I was scrolling some of the backyard poultry Facebook pages and came across this. I wanted to share my response with the group😊 Yes, blood on the outside of eggshells is completely normal for new layers. ❓What causes it❓ Blood-stained eggs (blood on the exterior shell) typically occur in pullets (young hens) just starting to lay. This happens when eggs are contaminated by smears of blood from the vent area during laying. The primary causes include: 🐓Pullets coming into lay - The reproductive tract is new to passing eggs 🐓Overweight pullets - Extra body weight can strain the vent 🐓Sudden, large increases in day length - Rapid hormonal changes 🐓Prolapsed cloaca - Tissue protrusion during laying 🐓Vent pecking or cannibalism - External trauma The blood comes from minor tissue trauma as the egg passes through the vent. Young pullets' reproductive tracts are still adjusting to the egg-laying process, making small vessel ruptures or tissue tears common. ❓Is the egg bad?❓ No. The egg itself is safe to eat if you want. Simply wash the blood off the shell before use. As long as the shell isn't cracked, there's no food safety concern. ‼️Important: Check the hen's vent When you find blood on an egg, examine the hen's vent area for any visible blood or injury. Vent pecking and cannibalism are recognized causes of blood-stained eggs. Blood visible on the vent can attract other flock mates to peck at the area, which can quickly escalate from minor trauma to serious injury or death. If you observe blood on the vent: 🩸Isolate the affected hen immediately 🩸Clean the area gently 🩸Monitor closely for continued bleeding or prolapse 🩸Keep her separated until fully healed to prevent flock mate aggression Management considerations Maintaining proper flock nutrition is important for overall reproductive health. A balanced diet with adequate vitamins A, K, and C helps maintain healthy blood vessels and tissue integrity throughout the reproductive tract. Most pullets naturally outgrow this issue within a few weeks as their reproductive systems mature and adjust to regular egg production.

Is your chicken looking like she lost a fight with a pillow? She's probably molting - a completely normal (but dramatic!) process! What IS Molting? The natural shedding and replacement of feathers, typically once a year. It's essential for maintaining healthy, functional plumage. When Does It Happen? 🪶Usually late summer/fall as daylight decreases 🪶Triggered by decreasing photoperiod (day length) 🪶First molt around 16-18 months old 🪶Takes 8-16 weeks to complete (varies by bird!) The Molting Process: Head → neck → body → wings → tail follows a predictable pattern! 🐓Some birds are "hard molters" (fast, dramatic) 🐔Others are "soft molters" (gradual, barely noticeable) Why Egg Production STOPS: Feather production requires MASSIVE protein and energy! Research shows growing new feathers takes priority over egg production - hens literally can't do both simultaneously. Critical Nutritional Needs: 💪 PROTEIN is key! Feathers are 80-85% protein 🐤Increase protein to 18-20% during molt (vs. 16% layer feed) 🪱Offer high-protein treats: mealworms, black oil sunflower seeds, scrambled eggs 🐤Ensure adequate methionine and cysteine (sulfur-containing amino acids) Normal vs. Concerning: 😊 Symmetrical feather loss following head-to-tail pattern 😊 New pin feathers emerging 🤒 Bald patches with no regrowth 🤒 Feather pecking by flock mates 🤒 Year-round feather loss Your turn: ❓Ever had a chicken molt so dramatically you thought she was sick? Share the your story! ❓What's your go-to high-protein molt treat?

If your egg basket looks a little lighter these winter days, don't panic - it's likely completely normal! Understanding what happens to chickens in cold weather helps us manage expectations and flock health. ❄️Why Egg Production Drops in Winter: ☀️ DAYLIGHT - The biggest factor! Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily for consistent laying. Winter's short days naturally signal reduced production - it's their biological "rest period." ⚡️ENERGY ALLOCATION - Chickens burn significantly more calories staying warm. That energy goes to body heat instead of egg production. 🪶MOLTING - Many hens molt in fall/early winter, redirecting all nutrients to feather regrowth rather than eggs. What's Actually Normal? 🐔Production can drop 20-80% in winter depending on breed, age, and daylight 🐔Some hens stop laying completely and resume in spring 🐔Older hens (2+ years) show more dramatic decreases 🐔Cold-hardy breeds often maintain better winter production ❄️Cold Weather Effects: 🐓Chickens handle cold remarkably well with proper housing 🐓Issues arise from moisture and drafts, NOT cold temperatures 🐓Proper ventilation (without drafts) is critical 🐓Frozen waterers affect hydration and laying ☀️Should You Use Supplemental Lighting? This is a personal choice. Adding light maintains production but prevents their natural rest cycle. Many keepers allow the seasonal break. Your turn: ❓How much has your egg production dropped this winter? 📉 ❓Team Supplemental Light or Team Natural Cycle? Why? ❓Do your hens give you the "side-eye" when you check for eggs and find nothing?

