Cookie is my silkie bantam with special needs. Her toenails, of all things, grow and grow to the point where they interfere with her walking. Crazy! Once a month I wrap her in a towel, lay her in my lap on her back, and cut them with bird nail clippers.
Excessive nail growth is not all that uncommon when birds are kept on soft bedding such as shavings or sand, but Cookie is free roam. She scratches around in crushed granite and dirt all day like everyone else in the flock. I have no explanation for her absurd nail growth. But if left unattended, she’d have her very own desert snow skis, so we deal with it. I use bird nail clippers, and Kwik Stop (Styptic Powder) which stops bleeding just in case one is cut too short. This is a powder that you apply to the nail if it’s bleeding and it will stop immediately. If this happens, pack the powder on the end of the nail and apply pressure. Most important, don’t panic, just do your best, and if you make a mistake and cut one too short… well, that’s what styptic powder is for! Both items are available on Amazon or at your local pet/feed store.
From coop building tips to feeding guides and health care advice, there’s a lot to learn. This post gathers the best tools and guides for every stage of your chicken keeping journey.
Baby Chicks
Raising Baby Chicks
The First 7 Weeks A comprehensive guide to preparing for and managing baby chicks with a step-by-step approach. Read Article/ TBN Ranch
Fecal impaction is a common issue among young chicks and can be fatal if ignored. Learn the signs and how to avoid this problem. Read Article / TBN Ranch
A chick brooder is a specialized enclosure or container created to offer a cozy and secure setting for recently hatched chicks. Here are the many types to choose from. Read Article / TBN Ranch
Managing the Brooder Temperature
This guide aims to assist you in ensuring their comfort by providing insights into their behavior, whether you choose to use a heat lamp or the modern radiant heat alternative. Read Article/ TBN Ranch
Thinking About Raising Chickens? Read These Articles First
Often the stronger or larger birds rank highest in the social order. This article will help you learn how to minimize drama when bullying becomes excessive. TBN Ranch
The primary role of a rooster in a flock of chickens is to fertilize the eggs laid by the hens. Aside from fertilizing eggs, roosters also play a protective role in the flock. Continue Reading/ TBN Ranch
Seasonal Chicken Keeping
Keeping Chickens in Extreme Heat
Is your chicken yard and coop adequately designed to support the overall welfare of your flock during the summer season? It is crucial to make necessary preparations for extreme heat to prevent your birds from experiencing heat exhaustion and related issues. Read Article / TBN Ranch
Are you interested in a traditional design, something unique and unconventional, a do-it-yourself project, or maybe a more elaborate setup? View Now / TBN Ranch
Drinkers / Waterers
So many to choose from, but which one best fits your flock’s needs? Auto-fill, nipple, standard fill, or DIY, view them all in one convenient place HERE/ TBN Ranch
Nest boxes play a vital role in supporting both chickens and their caretakers, offering a range of benefits. Discover numerous suggestions to assist you in selecting perfect nest boxes. View Now / TBN Ranch
Creative Roost Ideas
There are so many different types of roosts, which one is best for your coop? Your birds need something suitable to roost on at night. Be creative! Here are over 50 types to inspire you. View Now / TBN Ranch
There are several common outdoor plants that are generally considered toxic to chickens, which makes it important for poultry owners to be aware of these potential hazards. Read ArticleTBN Ranch
There exists a wide array of exquisite chicken breeds, each presenting its own unique qualities. We will delve into the particulars, including temperament, egg size, egg color, egg production, and primary use. Breed Profiles/ TBN Ranch
The quality and safety of eggs can differ due to various factors, such as storage methods and whether they are raw or cooked. Nevertheless, I can provide you with fundamental safety guidelines. Read Article / TBN Ranch
Hatcheries for Mail-Order Chicks
Hatcheries
Explore my collection of top-notch hatcheries. I’ve have personally purchased chicks from many of these hatcheries and have been consistently satisfied. Read Article / TBN Ranch
Signs of a Broody Hen: Your hen won’t leave the nest, appears to not be eating, her feathers are all fluffed up. These are classic signs of the broody hen. First of all, she isn’t starving, she is eating and drinking, but it’s low on her list of priorities… Read Article Chicken Breeds With Broody Tendencies: If you are only interested in egg production then you may not want to purchase chicks that have broody tendencies. Broody hens can be troublesome, so if you’re not looking for a mother hen, here are the breeds you may want to avoid… Read Article
From coop building tips to feeding guides and health care advice, there’s a lot to learn. This post gathers the best tools and guides for every stage of your chicken keeping journey.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 