Fun Facts About Chickens

Did You Know?

Chickens are one of the oldest domesticated animals, with evidence of their domestication dating back to ancient Egypt over 4000 years ago.
Chickens are intelligent birds and can remember and recognize up to 100 other chickens.
Chickens have a complex social hierarchy and communicate with each other using over 30 different vocalizations.
Chickens can dream and have a sleep-wake cycle similar to humans.
Chickens have a good sense of direction and can find their way home over long distances.
Chickens have a pecking order and establish a social hierarchy through pecking and other forms of behavior.
Chickens can exhibit personality traits such as shyness or aggression, and some breeds are known to be more docile or energetic than others.
Chickens are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including seeds, insects, and even small reptiles.
Chickens have a highly developed sense of taste and are able to distinguish between different flavors.
Chickens are known for their ability to produce eggs, but they can also be raised for their meat.
More Interesting Facts…
Chickens, like all animals, have certain vital signs that are important indicators of their health and well-being. Some of the vital signs of chickens include:
Heart rate: A chicken’s normal heart rate is between 250 and 300 beats per minute.|
Respiratory rate: A chicken’s normal respiratory rate is between 15 and 25 breaths per minute.
Body temperature: A chicken’s normal body temperature is between 105-106.7 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 and 41.5 degrees Celsius).
Capillary refill time: This is the time it takes for the blood to return to a chicken’s comb (the fleshy protuberance on top of its head) after being pressed. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
Hydration: Chickens should have moist, elastic comb and wattles (the fleshy protuberances on either side of the head). Dry comb and wattles can be a sign of dehydration.
Behavior: Chickens should be active and alert, with a normal appetite and thirst.
Monitoring these vital signs can help you identify any health issues that your chickens may be experiencing, and allow you to take appropriate action to address them.

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Free Range Easy Fill Drinker, Design Flaw. An Updated Review

There is a problem with this drinker, I’m disappointed to report a major design flaw that needs to be addressed. I used this drinker for about a week and kept finding the tank full and the tray dry. This is a death sentence in Phoenix where temps are 110+. There isn’t a vent in the cover, causing a vacuum and therefore a stoppage of water flow. I drilled a couple of holes in the lid and now it’s working nicely.

I thought the Free Range Easy Fill Drinker was a good choice for our farm because it held 3.5 gallons of water, keeping it cooler longer when the temps are extreme. For the price, I expected more, and now it’s up $10+ dollars!
I won’t tell you not to buy this drinker, but be prepared to drill a few holes in the cover or you’ll find your birds without water.
FYI: I’ve contacted the manufacturer about this problem. No response.

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Less Waste, No Mess Chicken Feeders

Looking for a Better Way to Feed your Chickens?

Feed waste is expensive, and the biggest reason for it is because chickens tip the feeder and it spills all over the place. These newly designed feeders solve that problem because the birds have to reach inside the feeder to eat.
The feeders I’m showing you below target this problem, and although they’re a bit more pricey, it’s money well spent. Trust me, it’s time to pitch those ol’ fashion hanging feeders, reach a little deeper into your pocket, and join the modern chicken-keeping world. Let’s take a look… but in my opinion, nothing is spill proof, because my hens still manage to spill feed from ALL feeders. I guess we all just do the best we can, these feeders are at least better than most.

RentACoop Feeder

Package includes (1) 10lb Feeder which can be installed inside or outside of your coop on wood or wire.
Dimensions are 5.5 x 5.5 x 17 Inches
The 10lb Feeder prevents feed spill and is 100% waterproof. The design also deters rodents and wild birds from stealing and contaminating your chicken’s feed.
Comes with all necessary hardware including 2 screws for installing on wood and 2 custom metal hooks for hanging on any type of wire (even 1/2″ hardware cloth)
Suitable for all types of feed – Pellets, Crumbles, Grain and Scratch
For Poultry 12 weeks and older only.
Available on Amazon

KEBONNIXS Port Feeder & Drinker Set

Kebonnixs port feeder and cup waterer has overcome many of the common issues with the traditional metal or plastic chicken feeders or waterers.

The set includes: one cup waterer (2 gallon) and one port feeder(10 lbs), both of which can be installed inside or outside of your coop on wood or wire with using included screws or metal hooks. Available on Amazon

OverEZ Chicken Feeder
For Large Flocks

This chicken feeder is the clean, convenient feeding solution for healthy chickens. Chicken feeder holds 50 lb. of feed and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It features a no-waste design and feeds chickens that are 12 weeks or older. Feeder may be placed inside a coop or outdoors. Sold by Tractor Supply

Got Baby Chicks Spilling Feed Everywhere?

Chick Feeder Dual Port

Chicks must be at least 1 week old to use feeder.
Feed your chickens—not the ground! This 10″ high, mess-free feeder is practically revolutionary for those of us who have been feeding our flocks the old fashioned way.
No-Waste! This innovative feeder solves all the problems of standard feeders. For starters, birds can’t spill their feed—the port design ensures it. Birds have to stick their heads in to eat. Lack of spillage not only keeps the mess to a minimum, but will also save you big bucks in the long run.
Available at My Pet Chicken

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