Louise Arbour 
Anatomy of the egg The Shell: It consists of 3 successive layers, 2 layers of calcium and a layer called the cuticle. This cuticle is a thin transparent layer over the entire surface of the egg. It prevents any microbial attack, which considerably reduces the premature death of the embryo. The Shell Membranes: They are … Lire la suite
Eggs are superfoods. They are among the best and most complete foods that humans can consume. They are full of nutrients that are sometimes difficult to find in our modern diet. During my university studies, I took a complementary course in nutrition, and I will always remember what our professor told us about eggs… they … Lire la suite
Eggs vary according to the species of hen. They will vary in color and size, but the taste and quality is always excellent. Note the date on your eggs with a lead pencil every day to rotate them. Freshness test by flotation : Place an egg in a glass of water. If it sinks to … Lire la suite
With chickens in your yard, you could make them work for you…indeed, in the spring, take them to the vegetable garden and they will work your land and fertilize it at the same time. With the help of a tunnel or a removable mini net pen you could delimit the places where they can spend … Lire la suite
By Louise Arbour of Poules en Ville and the collaboration of Ms. Nancy Vallée and CVL I am often asked by chicken keepers if they need to consult a veterinarian and they don’t know the indications that motivate them to make an appointment for a consultation. In any case, you must learn to carefully observe … Lire la suite
Written by Benoit G. and Louise Arbour I’m a business and sales guy. My wife works as a nurse. My wife and I don’t have children, but the idea of having chickens in our yard has been on my mind for a long time. We love animals and I am a bird and photo … Lire la suite
Wood ashes and charcoal remove impurities, as well as worms, from the body. Just like charcoal pills for humans, chickens can benefit greatly from the charred wood in their dust bath because they nibble on pieces of it while bathing. When they eat it, their droppings will be darker and tar blacker. 1.) In the … Lire la suite
Chicken droppings can vary in hues and textures from brown, to green and even black. The standard varies depending on the diet, the species of hen, the time of year and the general health condition of the hens. In addition, there are normal everyday droppings, droppings from the incubator, and undigested droppings from the … Lire la suite
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product. Often sold in garden centers to control ants! It is a geological repository of fossilized skeletons of marine organisms (family of algae/single-celled plants). When crushed, it looks like talcum powder, it is harmless to people and animals if used properly. This product creates dust that can be harmful to … Lire la suite
The question of parasitic worms in our hens is an issue that intrigues many urban chicken keepers, and rightly so. Our free-range hens absorb a large quantity of insects and are exposed to these parasites every day. Regarding treatments, there are several opinions, philosophies and approaches. Moreover, depending on your knowledge of medicine, articles on … Lire la suite
It still happens all too often and tears my heart out every time: people tell me they lost all their chickens after buying chickens that looked so healthy! Others have introduced new chickens into an existing flock and all the chickens have become sick or are dying. Even more, I am always appalled when people … Lire la suite
It may happen that one of your chickens or all of them get sick. It will be handy to be able to assess the problem quickly and plan to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible in some severe cases. It will be also very useful to note who are your closest vets around that … Lire la suite
Every year, the hens renew their plumage: it is the moult which will last a few weeks. During this period you will have to pay special attention to your hens. Here is an article that will help you better manage this period that often worries the keepers of laying hens. Moulting is a process … Lire la suite
Discharge:This site and the book Chickens in my yard, contain information and recommendations on how to feed chickens and care for them in case of illness. I am neither an agronomist nor a veterinarian, and I do not claim to be a substitute for these professions or their recommendations. In this sense, all the information … Lire la suite
Crop problems are very common in chickens. So we have to determine one of three things: An engorged crop (hard and swollen, the hen is lethargic and stops eating) ; A yeast-infected crop: The crop will be full and a feeling of accumulated water with a foul and safe smell. Treat with an antifungal agent … Lire la suite
In this article, I will talk about the essential points to consider when observing and examining your chickens. It is very important to know how to observe and examine your chickens and to do it regularly, ideally every week. Apart from general observation during your daily visits to the poultry house you should be able … Lire la suite
The Chicken Spa Feather baths are important for hens. Especially in summer, they clean themselves and get rid of parasites. If they don’t have a trough filled with a mixture of 1/3 sand, 1/3 soil and 1/3 wood ash and a little diatomaceous earth they will find a place to dig a hole in the … Lire la suite
Several abnormal behaviors (pecking, cannibalism, aggressiveness) are often caused by a poor integration of new chickens, or stress caused by a sudden change. Make sure you always do a good antler test and integrate new chickens gradually. Hens carrying diseases such as Marek could decimate your entire flock. Social behaviour of hens Chickens live in … Lire la suite
The Canadian Agri-Food Research Council has put in place a code of practice that promotes acceptable standards for breeders, the industry and anyone, caring and handling animals. The industry has seen a lot of changes in its practices to better look after the interests of animals and their welfare. The Code of Practice attempts to … Lire la suite
When summer rolls around, the oppressive heat can be fatal for your chickens.
When hens and chickens get hot, they start panting and this causes a reaction: excessive panting leads to pH imbalance. This pH imbalance can lead to illness and even death.