Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Nest Box Drama & Disease: How One Box Became a Biosecurity Breach
Most days in the coop begin with a bit of cackling, some early morning scratching, and a race to the worm pile. But this week, the big story isn’t what’s happening outside—it’s what’s festering inside Nest Box #3. You’ve seen it: five pristine nest…
Behind the Wire with the New Flock on the Block
🕵️♂️ Cluck Kent: The Quarantine Chronicles Something’s clucking in the holding pen, and Cluck Kent is on the case. This week, whispers echoed through the coop—word had spread that three new pullets were moving in. “Refugees from a farm upstate,” muttered Goldie, who hasn’t…
Why the Little Chick Inn University?
As the backyard chicken movement continues to grow, more and more people are bringing chicks home—some for the first time ever. It’s exciting to see so many new chick tenders joining the community, but with that excitement comes a big responsibility: giving these little…
Cluck Kent Investigates: The Case of the Invisible Invaders
It was a quiet morning at the coop. The sun was rising, the feeder was full, and the hens were already gossiping over scratch grains. Everything seemed fine… until Cluck Kent noticed something suspicious: a muddy bootprint by the gate. “I knew something was…
The Impact of Learning When a Rooster Is Alone vs. With Other Roosters
How Social Setting Shapes Behavior, Intelligence, and Confidence Roosters, like people, learn not just from experience, but also from their environment — and especially from the company they keep. Whether raised alone or in the presence of other roosters, the way a rooster learns,…
Creating a Draft-Free, Enrichment Filled Brooder
🏡 Creating a Draft-Free, Enrichment-Filled Brooder Raising healthy, happy chicks starts with a well-designed brooder. The two most overlooked — but most important — things for long-term success are: Preventing drafts (which can chill or stress chicks) Providing enrichment (to prevent boredom and promote…
What to Plant in a Small Space
🌿 What to Plant in a Small Space: High-Yield Crops for Homesteaders Even with just a few raised beds, containers, or tucked-away corners, you can grow a surprising amount of food — if you choose your crops wisely. The key is picking plants that…
Why Can’t I Get Hugs From Everyone?
Hello there, humans. It’s me, Cluck Kent, your friendly neighborhood roost reporter, perched on my favorite bale of straw. I’m watching visitors come and go from afar (with my super-vision, of course) and asking myself the burning question: “Why can’t I get hugs from…
Belgian d’Uccle Chickens: Everything You Need to Know
We are excited to be adding this breed to our flock! Small in size but overflowing with charm, Belgian d’Uccles (pronounced “dew-clay”) are beloved for their fluffy beards, feathery feet, and friendly personalities. These true bantams are not just beautiful—they are full of personality…
Isolation & Quarantine: Keeping Your Flock Safe from Hidden Threats
Bringing new chickens into your flock is exciting, but it also comes with risks. Whether you’re introducing a new hen, a rescued bird, or even hatching your own chicks, isolation and quarantine are two of the most critical steps you can take to protect…
