In one sense, chickens are easy to care for. They don't require much daily maintenance. However, chickens prove prey to a surprising array of predators. If you're going to keep your chickens safe, you'll want to know the main predators in your area and do what you can to prevent them from harming your flock.

5 Chicken Predators and How to Prevent Them

Though it's unlikely you'll face all these predators at the same time, chances are high you'll deal with at least one at some point.

1. Dogs
Whether local domesticated dogs or wild dogs, these predators are most active at night. Though they are unlikely to eat a chicken whole, they will kill it and ravage its body, leaving the carcass nearby. 
In order to keep your chickens safe from dogs, be sure to close and secure your coop every night. Keep it well-mended and well-maintained. 

2. Snakes
Snakes like to sneak and slither into chicken coops, killing chicks and swallowing eggs. 
Keeping snakes out of your coop is more challenging. Be sure to check your coop for holes and cracks in the walls and around doors, filling them with caulking or foam. Watch to be sure no small animals have burrowed or tunneled into the ground around the coop as well, leaving easy access for snakes.

3. Birds of Prey
Birds of prey are a special threat to free-range chickens. They will swoop down and snag one bird at a time, slowly diminishing your flock one by one. The best way to deal with birds of prey is to invest in bird netting.  

4. Raccoons
Raccoons are amazingly crafty and have dexterous hands. They are a threat to coops everywhere. Installing motion-activated lights can often be a deterrent since they are active at night. If you're having an ongoing raccoon problem, be sure to invest in heavy mesh wire instead of regular chicken wire, which they can rip with their claws.  

5. Foxes
Foxes love chicken and are extremely smart. Fencing and mesh can both help guard against foxes, as can keeping your coop in excellent repair. 

Try PopWorms! 
Here at PopWorms!, we're proud to support you as you care for your feathered friends. To learn more about our premium products, please feel free to contact us at any time. 

Backyard chicken farming is fun, somewhat therapeutic, and beneficial in multiple ways. However, it also requires time and commitment, and it's easy to get derailed. The good news is that you can revive your backyard chicken farm and learn how to run it more efficiently. Here is a brief guide on getting your backyard chicken farming back on track. 

Choosing the right breed 
Different chicken breeds have varying characteristics. It is ideal to have a breed that lays many eggs and is calm. The Golden Comet breed is the most recommendable – the chickens are calm enough to raise in your backyard, and they lay more eggs than most other breeds (up to 300 eggs per year per chicken). 

Sheltering your chickens 
You will need a coop to shelter your chickens. The coop should be secure and impenetrable to predators such as stray cats and raccoons. The coop should also be warm, properly aerated, and spacious – each chicken should have about two to four square feet.

You will also need a brooder if you are raising the chickens as young chicks – chicks need a lot of heat, and it is recommended to maintain temperatures of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to inspect your current coop and brooder and restructure them to meet these standards before bringing the chickens in. 

Feeding & health 
Your chickens need a stable supply of healthy food to grow strong and lay big, nutritious eggs. Chicken feed varies in nutrient content – overall, it is advisable to invest in quality chicken feed and use mineral-rich additives (calcium is especially important). Your chickens' health is also vital – it primarily depends on cleanliness (compound and coop/brooder maintenance), insect control, and vaccination. 

Egg harvesting, storage & marketing 
The main benefit of backyard chicken farming is the steady supply of eggs. It is important to install nest boxes in the coop to give the chickens a safe place to lay their eggs. Freshly laid eggs can last for about a month when stored at room temperature, while cleaned and refrigerated eggs can last up to six months. You can also consider selling some of the extra eggs, but you must comply with local laws. 

This knowledge will help you get your backyard chicken farm back on track. Remember to keep your chickens well-fed and healthy, and feeding them PopWorms!® will take care of both needs! 

Raising your own flock of chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience. Having a clean coop that is free from flies helps the overall health of your backyard chicken experience.  Here are five ways to keep your chicken coop free from flies.

Install Fans
Air movement will help chickens stay cool in the summer and help to help keep the flies away. Having a dry coop also helps because flies are drawn to moist, wet areas caused by water or chicken droppings. Flies and other insects will have a more difficult time navigating through the breeze, therefore reducing the level of pests in the coop.

Plants and Herbs
Many different plants and herbs are naturally good at keeping pests away. By planting them in or around the coop, you not only help to get rid of pests but also beautify the area. Some great options for planting are below.

