Explore 10 most peculiar chicken breeds with striking features, from tree-stump-like legs to wild hairstyles. Embrace the diversity that redefines poultry beauty!
Bantam chickens are pocket-sized poultry that pack a punch! Let’s crack open the world of petite poultry: their eggs, temperaments, needs, varieties, and of course…their size + FREE downloads!
These exotic chicken breeds are sure to draw interest and make your backyard flock more fun and exciting. Check our complete list here!
Do Silkies need a specialized diet? That can be a complicated question and the answer often depends on your goals for the Silkies in your flock. Silkies can make a fun addition to any poultry flock. They are calm and friendly birds covered in fluffy, unique feathers. However, due to some quirks in their behavior and their quiet demeanor, some additional knowledge is required if you want to add Silkies to your flock. Do Silkies Need a Specialized Diet? In most backyard flocks, Silkies do not need a specialized diet and can eat the same high-quality feed that you would choose for other breeds in your flock. Silkies are true bantams and due to their small size, they will often eat less than larger-bodied birds. The average intake for an adult Silkie is around 1/8 to ¼ lb of feed per bird per day. Larger-bodied standard chicken breeds will eat about ¼ to ½ lb of feed per bird per day, depending on season and foraging activity. Breeding Silkies and Show Silkies There are some factors that can influence which feed you choose for your Silkies. First, are your Silkies part of a breeder flock? Second, do you plan to show your Silkies? If the answer to either of these questions is YES, then it is very common for a poultry owner to choose a higher crude protein (CP) feed for their Silkies. Hens that go broody – and Silkies go broody a lot! – will significantly reduce their feed intake during their broody period. This reduced intake coupled with the naturally lower feed intake of Silkies means that a higher CP feed will provide more grams of overall protein each day. Whether or not you choose a higher CP feed for Silkies really depends on how often your girls go broody, how intensive your breeding program is, and whether or not you are trying to maximize feather plumage for shows. The Roll of Selenium and Vitamin E in Poultry Nutrition You may often read that Silkies require higher levels of selenium and Vitamin E. Selenium, a trace mineral, and Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, work together as antioxidants to prevent damage to cells in the body. Vitamin E is also a very important nutrient required for proper immune function. Because we know these nutrients are essential to proper chicken health, that can lead some people to believe that “more must be better.” However, there is definitely a sweet spot with any supplementation of a vitamin or mineral. More is not always better. Selenium supplementation in animal feed is highly regulated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) caps the amount of selenium that any feed company can add to a complete poultry feed at 0.3 ppm. That is the maximum allowable amount of selenium that can be safely added to any complete poultry feed. Supplementation with any product containing selenium should be closely monitored and care should be taken to avoid selenium toxicity in your chickens. Signs of selenium toxicity include reduced growth and decreased hatchability in fertilized eggs. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that Vitamin E requires fat in order be absorbed in the intestine and extra Vitamin E can be stored in fat and other tissues for future use. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted if an animal consumes too much, fat-soluble vitamins can build up in tissues where those vitamins are stored. This storage component is handy for future use, but we have to be careful with over-supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins. Very high levels of Vitamin E can result in reduced weight gain, poor feather appearance, and decreased livability in hatched chicks. Special note – when reviewing any concentration of minerals and/or vitamins, it is very important to pay attention to the unit of measure. For example, vitamins are required to be listed on a feed tag as IU/lb but lots of online information will list vitamins as IU/kg. Make sure you consider this factor when reviewing and comparing product information. What Feed Should I Choose for my Silkies? For young Silkie chicks in most backyard flocks, a high-quality starter/grower feed, like 20% Flock Maker®, is an excellent option from hatch until laying age. Once your Silkies are old enough to switch to layer feed, look for a high-quality layer feed that has a great balance of nutrients. If you are looking for a feed with a combination of whole grains, seeds, and vegetables, consider Henhouse Reserve®. This feed is a 17% CP and the perfect option for flocks with roosters in the mix. If you are interested in higher CP feeds, our 20% CP Full Plume® Feathering Feed and Formula of Champions® 22% CP Fancy & Feathered®, are very popular options for show birds. Both options are smaller mini pellets, which are desirable to many bantam owners! Whatever option you choose, make sure to look for a feed company that puts quality first. Silkies tend to be finicky chickens and do best when offered a consistent diet. Look for a product that is fixed formulation and consistent quality every time, like Kalmbach Feeds®. Keeping poultry is such a wonderful experience and the rewards are many! At Kalmbach Feeds®, we are always here to help. If you have any questions about the nutrient needs of your birds, feed options, or general poultry keeping, please let us know. We are so excited to continue writing about all of the topics that are important to you and can’t wait to continue learning about your flocks. Stay tuned and thank you for choosing Kalmbach Feeds®!
