicken coop, what type of food to give your chickens, and how often you should clean their living area.

Chicken Breeds

Find out our extensive chicken breed guides. 

Coops and Runs

We also have extensive guides on designing chicken coops. 

Caring for Chicken

Learn how to care for chicken as a farm animal

Popular Chicken Care Guides

Chicken Care Guide

Chicken Health 

Get Chicken Care Guides from Trusted Chicken Farmers

OurPets HQ is the best source for high-quality chicken care guides!

One of the new team members, Leah, who recently joined our team at OurPets HQ has been keeping chickens for several years. Though not a breeder recognized by the American Poultry Association, she’s had a number of backyard chickens and learned a lot about chicken care.

Leah will be creating some fantastic guides on everything chicken-related, so keep an eye out for those! In the meantime, check out our existing guides on chicken breeds, caring for chickens, chicken health, and more.

Below is an overview of what to know about Chickens.

Chicken Breed Guides:

There are many different chicken breeds available, and each has its own unique set of characteristics. When choosing a breed, consider the climate in which you live, as some chickens are better suited for cold weather while others do better in warm climates.

Some of the most popular chicken breeds include:

  • – Ameraucana: Ameraucanas are a type of egg-laying chicken that originates from the United States. They are known for their blue or green eggs and their friendly dispositions.
  • – Ancona: Anconas are an Italian breed of chicken that is known for being excellent layers of white eggs. They are a relatively new breed, having been developed in the early 1900s.
  • – Barred Plymouth Rock: The Barred Plymouth Rock is a chicken breed that originates from the United States. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it can be used for both egg production and meat production.
  • – Brahma: Brahma chicken was developed in the US with imported bird breeds from Asia. They are the largest chicken breed and are known for being excellent layers of large brown eggs.
  • – Buff Orpington: The Buff Orpington is a chicken breed that originates from the South East of the United Kingdom. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it can be used for both egg production and meat production.
  • – Sussex: Sussex chickens are a British breed of chicken that comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, and silver. They are known for being good layers of brown eggs.

Other chicken breeds include;

  • Buckeye, Cochin, Cornish, Dorking, Fayoumi, Hampshire, Orloff, Rhode Island Red.

We are currently working on extensive guides to provide detailed information that you need to know about each of the chicken breeds above. 

Caring for Chickens:

Chickens are relatively easy to care for and make great pets for both children and adults. They require a safe place to roost (a chicken coop), access to fresh water and food, and regular cleaning of their living area.

When building a chicken coop, make sure to choose a location that is safe from predators such as dogs, coyotes, and foxes. The coop should also be large enough to comfortably accommodate the number of chickens you plan on keeping.

Chickens should have access to fresh water at all times. A water bowl or chicken waterer should be placed in the coop and refilled daily.

Chickens require a diet that consists of both grains and greens. Commercial chicken feed is available at most pet stores and can be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

The living area of the chicken coop should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the spread of disease. The bedding should be changed and the coop should be disinfected periodically.

Chickens are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do require some care and attention. By providing them with a safe place to live, access to food and water, and regular cleaning of their living area, you can ensure that your chickens are healthy and happy.

    Chicken Health:

    Chickens are generally hardy creatures, but they are susceptible to a few common health problems. The most common chicken health problems include:

    – Bumblefoot: Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection that affects the feet of chickens. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and scabs on the feet. Bumblefoot can be treated with antibiotics.

    – Coccidiosis: Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines of chickens. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and dehydration. Coccidiosis can be treated with medication.

    – Marek’s Disease: Marek’s disease is a viral infection that affects chickens of all ages. Symptoms include paralysis, blindness, and tumors. There is no cure for Marek’s disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

    Chickens are relatively hardy creatures, but they are susceptible to a few common health problems. By being aware of the most common chicken health problems and knowing how to treat them, you can help keep your chickens healthy and happy.

    Why We Don’t Eat Turkey Eggs

    Why We Don’t Eat Turkey Eggs

    When doing research for this piece, I found that articles explaining reasons why we don't eat turkey eggs as we do chicken eggs are relatively old. The top-ranking article is from 2013 and the second one is from 2016 which brings me to the conclusion that it has...

    Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chicken

    Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Chicken

    Are you interested in adding a colorful chicken breed to your backyard flock? The Blue Laced Red Wyandotte chicken is an excellent choice. The Wyandotte stands out as one of the most popular and well-liked chicken breeds everywhere in the world, especially here in the...

    Complete Silkie Chicken Guide

    Complete Silkie Chicken Guide

    The Silkie Chicken is one of the most popular small chicken breeds that you will find in most backyards. If you are in search of a friendly, chatty, sweet-natured bird for your backyard, these little beauties may be just the right choice for you. Chickens are adorable...

    Complete Leghorn Chicken Guide

    Complete Leghorn Chicken Guide

    The Leghorn chicken breed is one of the birds that is well-known for its egg-laying capabilities. If you are looking for a self-sufficient chicken to add to your backyard flock, this is it! This chicken breed and its ancestors are the most common chickens in America...

    Rhode Island Red Chicken

    Rhode Island Red Chicken

    The Rhode Island Red is by far the award-wining chicken breed globally. They are one of our favorite in our backyard flock. This truly American chicken breed is a versatile bird that is great for egg-laying and meat purposes. In fact, they have very delicious meat. If...

    Speckled Sussex Breed

    Speckled Sussex Breed

    The Speckled Sussex is one of the ancient chicken breeds in the world as it was developed in England more than 1000 years ago. A Speckled Sussex chicken This Speckled Sussex heritage breed was well-known in England as a table bird. These birds are characterized by...

    Orpington Chicken

    Orpington Chicken

    If you are looking for a large chicken breed with a placid personality to add to your backyard flock, the Orpington chicken is an excellent choice. These birds are heavy but loosely feathered which makes them large. Orpington chickens like to be free-range and have a...

    Sapphire Gem Chicken

    Sapphire Gem Chicken

    If you are considering adding a new chicken breed to your backyard flock, the Sapphire Gem Chicken is a fantastic choice. As the name sounds, this chicken breed has an irresistible unique appearance that has swept the chicken realm by the foot. These birds feature a...

    We’ve Got You Covered On

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    Extensive chicken breed guides from an expert on all breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association

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    Extensive guides on how to care for a chicken for optimial productivity as a farm animal.

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    Expert and practical advice on designing chicken coop anand all other things you need to know about giving your chickens a good placce to call home