• Basil
• Tansy
• Mint
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Citronella
• Carnivorous plants

Insect Warfare
This may sound strange, but some bugs are worth having around if they do a good job keeping nuisances away. Black soldier flies are a non-invasive species that can be purchased online (check out our product line of PopWorms! LIVE  here!) or sometimes at your local feed store. They will deter the pest flies without causing any harm to you or your chickens. 

Fly Traps
Flypaper and fly bags are other methods to help reduce the number of flies. With flypaper, you simply hang the sticky paper up in and around the coop. Flies will be attracted to it and become stuck there. Fly bags come with a powder that you mix with water. The contents have a strong odor of decay that flies can't resist. Once they enter the bag, that's the end for them. 

Natural Sprays
Because chickens are sensitive animals, you don't want to use just anything around them. Using a homemade fly solution is a great way to make certain your pets are safe from harsh chemicals. To keep the flies away naturally, try mixing two cups of vinegar, two cups of water, and at least 20 drops of essential oil like basil, peppermint, or thyme.  Spray liberally around the coop to deter flies.

Use these tips to help keep your chickens healthy, happy, and pest free is a priority! And-don't forget to treat your backyard babies with PopWorms!

Welcome to the wonderful world of backyard chickens! Having a reliable source of eggs and becoming more independent is now within your reach, plus you get the added bonus of watching your new chickens develop their personalities. Now that you have your chickens you'll want to keep them clean and happy.  So here's the skinny on the exact reasons why and how to wash a chicken properly. 

How chickens normally keep clean and when to intervene

Chickens are very independent, just like you're aiming to be. For the most part, they keep themselves clean with regular dust bathing. So when do you need to intervene in their normal routine and give them a good old fashion rinse off? They won't be able to remove caked-on feces themselves, so giving them a hand is the best way to keep them spick and span. You may also come across some less common problems such as: treating pests, cleaning to assess injuries, or the dreaded skunk spray.

The steps to get a clean chicken

Bathing a chicken is much like bathing any other animal, the supplies and process are very similar. Whether you are bathing them in a bathtub, sink, or a bucket, you are going to need to keep yourself safe. Make sure to hold your bird very securely with one hand on their wings at all times. Lower them in gently, this is a new experience for them after all. Begin using lukewarm water and soak your chicken's problem areas applying a small amount of shampoo, lather up, and watch the suds work their magic!

If your chicken has a foot infection or caked-on debris a nail brush will be super helpful to have on hand. After you remove any dirt or feces be sure to rinse well and gently squeeze any excess water from their feathers. On hotter days you can now release your bird to air dry, you don't want a wet chicken so if it is a little chillier wrap them in a towel and use a hairdryer on the low heat setting. Even better if it has a cool setting. Lastly, make sure to never leave your little chicken unattended in water, chickens can drown very easily. 
 
Q&A
At what age should I bathe my chickens?
When they are younger than 6 months a full bath is not necessary and if they have any caked-on feces or dirt, wiping them down with a wet towel will do the trick.

What type of shampoo should I use?
Baby shampoos or any other gentle use shampoo with no irritants, such as Johnsons baby shampoo, or dawn dish soap.

And when your chicken is all clean, remember to treat them with PopWorms!

The Leghorn chicken may be one of America's most popular breeds, but this hardworking chicken has its roots deep in the Mediterranean near the Italian port city of Livorno. Leghorns arrived in America in 1870. You may recognize them from the Warner Bros. classic, Looney Toons, where the loudmouthed Foghorn Leghorn is often up to no good. Learn what makes this bird special and if a Leghorn is the backyard companion for you. 

Appearance and TemperamentThe Leghorn comes in over 16 color varieties with white being the most common. Other common colorings include combinations of black, brown, white, silver, and rose combs. They are an active and resourceful bird that often finds food independently by foraging. They have a nervous nature and like room to roam and enjoy flying high. Because of their active, noisy nature, Leghorns may not do as well confined in small, urban spaces with nearby neighbors. 

Overall Health and Care Overall, Leghorns are a healthy breed with very few health issues. To maintain your Leghorn's robust combs, you may need to apply Vaseline on their combs to prevent frostbite and wattles. Always provide food and water for your Leghorn (you may need to keep a heater near their water during the winter months to prevent freezing). Provide your Leghorn a coop with at least 3 square feet per chicken and a soft bedding of cedar shavings, hay, or shredded newspaper. 