These exotic chicken breeds are sure to draw interest and make your backyard flock more fun and exciting. Check our complete list here!
Choose from the 16 best egg-laying chicken breeds for your backyard. Learn about the characteristics, egg production, and temperament of each breed.
Serama chickens are a unique miniature breed of chicken known for their tiny body size and friendly disposition. As one of the smallest chicken breeds, these tiny chickens are the perfect backyard pet for small
In the lush pastures of southeast England, the journey of Speckled Sussex chickens unfolds—a tale steeped in history and tradition. From their ancient roots
Discover the top 10 chicken breeds for any homestead. Our guide highlights traits, egg yield, and more. Choose your ideal breed now!
In the fascinating world of livestock, two distinct types of breeds have captured the attention of farmers and enthusiasts alike: heritage breeds and hybrid breeds. These breeds play a crucial role in shaping our agricultural landscapes and food production systems. In this blog post, we'll explore the characteristics and differences between these two intriguing categories.
Serama chickens are a unique miniature breed of chicken known for their tiny body size and friendly disposition. As one of the smallest chicken breeds, these tiny chickens are the perfect backyard pet for small
Chickens come in many varieties and colors. When choosing the right breed, you should consider the number of eggs and ... Read more
Learn more about the Phoenix chicken breed, its history, characteristics, and care tips and see if they are a great addition to your flock!
Explore the best quiet chicken breeds for urban life. Learn about breeds designed for harmony in suburban areas without upsetting neighbors.
Learn what the friendliest chicken breeds are so you can choose the best chicken breeds for your family and your backyard flock.
If you invested in some baby chicks this past fall, you may be wondering where that first egg is. Finding the first egg from a group of new pullets is one of the most exciting parts of raising chickens for eggs. Whether this is your first flock or your 100th flock, finding that first egg is so exciting EVERY SINGLE TIME. We will go over how breed, season, brooding, diet, and illness can affect production. We also offer a few signs to look out for that let you know when your chicken is about to lay an egg. While we eagerly watch for the first egg, it’s important to know that the age in which a newly-matured hen will lay can vary greatly based on its breed. Some hens will begin laying eggs as early as 4 months of age, while others may not reach maturity (i.e., laying eggs) until closer to 6 or 8 months of age. How Does Breed Affect Laying Age? Many types of chicken breeds are prolific layers and have a strong genetic predisposition to maturing early. Under ideal conditions, you can anticipate your first egg from these breeds as early as 4 months. Examples of early-maturing layers include, but are not limited to, Single Comb White Leghorns, New Hampshires, Red Island Reds, and many of our egg-type hybrids (ISA Browns, Red Sex Links, Golden Comets, etc.). However, don’t be alarmed if your new girls aren’t laying at 4 months. Many of our slower-growing breeds and most of our colorful egg-laying types won’t reach maturity until 5 to 6 months of age. Examples of these layers include, but are not limited to, Polish, Buff Orpingtons, Olive Eggers, and Ameraucanas. How Does Season Affect Laying? Oftentimes, your chickens will begin laying the first year you get them. However, if you get your chickens during the fall or winter months when the hours of light decrease, there is a chance that the process may take a little longer than expected. Colder temperatures and a reduction in daylight hours usually tell the chicken that it's time to take a break. Just like how other animals “hibernate” in the wintertime, chickens will reduce or stop laying to help save their energy and conserve nutrients. This process can be the same for chickens of all ages. However, younger chickens are less likely to take a winter break. It is very normal for young chickens to lay well their first winter and then decrease production each winter after that. How Does Diet Affect Laying? Making an egg takes a lot of effort and a lot of nutrients for a hen. Having an unbalanced diet with improper nutrition can cause either a complete halt to production or a severe drop in production. It is incredibly important to feed a balanced layer feed with extra calcium and protein. Improper diets can also lead directly to an overweight hen, which puts her at risk of prolapse during laying which is, in most cases, fatal. There is a wide range of times in which you can anticipate your first egg. Continue to feed a well-balanced chick feed, like