Helping You Learn All About Your Pet.
![Can Chickens Eat Fat Balls? [Should You Feed Them To Your Flock]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Can-Chickens-Eat-Fat-Balls-Should-You-Feed-Them-To-Your-Flock-.png)
Fat balls, also known as suet balls, are popular feed for wild birds. They are often put out to help provide much-needed energy. But are they an appropriate food for chickens? As a keeper, can or should you look to offer them to your flock? Here is what you should …
![Do Chickens Like Water? [To Drink, To Play In, Or To Swim?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Do-Chickens-Like-Water_-To-Drink-To-Play-In-Or-To-Swim_-1.png)
Chickens are typically curious birds; they love to play, climb, and generally run amuck. But do they enjoy water? And what does this all mean for keeping them safe, happy, and healthy? Here is what you need to know. So, do chickens like water? A small number of chickens love to …
![Best Calcium Supplement For Chickens [Top Picks & Buyers Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Best-Calcium-Supplement-For-Chickens-Top-Picks-Buyers-Guide.png)
The importance of calcium for chickens is undeniable. It is, perhaps, the msot essential mineral that they must obtain. And it plays a role for chickens of all ages. Laying hens simply need sufficient calcium in the diet to produce strong shells for their eggs. And for younger and growing …
![Do Crows Eat Chickens? [Are They A Threat To Your Flock?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Do-Crows-Eat-Chickens_-Are-They-A-Threat-To-Your-Flock_.png)
Crows are deceivingly big birds, and they are known to be quite aggressive, too. But would they attack, or eat, a chicken given a chance? How much of a risk are they to the flock of any chicken keeper? Here is what you need to know. So, do crows eat …
![Best Heated Waterer For Chickens [Top Picks & Buyers Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Best-Heated-Waterer-For-Chickens-Top-Picks-Buyers-Guide.png)
The temperature plummets. Your chicken’s water has frozen. Not good. Keeping your flock hydrated and ensuring they have access to water has just become much more challenging. But in the colder months of the year, regularly checking and changing the water is just not a practical solution. And in some …
![Can Chickens Cry? [Do These Birds Even Get Sad At All?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Can-Chickens-Cry_-Do-These-Birds-Even-Get-Sad-At-All_.png)
Chickens are fascinating birds to observe; often giving us insight into their state of health and wellbeing. They do this in many ways, and if you look close enough, you will be able to identify these things for each individual bird, and the group in general. But what about crying? …
![What Do Chickens Like To Play With? [The Entertainment Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/What-Do-Chickens-Like-To-Play-With_-The-Entertainment-Guide.png)
Keeping chickens is very rewarding and generally, a lot of fun. At least for us keepers. But what about our birds? How do we keep life interesting for them and is there anything, in particular, we can provide to support their wellbeing? Here is what you need to know. So, …
![Do Chickens Attract Flies? [And How To Ensure They Don't]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Do-Chickens-Attract-Flies_-And-How-To-Ensure-They-Dont.png)
Nobody wants flies on their property. Especially if they are keeping chickens, but do these birds naturally draw these pests in? Is it just an aspect of owning them? Here is what you need to know. So, do chickens attract flies? Chickens do not attract flies, although keeping them can. They …
![How Long Do Chickens Live? [Expectancy For 18 Common Breeds]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/How-Long-Do-Chickens-Live_-Expectancy-For-20-Common-Breeds-1.png)
There is an almost endless list of different chicken breeds. You can soon see why. They can range quite dramatically in appearance, weight, size, and even temperament. Is it, therefore, logical that each breed will live to the same age? You’ll often see blanket statements such as “chickens live for …
![Best Layer Feed For Chickens [Top Brands & Buyers Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Best-Layer-Feed-For-Chickens-Top-Brands-Buyers-Guide.png)
The diet of your flock is essential to their health. Their development, feathering, eggs, and resilience to stress and disease simply depend on it. And chickens have very specific needs; even a deficit in just one nutrient can have serious consequences. Besides, food is energy – and these birds need …
![Can Chickens Eat Broccoli? [Is This A Suitable Scrap?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Can-Chickens-Eat-Broccoli_-Is-This-A-Suitable-Scrap_.png)
There seems to be an endless supply of scraps that you can look to feed your chickens. You have to be careful, mind, as some can be toxic. Some may not be beneficial altogether. But what about broccoli? Is this okay to feed? Here is what you need to know. …
It comes entirely naturally for a hen to sit on her eggs – regardless of whether they are fertilized on not. Besides, this is how a hen must incubate and prepare her chicks for hatching. It’s part of her motherly role – either way. But how many eggs does it …
![Do Hawks Eat Chickens? [How Dangerous Is This Bird Of Prey?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Do-Hawks-Eat-Chickens_-How-Dangerous-Is-This-Bird-Of-Prey_.png)
