Ever wondered why chicken keepers become so passionate about their feathered friends? In this heartwarming conversation with Thomas Zenos from the Crazy Chicken People Podcast, we discover the unexpected emotional benefits that come from raising backyard chickens.

Thomas shares his remarkable journey from reluctant chicken owner to devoted enthusiast now caring for over 70 birds. What started with his wife bringing home "just a few" silkie chicks evolved into a profound connection that changed his perspective on these remarkable animals. His story will resonate with anyone who's experienced the joy of watching chickens explore their world with curiosity and personality.

The most surprising revelation? The therapeutic power of simply spending time with chickens. "There's something so peaceful about just being with chickens and watching them peck around," Thomas explains. "When I get home, I'll often go straight to the barn... it really levels me out, and I don't find that with a lot of things." This natural stress relief has become an essential part of his daily routine.

We dive into practical advice for new chicken keepers, from brooder setups to coop sizing (always go bigger than you think you need!), and explore nutritional considerations including supplements like poultry cell for optimal health. The superiority of backyard eggs becomes evident as we discuss the common reaction from friends and family: "That's hands down the best egg I've ever had!"

Whether you're considering your first flock or already deep into "chicken math" territory, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a healthy, happy environment for both birds and their humans. Listen now to discover why backyard chicken keeping has become so much more than just a hobby for millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Do you want to be Chicken Famous? Well, no promises but if you love talking about your chickens then I am looking for you! 

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Chickens naturally produce eggs almost daily without needing a rooster, though timing depends on breed, with production breeds like Leghorns giving 5-6 eggs weekly while heritage breeds produce 4-5 eggs per week.

• Hens show clear signs before laying: bright red combs and wattles, submissive squatting behavior, and interest in nest boxes
• First eggs may be tiny "fairy eggs" without yolks or shell-less eggs before regular production begins
• The float test determines egg freshness - fresh eggs lay flat in water while old eggs float
• Newly laid eggs have a protective coating called "bloom" that seals thousands of tiny pores
• Egg production depends on daylight hours (14-16 hours needed) and decreases in winter or during stress
• No evidence supports conspiracy theories about feed companies sabotaging backyard egg production
• Higher quality chicken feed results in more eggs per hen annually
• Farm eggs offer thicker shells, more omega-3s, better cholesterol profiles, and higher beta-carotene than store eggs
• Commercial egg cartons are dated by packaging day, not laying day, often 4 or more weeks old at purchase

Check out our videos at CENLA Backyard Chickens on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Are you ready to embark on a poultry adventure? Whether you're new to the idea of keeping backyard chickens or you're looking to refine your approach, our latest episode dives deep into the essentials of chicken ownership. We explore everything from the joys of nurturing these feathered friends to the practicalities of maintaining a happy, healthy flock. 

We kick off by discussing the benefits of raising chickens in your backyard—from fresh eggs to the joy of interacting with these charming creatures. We delve into local regulations to help you understand what’s possible in your area and how to find the perfect breeds to suit your lifestyle. Heritage breeds make excellent companions and are perfect for beginners! With solid recommendations on setting up a cozy coop and safe run, we walk you through the must-have features to create a thriving environment for your chickens.

Feeding your chickens a nutritious diet is key to their health and productivity. We share insights on the best practices for selecting feeds, adding nutritious supplements, and even incorporating kitchen scraps into their diet! Our conversation also covers all the health considerations you'll need to keep your flock safe from illness.

The episode unfolds with heartwarming anecdotes that highlight the bond between family and chickens, encouraging listeners to involve their children in care routines. From learning responsibility to enjoying quality time together, raising chickens can deepen family relationships.

Join us on this exciting journey and learn how to bring the fun of chicken keeping into your life! Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and maybe even ask your own questions—let's cluck about chickens together!

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

This episode highlights the challenges of maintaining egg production in winter and introduces a practical solution based on light exposure. By experimenting with a smart red LED light to simulate longer daylight hours, listeners can discover effective methods to boost their hens' egg-laying potential sustainably.

• Explanation of how light influences chicken ovulation 
• Personal anecdote about my winter egg production dilemma 
• Details of the red light experiment and its setup 
• Clear results showing improved egg yield in response to light 
• Neighbor's experience with unexpected egg production 
• Recommendations for humane lighting practices for backyard chickens

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

Unlock the secrets of conserving heritage breeds with Jeanette Berenger, the Senior Program Manager for the Livestock Conservancy. Jeanette takes us on a captivating journey from the organization's intriguing origins, born out of a quest for colonial-period animals for living history museums, to its mission of preserving genetically unique and irreplaceable breeds. As we chat with Jeanette, you'll learn about the Conservancy's strategic approach of discover, secure, and sustain, and hear inspiring stories, like the remarkable rescue of a rare flock of Spanish goats in Florida. This episode is a must for anyone passionate about rare breeds and the importance of collaboration with partners like the American Poultry Association.

We also dive into the challenges faced by heritage chicken breeds, from their fascinating histories to their struggles against threats like predators and biosecurity risks. Jeanette shares insights into the genetic distinctiveness of breeds such as the Crevecoeur and Rhode Island Red, emphasizing the significance of understanding each breed's purpose. The episode addresses pressing issues like bird flu and offers essential biosecurity tips for backyard poultry keepers. Plus, hear personal stories of managing rare breeds, including the journey of enhancing the Creve Coeur through selective breeding and international collaboration. Whether you're a backyard chicken enthusiast or a supporter of heritage breeds, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice.

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

This episode revolves around the issue of grain mites in chicken feed and their implications for poultry health. By sharing personal experiences and practical tips, we discuss how to identify, prevent, and manage infestations to safeguard your flock's nutrition.

• Discussion on the impact of grain mites on chicken feed 
• Personal anecdote on discovering mites in purchased feed 
• Explanation of how grain mites affect feed quality 
• Effective measures for addressing infestations 
• Importance of sourcing feed from reputable suppliers 
• Recommendations for proper feed storage and cleaning practices 
• Insights on using the CoopWorks feed silo for feed management 
• Conclusion with key takeaways on vigilance against pests

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show

The episode focuses on essential winter care strategies for chickens, explaining how to keep them healthy and comfortable in cold weather. Key topics include the importance of cleaning the coop, managing moisture and drafts, and dietary adjustments during the colder months.

• Understanding winter hardiness among different chicken breeds
• Explanation of the deep litter method and its benefits 
• Importance of cleaning the coop before winter 
• Managing potential drafts and ensuring proper ventilation 
• Discussing the impact of moisture and ammonia on chicken health 
• Dietary changes needed during molting season 
• Protecting chickens from frostbite and signs to watch for 
• Cautions about using supplemental heat in the coop

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment.

Support the show