Ever wonder why your chickens act the way they do? There's actual science behind all that drama in your coop! The Pecking Order Explained: Chickens establish a social hierarchy where each bird knows its place. This isn't mean - it's natural! The pecking order reduces constant fighting by creating a predictable social structure. How It Works: 🐓Dominant birds get first access to food, water, and best roost spots 🐓Subordinate birds wait their turn 🐓The order is established through brief confrontations (pecking, chasing, posturing) 🐓Once established, it maintains relative peace Signs of Normal Hierarchy: 🔺Brief chasing or pecking when resources are limited 🔺Lower-ranking birds moving aside for higher-ranking ones 🔺Mostly peaceful coexistence after order is established 🔺Changes when new birds are added or flock composition shifts When Behavior Becomes a Problem: ❌ Constant aggressive pecking causing injury ❌ Birds being prevented from eating/drinking ❌ Feather loss from over-pecking ❌ Cannibalism or blood drawing What Causes Problem Behaviors: Research shows these trigger excessive aggression: 😣Overcrowding (stress increases pecking) 💦Insufficient feeders/waterers (competition) 🥱Boredom (lack of enrichment) 🍎Nutritional deficiencies ☀️Too much light/not enough darkness Your turn: ❓Who's the "queen bee" of your flock? Does she rule with an iron wing? 👑 ❓Ever had a total underdog rise to power? Tell us the story!

Happy Introduction Week at The Healthy Coop Collective! Today's topic is one of my favorites because it combines science with creativity - keeping our flocks happy and healthy during the cold winter months. 🌡️ Why Winter Treats Matter (The Science Part) Winter presents unique challenges for our flocks: 🥶Increased caloric needs - chickens burn more energy staying warm 🥶Reduced foraging opportunities - frozen ground limits natural behaviors 🥶Behavioral enrichment becomes critical - boredom can lead to pecking and other welfare issues 🥶Mental stimulation - keeps birds active and engaged during shorter days ✅ What Makes a GOOD Winter Treat? 🐓Provide extra calories/energy for cold weather 🐓Encourage natural foraging behaviors 🐓Keep birds active and mentally stimulated 🐓Make up no more than 10% of daily diet (to maintain balanced nutrition) 🐓Be safe and digestible 🚫 Quick Safety Reminder Before we dive into favorites, remember these foods are TOXIC to chickens: 🤢Avocado (skin and pit) 🤢Chocolate 🤢Raw or dried beans 🤢Green potatoes or tomatoes 🤢Onions and garlic in large amounts 🤢Moldy or spoiled foods 🤢Salty or sugary processed foods 🎯 My Winter Treat Ideas: High-Energy Options: 🐣Scratch grains - feeding in late afternoon to provide overnight energy 🐣Whole corn - metabolizes slowly, creating warmth overnight 🐣Black oil sunflower seeds - high fat and protein Activity-Based Enrichment: 🐔Cabbage/lettuce hanging - encourages jumping and pecking 🐔Sprouted grains - provides fresh greens when pasture is unavailable 🐔Treat blocks - compressed seeds and grains that take time to consume 🐔Warm oatmeal - warm (not hot) foods on very cold mornings 🤔 Now Here's Where I Need YOUR Expertise! I want to hear about YOUR experiences because real-world knowledge: 1. What's your flock's FAVORITE winter treat? (The one that makes them come running every time!) 2. Do you have a special "recipe" or way of presenting treats? (Hanging feeders? Frozen blocks? Warm mashes?) 3. Have you noticed any treats that seem to keep them busier longer? (Winter days are long - what keeps them entertained?)