Table of contents for Backyard Chickens 2026 in Chickens

Ameraucana, americana, araucana or Easter egger? What’s the difference? Will they all lay blue eggs? For years, the distinction between the blue-egg–laying breeds has eluded backyard chicken keepers. Myths and misconceptions about the breeds have led to more confusion than ever, from the origin of the blue-egg layer to the cholesterol level in her eggs. Let’s put all those questions to rest. BLUE-LAYER ORIGIN The blue-egg layers we know today are descended from two varieties of chickens native to the coast of Chile. They were called the collonca and the quetro. Raised by the Araucana Indians of the region, the collonca variety laid blue eggs, was rumpless and had a small single comb. The quetro variety had a tail, was tufted and laid brown eggs. Both of these birds were…

A good chicken fence is the best defense when it comes to protecting chickens or protecting something from chickens. What kind of chicken fence you need will depend on how you have arranged your birds’ housing and what kind of coop you use, as well as other factors, such as geographical location and what type of predators lurk in your neck of the woods. Let’s look at fencing from both sides of the fence; pardon the pun. KEEPING OUT PREDATORS If you’re purchasing chicken fence with the intention of keeping out predators, it doesn’t have to be beautiful. But it does have to be made of solid material and securely installed, which usually means you’ll have to spend a little money and either do a little work or hire someone…

Winter can be difficult on backyard chickens. While the cold can negatively impact our flock’s health, many overwinter problems often result from bored chickens. And while we humans love nothing more than spending a cold winter’s day snuggled in a blanket with a good book, a chicken’s fun winter activities may include wriggling around in the dirt, soaking up the sun and foraging for a tasty treat. Chickens need fresh air and sunshine to stay healthy and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. Allowing hens access to the outdoors will also help reduce behavioral issues such as feather picking and bullying among flock members. Here are a few ideas to keep your hens healthy, happy and active all year round. SHOVEL OUT THE RUN I know from first-hand experience that…

Dozens of recipes pair rosemary with chicken. That’s why it strikes Nina Ronstadt as funny that her chickens won’t touch the stuff. Rosemary is one of the few plant varieties at Ronstadt’s Point Loma, California, home that her small flock hasn’t bothered or destroyed. Before getting chickens, Ronstadt (a chicken-keeper and garden blogger at https://ninagarden.com) recalls seeing several books and magazines with beautiful pictures of chickens in gardens. “It makes it look like having chickens in the garden is going to be all golden and great,” she says. “But it’s not quite that easy.” Lisa Steele, author of Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising happy, healthy chickens ... naturally, laughs at pictures of chickens on beautiful green lawns. “They must have just put the chickens there about five minutes earlier,” she says.…

Brown-egg-laying chickens are the most common egg layers in backyard flocks. From Buff Orpingtons to Golden Comets and every breed in between, this article will count down the top 12 best brown-egg layers in egg production. RHODE ISLAND WHITE J. Alonzo Jocoy of Peacedale, Rhode Island, developed the Rhode Island White — unrelated to the Rhode Island Red — in the late 1800s. Jocoy wanted a bird similar in conformation to the Rhode Island Red, but with white plumage for easier plucking. The standardized Rhode Island White has a rose comb, although occasionally throws chicks with single combs. Production Rhode Island Whites more commonly possess single combs. Mating Rhode Island Red cocks to Rhode Island White hens results in red sex-link hybrid layers. You can find the Rhode Island White…

What chickens lay white eggs for your backyard flock? When many chicken-keepers think of white layers, the Leghorn comes to mind, but the Leghorn isn’t the only white egg-producing breed discussed today. So, if you are wondering what chickens lay white eggs, here are eight popular breeds to pique your interest. LEGHORN With their excellent feed-to-egg ratio, Leghorns are the most popular egg-laying breed in the United States. The White Leghorn is the primary white egg-producing breed used in commercial egg farms and a popular breed found in many backyard flocks. Leghorn hens produce five to six large white eggs weekly (280 to 300 eggs annually). Leghorns are flighty, excellent foragers and active birds who, if given the opportunity, will sleep in the trees rather than the coop. However, this…

Though experienced chicken-keepers seem to have chicken care down to a science, each has learned quite a bit along the way. Here, they pass on 15 bits of wisdom they wish they’d known before getting chicks. NO. 1: HEALTH KNOWLEDGE I wish I had read more about common chicken ailments before getting chickens. Finding a large-animal veterinarian in many areas of the country is difficult, but finding vets with a poultry persuasion can be even more difficult. The key is finding a vet who will care for chickens before you need him or her, if possible. If no vets with poultry experience are available, read as much as you can about common ailments, how to diagnose ill chickens and how to care for them. “Chickens get sick,” says Christine Wright…

Chickens may not seem very intelligent, as they peck around your backyard, but these birds are smarter than you might think and surprisingly trainable. With the right motivation and a little patience, you can teach your flock to follow commands and master simple tricks. Some of the smarter ones can even learn to run agility courses. Whether you’re trying to simplify flock management or just show off to your friends, training your chickens can be practical and wildly entertaining. BASICS Before we dive into specific tricks, let’s talk about some fundamentals for successful chicken training. Like most trainable animals, chickens learn best with: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Chickens are very food-motivated, so treats work wonders. Favorite treats to inspire tricks may include dried mealworms, berries, cracked corn or sunflower seeds. CONSISTENCY: Chickens…