Tag: Homesteading

A List of Insects Your Chickens Will Eat

Chickens Are Natural Exterminators!

Chickens are natural foragers and are often referred to as “feathered raptors” because of their enthusiastic appetite for insects. Most bugs are excellent sources of protein and minerals. Here are the favorites…

Common Garden Favorites

Grasshoppers and Crickets: High energy snacks.
Beetles: Most common garden beetles, including June bugs and Japanese beetles.
Caterpillars: Chickens will clear out many types of larvae, though they might avoid brightly colored species.

The “Soil Dwellers”

Earthworms: A staple of the chicken diet and a primary protein source.
Grubs: These are the larvae of beetles and are excellent for their fat and protein content.
Mealworms: Perhaps the most famous chicken treat. Whether live or dried, chickens find these irresistible.

Pests They Help Control

Ticks and Fleas: Chickens are remarkably efficient at “vacuuming” a yard for ticks.
Spiders: Most common house and garden spiders are eaten without hesitation.
Termites: If they find a colony, they will stay there until every last one is gone.

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The Ornamental Flock: 6 Breeds with Extraordinary Flair

If you are looking to add some flair to your flock, several ornamental and exotic breeds offer striking aesthetics while still being accessible through major hatcheries. Silkies are perhaps the most recognizable, famous for their fur like plumage, black skin, and five toes; they are modest layers of about 100 small, cream colored eggs per year. For a touch of elegance, the Silver Laced Polish features a dramatic crest of feathers and a V-shaped comb. These “fancy-feathered” birds produce approximately 150 medium sized white eggs annually, though their crests may require occasional trimming to help them see.
The Egyptian Fayoumi is an ancient, active breed known for its upright tail and silver and black penciled patterns. They are exceptionally hardy and provide roughly 150 small, off-white or tinted eggs each year. If you prefer a breed with a more “prehistoric” look, the Modern Game bird stands tall on long, elegant legs with tight, sleek feathers. While primarily kept for exhibition rather than utility, they lay about 50 to 80 small, tinted eggs per season.
For those who appreciate unique feather structures, the Frizzle has feathers that curl outward rather than laying flat, giving them a windswept appearance. Depending on the base breed, they typically lay 120 to 180 medium sized eggs in shades of light brown or white. Finally, the Phoenix chicken is a beautiful Japanese ornamental breed famous for its exceptionally long tail feathers. They are graceful birds that produce roughly 100 small, cream or tinted eggs per year.

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Tiny Eggs? Understanding the Early Laying Phase of a Pullet

A young pullet’s egg size & weird shape in comparison to an adult hen

It’s perfectly normal, and quite common, for a young pullet (under a year) to lay small or weird shaped eggs. At this age, she is just beginning her laying journey, and these small, (sometimes) yolkless first attempts are known as “fairy eggs.” This happens primarily because her reproductive tract is a complex assembly line that hasn’t been finely tuned yet.
While your pullet may look like an adult, her oviduct is still physically maturing. As she develops over the next several weeks, her body will become more efficient at processing bigger eggs.
Generally, tiny eggs are no cause for concern as long as your pullet is bright, alert, and eating normally. You should see a noticeable increase in egg size in due time. Keep in mind that most pullets don’t reach their maximum egg size until after their first adult molt. To support her as her production ramps up, make sure she has access to a high quality layer feed and a separate dish of oyster shell for calcium.

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