I REALLY like BRs. They are so full of personality! I don't have any this year because my space is dedicated to other breeds. They will always be one of my favorites. The best rooster I ever had was a BR and when he died I planted a tree for him and even buried him under the tree. The hen that...
Sounds like she really likes you! I occasionally have a pullet that behaves this way. They are special and I never forget those unique relationships even after they're gone. I had a PBR that was extremely fond of me and if I didn't pick her up for a cuddle she would BITE my leg, hard enough to...
That looks like the chalaza with a few tiny meat spots attached. The chalaza is what suspends the yolk in the center of the egg. Perfectly safe to eat. The meat spots are bits of tissue that come from the hen's reproductive tract. Usually you see that in older hens' eggs, but I've got a 5 month...
Australorps! They lay large eggs. Can't go wrong with them. I've read that Marans are also excellent broodies. I'll find out next year when mine come of age.
It is widely recommended here that you keep your chickens on "all flock" or grower throughout their lives, offering oyster shell as a supplement in a separate container. The higher protein is good for them and the formula is the same except the layer feed has calcium added. Once I learned about...
#5 is a cockerel. #7 possibly is a cockerel although it's really hard to tell. What male specific traits are you referring to?
Please see: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/misconceptions-about-curved-tail-feathers-in-easter-egger-juveniles.75908/
When I'm raising chicks, I feed them one scrambled egg per day. It helps them learn to not be afraid of my hands and it's also good for them. When they are small it can take them 3 days to eat that one egg! (I hold a small container with the eggs inside and when they stop feeding I remove and...