Hawks are quite the intimidating bird. With hooked, sharp beaks and strong talons, they are a formidable predator, too many. Whether that be birds, rabbits, rodents, or fish. These birds know how to hunt and where to eat. But what about chickens? Do they pose a significant threat to your …
![Do Groundhogs Eat Chickens? [How Dangerous Are They?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Do-Groundhogs-Eat-Chickens_-How-Dangerous-Are-They_.png)
It’s groundhog day. Quite literally. Today we are going to be taking a closer look at whether these rodents, native to the squirrel family and otherwise known as woodchucks, pose any significant risk to your flock of chickens. Besides, while most squirrels are harmless, groundhogs are a little different and …
![How Long Does It Take For Chicken Eggs To Hatch? [On Average]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/How-Long-Does-It-Take-For-Chicken-Eggs-To-Hatch_-On-Average.png)
Perhaps you’re thinking of starting your own brood of backyard chickens to provide your family with fresh eggs, or maybe you’ve just always wondered how long it takes for a chicken egg to hatch and what the process involves. Either way, let’s get you the answer you came here for! …
![Do Chickens Get Bored? [How Would You Even Recognize It?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Do-Chickens-Get-Bored_-How-Would-You-Even-Recognize-It_.png)
You may look at chickens and think that they’re not particularly complex. However, studies have shown that chickens experience both negative and positive emotions towards people and other birds in the flock. But what about boredom? Do chickens go through and experience it all? This is what the research also …
![How Long Can Chickens Go Without Food? [To Survive & Thrive]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Long-Can-Chickens-Go-Without-Food_-To-Survive-Thrive.png)
A big aspect of chicken keeping is ensuring your flock remains well fed. Besides, it is through food that they obtain the nutrients they need to grow new feathers, produce great eggs along with ensuring all those other essential bodily functions can take place. But what if you need to …
![Do Eagles Eat Chickens? [How Much Of A Threat Do They Pose?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Do-Eagles-Eat-Chickens_-How-Much-Of-A-Threat-Do-They-Pose_.png)
Birds of prey are certainly a worry if you keep chickens. But what about Eagles? How much of a threat do these birds pose to your flock? Will they actively seek out coops when flying overhead? This is what the research says. So, do eagles eat chickens? Eagles will not …
![How Big Do Brahma Chickens Get? [Average Size Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Big-Do-Brahma-Chickens-Get_-Average-Size-Guide.png)
Brahma chickens just look great. With their light or dark fluffy feathers that even extend down over the feet. But with a deep and wide body, they also look pretty big. But what size are they? Here is what has routinely been recorded by keepers. So, how big do Brahma …
![Why Do Chickens Eat Feathers? [And What You Can Do About It]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Why-Do-Chickens-Eat-Feathers_-And-What-You-Can-Do-About-It.png)
If your chickens have developed a taste for feathers, you’ll likely be wondering what is going on. While a certain level of unique behaviors is somewhat expected with a flock; this one can seem particularly odd. What can this mean or indicate? Is there something as a keeper that you …
![How Big Do Leghorn Chickens Get? [Average Size Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Big-Do-Leghorn-Chickens-Get_.png)
Chickens grow to different sizes. It depends mostly on the breed. Some breeds are actually quite small, whereas others are a lot more formidable than you would expect for this bird! But what about Leghorns? What kind of size do they typically reach and by when? Looking at the data, …
![Do Bears Eat Chickens? [Will They Visit And Attack The Coop?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Bears-Eat-Chickens_-Will-They-Visit-And-Attack-The-Coop_.png)
Bears are frightening, to say the least. Strong, powerful, and tenacious. On the flip side, chickens are the exact opposite; small, harmless, and not particularly adventurous. So, are your chickens a viable food source for a bear? Will a bear actively seek them out? Do bears eat chickens? Bears do …
![Can Chickens Eat Cucumber? [Is This A Suitable Scrap?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Cucumber_-Is-This-A-Suitable-Scrap_.png)
Feeding leftover scraps to our chickens is a great way to prevent waste and provide a treat. But what about cucumbers? Are they suitable to offer and are there any benefits in doing so? This is what the research says! So, can chickens eat cucumber? Chickens can eat cucumber, and …
![Will Chickens Sleep With The Light On? [Can It Be Left On?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Will-Chickens-Sleep-With-The-Light-On_-Can-It-Be-Left-On_.png)
Installing lights in the chicken coop can provide a range of benefits for you and your flock. From providing supplemental light to improve egg production through to additional heating (depending on the type of bulb used). But can there be too much of a good thing? Should lighting be turned …
![Do Chickens Like To Be Petted? [What About Being Held?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Chickens-Like-To-Be-Petted_-What-About-Being-Held_.png)
Keeping chickens naturally comes with a range of duties and responsibilities. You need to meet your bird’s needs and requirements, after all. Ensuring they all remain happy, healthy, and safe is not easy; but it’s incredibly important nonetheless. But how do these birds like to be interacted with? Are they …
