Category: Chicken health

Many modern backyard chickens, unlike their free-ranging ancestors, are at a higher risk of obesity due to sedentary lifestyles and overfeeding. This excess weight can lead to a host of serious health problems, decreased egg production, and a shorter lifespan.

Studies show that supplementing a hen's diet can increase egg omega-3 content by up to 8-10 times compared to standard eggs. Finding what is the best source of omega-3 for chickens is crucial for optimizing their health and boosting the nutritional value of their products.

According to the USDA, less than 1% of commercially laid eggs contain blood spots. Seeing a bloody egg from your backyard flock can be startling, but understanding the root causes is key to determining if it's a minor issue or a serious health concern for your chicken.

According to agricultural data, commercial egg producers lose an estimated 6–8% of eggs due to poor shell quality, costing the industry billions annually. This guide reveals essential strategies for poultry owners on how to improve egg shell quality, focusing on diet, environmental factors, and proactive management to reduce cracks and defects.

Vitamin B12 is unique because neither plants nor animals can produce it; instead, certain bacteria and archaea are responsible for its synthesis. This means that when asking "where do chickens get B12?" the answer is a combination of dietary intake of animal products or supplements and microbial activity within their digestive tract. For optimal health, modern poultry farming and backyard chicken keeping often require careful management of these sources.

Gut health plays a crucial role in a chicken's overall health, impacting everything from nutrient absorption to immune function. Learning how to improve chicken digestion is key to ensuring your flock is happy, productive, and resistant to disease.