Egg ProductionLeghorns produce, on average, 200 to 300 eggs per year! This makes the Leghorn an exceptional breed if you are looking to sell your eggs. As a side note, these chickens produce white eggs as opposed to brown eggs. Because of the Leghorn's productivity, their lifespan is shorter than many other birds. The average lifespan of this breed is, on average, 4-6 years.

If you have plenty of space and want a breed that can produce large amounts of eggs, the Leghorn may be for you. While they may not be as cuddly and friendly as other breeds, they work hard with little maintenance. Popworms! has everything you need to raise healthy, happy chickens. Check us out today and see all we have to offer! 
 

​The winter season can be a very difficult season for chicken owners. You may be asking yourself whether your precious chicken will survive the winter cold. Don't worry any longer; the following tips are helpful for you and your chickens' survival.
 
1. To Warm Your Chicken, Use the Deep Litter Method.The deep litter technique allows the chickens' bedding material and poop to accumulate in the coop over other hot seasons. This method ensures that you have a foot of composting manure on the surface of the chicken coop, giving off heat and warming the coop naturally.
 
2. Feed Your Chicken With Corn and Fresh Water Every Evening To Keep Them Warm at NightCorn is chicken's favorite meal. Keep the bellies of your chicken with bowls of cracked corn every evening. By doing so, you keep them busy overnight with something to digest, keeping them warmer.
 
3. Roosts Are Essential In The Winter Season.Roosts allow your chickens to fluff themselves; it keeps them warm. Make sure that you raise the roosts at least 2 to 3 feet above the earth's surface to keep your chicken off the icy and cold ground.
 
4. Select The Right Breeds For WinterThe most favorable decision you can take to ensure your chickens are safe through the winter is to get the right cold hardy chicken breeds. Such breeds are adapted to cold seasons; they have very reduced wattles and combs, making them non-susceptible to frostbite. Some of these breeds include:
 

• Australorp
• Buff Orpington
• Delaware
• Dominique
• Plymouth Rock
• Speckled Sussex
• Brahma
• Ameraucana
• Cochin
• Rhode Island Red
• New Hampshire

5. Insulate The CoopAnother great way to protect your chicken from winter is by winterizing the coop. This is easily done by insulating the coop. If it's possible, you can use fiberglass insulation around the walls of the chicken coop, then cover them up with plywood.
 
I hope that the above tips have cleared your worries and answered your troubling questions on how to keep your chickens warm during the winter.
 
 
 

No matter how much a backyard chicken enthusiast loves chickens, the most common reason to have a flock is for the fresh eggs. That being said, many egg layers slow down (or completely stop laying) during the winter cold months.

However, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some tips to get eggs year-round from your chickens. 

Get the right type of chicken. 
There are many breeds of chickens and some lay better than others. Traditionally, there are meat birds, laying birds, and those who are dual-purpose (they are good egg layers and can be used for meat). The egg layers have been bred to lay eggs throughout the winter, more than meat and dual-purpose birds do. There are also breeds, such as Leghorns and Sex Links, which are bred to maximize egg production, even in the winter.

Use artificial light. 
Most chickens require fourteen hours of daylight in order to lay eggs. Unfortunately, for most of the United States, we are looking at only nine or ten hours of daylight during the winter months. For that reason, many chicken farms add artificial light to make sure that their chickens have the required amount of daylight to continue to produce eggs during the winter. 

That being said, chickens need six to eight hours a night to rest and stay healthy so you can't just leave the light on all day and night long. Your best bet would be to get a timer to make sure that your chickens get enough light to keep laying, while still being able to get enough sleep at night. 

Maintain a healthy diet. 
It is important that you feed your laying hens properly to ensure good egg production. This is even more important in the winter when they can't forage for bugs and other things in their yard. 

Overall.
The best way to keep your chickens laying in the winter is to buy chickens that are bred to be good egg-layers. These are more likely to keep laying, even as the weather gets colder. You also need to think about using artificial light. Hens need fourteen hours of light in order to lay eggs. However, you can overdo this because they also need a good night's sleep to stay healthy and productive! 

And as always, treat your egg layers with PopWorms! to help keep them healthy and happy!