![How Long Do Chickens Molt And Not Lay Eggs? [When To Expect It]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Long-Do-Chickens-Molt-And-Not-Lay-Eggs_-When-To-Expect-It.png)
Molting can be quite concerning. Especially the first time you observe it in your flock. The losing of feathers and the lack of eggs are undoubtedly worrying; besides these are common symptoms in many illnesses that chickens can develop. But when is molting likely to occur, what’s the typical duration …
![Do Coyotes Eat Chickens? [How Vigilant Do You Need To Be?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Coyotes-Eat-Chickens_-How-Vigilant-Do-You-Need-To-Be_.png)
Coyote populations are soaring. They can be found in virtually every US state, and they have even started to move and find homes in cities. As such, any chicken keeper will naturally be concerned about their presence. But do they typically go after chickens and are they a significant danger …
![Do Chickens Eat Cockroaches? [And Attract Them To The Coop?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Chickens-Eat-Cockroaches.png)
Cockroaches in the coop. Never a good find. Regardless of whether you are squeamish or not, I think it is fair to say the cockroach is not usually very welcome. But will your birds eat them? Are there any benefits or risks of doing so? I spent some time researching …
![Does It Hurt A Chicken To Lay An Egg? [And Signs It Might]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Does-It-Hurt-A-Chicken-To-Lay-An-Egg_-And-Signs-It-Might.png)
Keeping chickens comes with its ups and downs, and eggs are definitely a positive. For us, at least. But does this process cause any pain and distress to our birds? Is it a challenge for a chicken to lay – and do they go through any significant discomfort at any …
![How Many Eggs Does A Chicken Lay In A Week? [Average To Expect]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Many-Eggs-Does-A-Chicken-Lay-In-A-Week_-Average-To-Expect.png)
A huge benefit of keeping hens is the fresh eggs that they can lay. But what can you expect from your flock per week? How many hens will you need to keep in order to collect a decent amount? I spent some time researching the egg-laying potential of various breeds …
![How Long Do Chickens Sleep? [How And Where Should They Do So?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Long-Do-Chickens-Sleep_-How-And-Where-Should-They-Do-So_.png)
Sleeping. It’s an interesting and often misunderstood aspect of chicken keeping. At least to begin with! Yet for chickens, as is the case for humans, sleep is essential for their health and well-being. We therefore must take it seriously and understand their needs and preferences. With its importance in mind, …
![What Time Do Chickens Wake Up? [And When To Let Them Out]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/What-Time-Do-Chickens-Wake-Up_-And-When-To-Let-Them-Out.png)
We are all familiar with the notorious Rooster crow; the natural morning alarm clock that signifies the start of each new day. But what does this mean for your standard flock of hens? What time do chickens naturally wake up, with or without a rooster present, and what does a …
![Can Chickens Lay 2 Eggs A Day? [What Is A Realistic Amount?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Lay-2-Eggs-A-Day_-What-Is-A-Realistic-Amount_.png)
Anyone new to chicken keeping has a lot of enthusiasm for the eggs and their hens laying potential. Besides, it can be a primary reason for keeping them all together. But what is actually possible here? Is a chicken capable of laying more than one egg in a day? I …
![Do Chickens Recognize Their Owners? [Attach Or Show Affection?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Chickens-Recognize-Their-Owners_-Attach-Or-Show-Affection_.png)
As a chicken keeper, it would be nice to know that your birds could recognize you. Especially for all of your efforts. But do chickens have this ability; can they differentiate between humans? I spent some time researching to find out! So, do chickens recognize their owners? Chickens can learn …
![Best Bedding For Chicken Nesting Boxes [Keepers Buying Guide]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Best-Bedding-For-Chicken-Nesting-Boxes-Keepers-Buying-Guide.png)
Bedding for nest boxes is fundamentally important. Not just for your chickens but for you as the keeper. That’s why it is so important that you use the right one. From providing a soft, comfortable and enticing surface for your hens to lay their eggs, all the way through to …
![Can Chickens Stay In The Coop All Day? [Why May They Want To?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Stay-In-The-Coop-All-Day_-Why-May-They-Want-To_.png)
A coop can provide a lot of what a chicken needs. From access to warmth, food, and shelter all the way through to nesting boxes to lay their eggs and roosts in which they can safely sleep. But how long can you keep your flock in their coop before problems …
![Will Chickens Run Away? [How Far Will They Typically Wander]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Will-Chickens-Run-Away_-How-Far-Will-They-Typically-Wander.png)
Letting your chickens out to free roam for the first time can be a daunting experience. This is especially true if they are young birds, or you have a lot of open space. Its only natural to worry that they will not return. But is it likely that they will …
![How Many Times A Day Should I Feed My Chickens? [And When]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-Many-Times-A-Day-Should-I-Feed-My-Chickens_-And-When.png)
