Key takeaway: Chickens may open their mouths due to heat stress, fear or stress, throat obstructions, gapeworm infections, viral infections, fungal infections, broken bones, or food contamination. Understanding normal chicken breathing patterns, such as nasal breathing, can help differentiate between natural and abnormal behavior. If your chickens frequently open their mouths, it is important to
Key Takeaway: The size of eggs in commercial egg production plays a crucial role in profitability. Larger eggs are generally more desirable and can fetch higher prices. When choosing a breed for large egg production, factors such as the chicken’s weight, diet, light exposure, age at which hens start laying, skeletal size, and the presence
Key Takeaway: Tonic immobility is a natural response in chickens that causes them to fall asleep on their backs. It is a self-defense mechanism that helps them appear dead and avoid predators. Chickens may also fall asleep on their backs during dust bathing, which is a cleaning ritual that helps them keep their feathers clean
Key takeaway: Speckled eggs are popular among chicken lovers due to their allure and desire for variety in an egg basket. Welsummer chickens are known for laying deep brown eggs with fine speckles, making them a desirable breed for backyard flocks. Marans chickens produce dark brown eggs with a range of speckle colors, and are
Key Takeaways: A purple chicken comb can be an indication of parasitic infestations or circulatory and respiratory issues. Fowl cholera, fowl pox, and frostbite are potential causes of a purple comb in chickens. Monitoring the health of a chicken’s comb and seeking veterinary advice are crucial for ensuring the overall well-being of the chicken. Introduction
Key Takeaways: Chickens in Key West have a historical background of local backyard farming and the presence of official Key West Gypsy Chickens. Efforts to control the chicken population include hiring professional bird catchers and transferring captured birds to organic farms, but controversies among residents still exist. Chickens in Key West have significance and impact
Key takeaway: Pigeon toe refers to the inward positioning of the feet, which can be caused by conditions such as metatarsus adductus, inward tibial torsion, and femoral anteversion. Diagnosis and treatment options for pigeon toe include observation and parental education, nonoperative treatments like at-home stretching and serial casting, and the use of special shoes and
Key Takeaways: Pigeon peas are a versatile legume with a wide range of culinary uses and significant nutritional benefits. Cultivating pigeon peas offers various agronomic benefits and sustainable practices that contribute to soil fertility and permaculture. Pigeon peas have cultural significance and are used in traditional dishes globally, contributing to food security and diverse cuisines.
Key Takeaway: The presence of feral chickens in Key West has been a subject of controversy and divided opinions among the community. The historical background of Key West chickens involves early settlers, the arrival of chickens, and the development of a feral chicken population. Efforts to control the chicken population have included the hiring of
Key takeaway: Chickens scratch to fulfill their natural instincts and maintain their overall health. Scratching behavior serves various purposes, including foraging for food, nest-building, beak maintenance, attracting mates, marking territory, and as a form of social interaction. Scratching behavior plays a crucial role in social bonding among chickens and facilitates communication within the flock. It