Kalmbach 18% All-Natural Start Right Chick, until your birds are 16 weeks of age. Once your hens reach 16 weeks OR you see the first egg, it’s time to make the switch to a complete layer feed. How Does Illness Affect Laying? When chickens are sick, it is common for egg production to come to a halt. When a chicken is fighting an illness, she may need to reserve energy and stop laying. You can expect egg production will return as soon as the hen has recovered. However, if you notice your hen has not recovered or production is still not happening, it is important to check for parasites. Internal parasites can cause a decline in nutrient absorption which directly affects production.” How Does Being Broody Affect Laying? When a female chicken enters her broody state, it is common for her to stop laying eggs and sit on her eggs instead. This is a hormonal reaction and typically, even if eggs are removed from underneath her, it won’t change her choice to sit. Don’t worry, though. She will resume laying after her eggs have hatched or the hormones have run their course. Most hens wait until their chicks are about 6 weeks old before laying again. How Does Stress Affect Laying? Stress plays a huge factor in the egg-laying process. There are quite a few factors that cause stress in hens, such as weather, illness, injury, broodiness, and predators. Chickens are very hardy birds that handle change fairly well so weather change is generally not the issue. However, excessive temperatures can lead to stress which can result in poor egg production. For example, during extremely hot summers, it is incredibly important to ensure that the chicken has plenty of access to shade and water. When chickens lay eggs, they are put in a vulnerable position to predators, as the egg-laying process does take time. If chickens do not have a safe place to lay, they may reduce their egg production rate. How Does Old Age Affect Laying? As a hen ages, her egg production decreases, as well as the thickness of her shell. It is important to recognize that reduced production is not always due to stress, illness, or other factors, but can simply be old age. While most hens will stop production, a few will continue to produce, but it will be at a slower rate and usually larger-sized eggs. What to Do When Your Chicken Stops Laying Due to Age? Even though your hen has stopped laying eggs, she will still be good at a few things. Some older, non-producing hens may still become broody and make wonderful mothers. Other hens do well at grazing to remove pests and keep your garden weed-free, while also increasing compost! What Signs Do Chickens Give That They Are About To Start Laying? Excessive Noise: It is common for a hen to become increasingly talkative in the hours before laying and even more so during the actual act of laying. Wattle and Comb is Redder: Due to the hormonal changes that a hen goes through during maturing, it’s easy to notice that the wattle and comb change to a darker red and become larger in size. Searching for Nest: Often in the time leading up to when the hen will begin laying, she will start to have an interest in the chicken coop nesting boxes or any other sheltered area. (tip: placing an egg or a fake egg in the nesting box will help guide your chicken to her “designated area”) Increased Appetite: Prior to laying, you may notice your hen’s increased appetite. This is common as hens need extra nutrients to produce a whole egg! Squatting: Also known as the “submissive squat”, squatting down when you reach to pet your hen is a simple sign to show you that she is ready to begin laying or already has. What Should a Chicken Nesting Box Have? It is important for chickens to have a safe, stress-free place to lay their eggs. Chickens prefer to lay their eggs in a high place, as this helps avoid predators. Having a nesting box in a chicken coop that is high up, covered, dark, clean, and comfy is most important to the hen and will leave you with more consistent egg production. Kalmbach Feeds® is the Source for Your Layers Nutritional Needs At Kalmbach Feeds®, we love chickens. If you are looking for a place to turn for your chickens’ nutritional needs, you have come to the right place! Check out our complete line of Poultry Feed today. What Age Do New Chickens Start Laying Eggs? While we eagerly watch for the first egg, it’s important to know that the age in which a newly-matured hen will lay can vary greatly based on their breed. Some hens will begin laying eggs as early as 4 months of age while others may not reach maturity (i.e., laying eggs) until closer to 6 or 8 months of age. Many types of chickens are prolific layers and have a strong genetic predisposition to maturing early. Under ideal conditions, you can anticipate your first egg from these breeds as early as 4 months. Examples of