Author: TBN Ranch

Chicken Keeper in Phoenix, Arizona, with special interest in Silkie Bantams. Offering valuable resources to fellow chicken enthusiasts since 2012.

Deciding the Future of My Blog in an AI Driven World

The Reality of Blogging Today

Blogging isn’t what it used to be, mainly because of AI, and I’m seriously rethinking whether it’s worth keeping my chicken-keeping resource site. If you’ve been on the internet long enough, you probably remember when blogs were personal, honest, helpful, and full of real people sharing things they learned the hard way. Today, those voices feel much quieter, and AI plays a big part in that shift.
Once AI tools arrived, it became far too easy for anyone to pump out endless “informative” posts with very little effort. While that might sound impressive at first, the trade-off has been a flood of repetitive content with very little substance. Blogs used to feel human, but now most of them read like dry, impersonal textbooks. Thoughtful, original posts that once had a chance of being discovered are now buried beneath fast, mass-produced AI articles.
As a long-time blogger who has built trust with readers for 13 years, it’s become obvious that my site is being pushed aside.
AI isn’t going anywhere, it’s useful, convenient, and I won’t deny that I use it too. I understand that the world has changed, podcasts, videos, and smartphones have become the go-to sources for just about everything. Still, I hope people eventually start craving authenticity again and choose to connect with real humans.
The numbers don’t lie, and it’s hard to ignore the reality that fighting against the convenience of quick AI-generated information feels almost pointless.

For now, I’ll keep my blog, but I can’t promise what the future holds. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and honestly, it’s probably going to end up on the growing list of “extinct” technologies sooner rather than later. It’s sad, but times change, and it’s something we all have to accept or get left behind. New challenges help us grow, and I’m up for it. I think.
I’m interested in your comments and opinions.

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RIP Silk, I Will Miss Your Fluffy Butt

Silk, my Silkie Bantam hen, has passed away at five years old. There is comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone, didn’t suffer, and her last experience was one of warmth and familiarity being held lovingly in my arms.

My farm cam captured this moment… not the best pic, but still grateful for it.
Silk
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No Heat Required: Keeping Chickens Safe and Comfortable in Winter

Chickens Are Built for the Cold, But Proper Shelter is Key

As temperatures drop, it’s common for chicken keepers to wonder whether they should add heat to the coop. In most situations, the answer is no. Healthy adult chickens are surprisingly cold-hardy and don’t need supplemental heat to get through winter. Their feathers provide excellent insulation, and they stay warm by fluffing up and roosting together. When we add heat, we prevent chickens from fully acclimating to cold weather, which can make them more vulnerable if the power goes out or the heat source suddenly fails.
The Danger of Heating a Coop
Safety is another big reason to skip added heat. Traditional heat lamps and space heaters are one of the leading causes of coop fires. With bedding, dust, feathers, and curious birds, the risk of accidents is real, and most coop fires happen at night. Even without a fire, heated coops can cause problems. Sudden temperature swings, like stepping from a warm coop into freezing air, increase the risk of frostbite and respiratory illness.
Radiant Heat Panels: Safer, But Still Usually Unnecessary
Radiant heat panels are often marketed as a safer option, and compared to hanging heat lamps, they can be lower risk. They don’t have exposed bulbs and provide gentle warmth instead of heating the entire coop. In special situations, such as caring for chicks, injured birds, or ill chickens, radiant heat can be helpful as a temporary, medical support tool. For most healthy adult flocks, however, they aren’t needed. They still rely on electricity, can fail unexpectedly, and may prevent chickens from fully adapting to winter temperatures.
What Really Matters is Ventilation
What matters far more than adding heat is a coop that’s dry, draft-free, and well ventilated. Cold air by itself isn’t the enemy, moisture is. Without proper ventilation, moisture from breathing and droppings builds up overnight, leading to frostbite, ammonia odor, and respiratory problems. The goal is to block direct drafts at roost level while allowing airflow above the birds’ heads, keeping bedding clean and dry all winter long.
Focus on good coop design, proper airflow, and overall flock health, and your chickens will come through winter just fine without added heat.

Cold Doesn’t Kill Chickens, But This Definitely Will

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