If you’re new to chicken keeping, then feeding will be an aspect of their care that you will soon need to become familiar with. Besides, nutrition is the single most important factor in ensuring your flock is healthy and happy. And the more time and care you put into feeding, …
![Can Chickens Eat Cabbage? [What The Research Says!]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Cabbage_-What-The-Research-Says.png)
I must admit, I am personally not very fond of cabbage. Its that one vegetable that I’ve always left on my plate. But, passing them in the store the other day did get me thinking. Could I offer them to my chickens, would they like them, and would they be …
![What Time Do Chickens Go To Bed? [Will They Go On Their Own?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/What-Time-Do-Chickens-Go-To-Bed_-Will-They-Go-On-Their-Own_.png)
When keeping chickens, you’ll want to be aware of their sleeping tendencies and preferences. Not only will this help you with your own daily schedule and routine, but it will also ensure you align with the needs of your birds – keeping them happy, healthy, and safe. But what time …
![How High Can Chickens Jump? [What About With Clipped Wings?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-High-Can-Chickens-Jump_-What-About-With-Clipped-Wings_.png)
Despite being birds, chickens are not known for their flying. Instead, these birds are predominantly ground bound. Unless you have seen the film ‘Chicken Run’, of course. But in reality, how limited are they? What about jumping? Specifically, how capable are they of getting up and off the ground and …
![Do Chicken Coops Need Windows? [How Important Are They?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Chicken-Coops-Need-Windows_-How-Important-Are-They_.png)
Whether you are looking at new coops, or contemplating constructing your own for your chickens, the topic of windows will certainly come up at some point. Do you need them? Are they considered a necessity and are there any benefits to having them? I spent some time researching to find …
![How High Does A Chicken Fence Need To Be? [And The Best Types]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/How-High-Does-A-Chicken-Fence-Need-To-Be_-And-The-Best-Types.png)
One huge component of owning chickens is keeping them safe. We are likely to want to let our birds roam around, and if they do so freely, there is a risk that they become a tasty feast for some of the larger predators. With this in mind, I wondered how …
![Can Chickens Eat Green Beans? [Is This Vegetable Safe?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Green-Beans_-Is-This-Vegetable-Safe_.png)
I was cooking some plain green beans the other day and upon serving, soon realized I’d done too many. It got me thinking. Could I provide the surplus to my chickens? Could they benefit my flock and is this something I could look to introduce to their diet going forward? …
![Can Chickens Eat Asparagus? [Is This A Suitable Treat?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Asparagus_-Is-This-A-Suitable-Treat_.png)
Asparagus. It’s a bit of a strange vegetable isn’t it. Strange in shape and strange in name. But does it have a place in the diet of chickens? Can they safely eat it and is this something that you may want to proactively provide them? I spent some time researching …
![Best Nest Boxes For Chickens [Buyers Guide For Keepers]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Best-Nest-Boxes-For-Chickens-Buyers-Guide-For-Keepers.png)
Nest boxes serve an important role for both the chicken and the keeper. They are in many ways essential for successful egg-laying and collection. Nobody wants to find their eggs broken, nor do we have the time to regularly clean up the mess that can follow as a result. Besides, …
![Can Chickens Eat Pears? [Can You Offer This Fruit Whole?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Pears_-Can-You-Offer-This-Fruit-Whole_.png)
I am fortunate enough to have a pear tree on my property. While it’s great for the family when in season and provides fruit, it got me to question whether or not these would make a good treat for my chickens. Are pears healthy for them, is there anything to …
![Do Chickens Need Food And Water At Night? [Or In The Coop?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Do-Chickens-Need-Food-And-Water-At-Night_-Or-In-The-Coop_.png)
Keeping new chickens is certainly fun and games. There’s a lot to learn about caring for your birds. One common question that new keepers ask is whether or not they need to provide food and water for their flock during the night. Or, can these generally hardy birds do without …
![Best Chicken Feeder To Prevent Rats [Buyers Guide For Keepers]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Best-Chicken-Feeder-To-Prevent-Rats-Buyers-Guide-For-Keepers.png)
Feeding chickens comes with its joys, but having rats around is not much fun. Besides, not only can they can pose a risk to your flock by carrying disease and causing stress in your birds, but they can steal quite a bit of food. And it can be costly! Rats …
![Can Chickens Eat Carrots? [Is This Root Vegetable A Good Scrap?]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Can-Chickens-Eat-Carrots_-Is-This-Root-Vegetable-A-Good-Scrap_.png)
We always have leftover carrots. There’s just something about buying them; maybe its because they are so cheap, or because we buy them in big bags. I digress. But with my recent surplus of carrots, it got me thinking. Could I offer these as treats to my chickens? I have …