early-maturing layers include, but are not limited to, Single Comb White Leghorns, New Hampshires, Red Island Reds, and many of our egg-type hybrids (ISA Browns, Red Sex Links, Golden Comets, etc.). However, don’t be alarmed if your new girls aren’t laying at 4 months. Many of our slower-growing breeds and most of our colorful-egg laying types, won’t reach maturity until 5 to 6 months of age. Examples of these layers include, but are not limited to, Polish, Buff Orpingtons, Olive Eggers, and Ameraucanas. What to Feed Chickens to Lay Eggs There is a wide range in which you can anticipate your first egg. Continue to animal feed a well-balanced chick feed like Kalmbach 18% All-Natural Start Right Chick until your birds are 16 weeks of age. Once your hens reach 16 weeks OR you see the first egg, make the switch to a complete layer feed. Stay tuned! Next week we will continue our celebration of the laying hen, with information about how to process and store those beautiful eggs.
Australorp Chickens is a contraction of Australian Orpington. It's a distinctly Australian layer with Orpington-like sweetness and beauty.
Explore 10 most peculiar chicken breeds with striking features, from tree-stump-like legs to wild hairstyles. Embrace the diversity that redefines poultry beauty!
The Jersey Giant is the largest purebred chicken in the US. Learn about the size, egg laying capabilities and more.
The Jersey Giant is the largest purebred chicken in the US. Learn about the size, egg laying capabilities and more.
In this article, we'll discuss the history, background, egg-laying capabilities, & temperament of the gorgeous Blue Orpington chicken breed.
When you explore the fascinating world of chickens, one of the most colorful aspects is literally the variety of egg color by chicken breed.
Let's explore how different breeds have adapted to various climates and help you make the best choice for your coop.
Easter Sunday is not the only time you can get to see colorful eggs. There are chickens out there who ... Read more
Discover the world of assertive fowls with our list of the 17 Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds. Learn what to offer to keep them calm.
Let's explore how different breeds have adapted to various climates and help you make the best choice for your coop.
Chickens are an incredibly sturdy animal and you will find them in many cold places throughout the world. With enough preparation any breed will ...
There are several chicken breeds you should avoid, and that is the topic of this video. She talks about her three least-favorite chicken breeds.
When it comes to the world of poultry, there are countless fascinating chicken breeds to explore. However, those breeds that lay speckled eggs hold a special
Most of you believe that chickens have only four toes. Well, that is a nearly simple fact for almost all ... Read more
Raising chickens for eggs can be incredibly rewarding, but choosing the right breed is crucial for maximizing egg production. Different breeds have varying capabilities when it comes to laying eggs. Curious which hens will lay the golden eggs for you? In this guide, we’ll explore why some chicken breeds lay more eggs than others and highlight the top breeds known for their prolific egg-laying. Why do some Chicken Breeds Lay More than Others? Several factors can influence the number of eggs a chicken lays, but one of the most significant is breeding. Chickens are bred for different purposes, and selective breeding has led to breeds that excel in specific areas. Breeding Purposes Egg Production: Breeds specifically bred for egg production tend to lay more eggs consistently. These chickens have been selectively bred over generations to enhance their egg-laying capabilities. This selective breeding focuses on traits such as early maturity, frequency of laying, and longevity of productive years. Meat Production: Some breeds are bred primarily for their meat rather than their egg-laying abilities. These breeds, often referred to as broilers, generally lay fewer eggs. The focus here is on rapid growth, large body size, and meat quality rather than the quantity of eggs produced. Dual-Purpose: There are also dual-purpose breeds that are good for meat and egg production. While they may not lay as many eggs as specialized egg-laying breeds, they still provide a reliable number of eggs. These breeds are ideal for small farms and homesteads where both meat and eggs are desired from the same flock. What Chickens Lay the Most Eggs? If you’re looking to maximize your egg production, here are some of the best egg-laying chicken breeds to consider: 1. Wyandotte Wyandottes are attractive birds that can lay 200-240 eggs per year. They are friendly and make great pets, in addition to being reliable layers. Their laced feathers come in various colors, adding visual interest to their practical benefits. Wyandottes are known for their cold-hardiness, making them suitable for colder climates. 2. Plymouth Rocks Plymouth Rocks are dual-purpose birds with good layers, producing around 200-280 eggs annually. They are hardy and adapt well to different climates, making them a versatile addition to any flock. Their distinctive barred plumage makes them easy to recognize, and their friendly nature makes them popular among backyard chicken keepers. 3. Rhode Island Reds Rhode Island Reds are among the most popular breeds for eggs and meat. They lay about 200-300 eggs annually and are known for their resilience and strong laying capabilities. Their deep red feathers and robust build make them a standout breed for those seeking egg production and a sturdy bird. 4. Austra White A cross between the Australorp and White Leghorn, Austra Whites are excellent layers, producing approximately 250-280 eggs per year. They combine the hardiness of the Australorp with the high egg production of the Leghorn. This hybrid breed benefits from the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in a resilient and productive hen. 5. The Golden Comet Golden Comets are another top choice for prolific egg production. These hens can lay around 250-300 eggs annually. They are also known for their docile nature and adaptability to various environments. Their golden-red plumage makes them an attractive addition to any flock, and their reliable laying makes them a favorite among hobbyists and farmers alike. 6. Black Star Black Stars are hybrid chickens created for high egg production. They can produce around 250-300 eggs annually. These birds are also known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions. The Black Star’s striking black plumage with a greenish sheen adds beauty to their practicality. 7. ISA Browns ISA Browns are renowned for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities, often producing up to 300 eggs per year. These hens are friendly, hardy, and relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both backyard enthusiasts and commercial producers. Their consistent laying habits make them a staple in many egg-producing operations. 8. Lohmann Brown Lohmann Browns are commercial hybrids specifically bred for egg production. They can lay up to 300 eggs per year and are known for their consistent performance and easy-going temperament. Due to their reliability and high productivity, these hens are widely used in commercial egg production. 9. Australorps Australorps are famous for their record-setting egg production, with some hens laying more than 300 eggs yearly. They are a great choice for those looking for a reliable and steady egg layer. Their calm and friendly disposition makes them an excellent addition to family flocks, and their glossy black feathers add to their appeal. 10. White Leghorns White Leghorns are prolific layers, often producing more than 300 eggs annually. They are hardy, efficient, and one of the best choices for high egg production. Their sleek white feathers and active personalities make them a lively addition to any flock. Due to their exceptional productivity and feed efficiency, White Leghorns are widely used in commercial egg production. 11. Nutrition for Egg Production For the best nutrition to support your flock’s egg production, visit Kalmbach Feeds®. Our high-quality feeds are designed to keep your hens healthy and productive. Shop now and give your chickens the best care possible.
Which backyard chicken is right for you? Our Breed Selecting Tool will help you find the ULTIMATE chicken breed for your backyard needs. MUST READ with photos!
Explore the best quiet chicken breeds for urban life. Learn about breeds designed for harmony in suburban areas without upsetting neighbors.
How do you decide which chicken with afros or most popularly known as crested chickens when each one of them ... Read more
Discover the top 10 chicken breeds for any homestead. Our guide highlights traits, egg yield, and more. Choose your ideal breed now!
Barred rock chickens are friendly, easy to raise, excellent egg layers, and incredibly healthy on average. They're one of the best chicken breeds for beginners since they're not prone to health issues, and they'll lay
Explore the best quiet chicken breeds for urban life. Learn about breeds designed for harmony in suburban areas without upsetting neighbors.
These sweet fluff balls are a beautiful breed. Keep reading to figure out if the Cochin Chicken is the right hen for your flock!
This article provides an insight into the history of Bovans Brown chicken breed and its appearance, disposition, and egg-laying capabilities.
Learn more about the Phoenix chicken breed, its history, characteristics, and care tips and see if they are a great addition to your flock!
