UCP Episode 020: The Heat is On for the Hens – Summer Proof Your Flock

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Chickens in the Desert – photo by cogdogblog

If you think summertime heat is uncomfortable for you, imagine being wrapped up in a down comforter and trying to stay cool out in the hot weather. Your backyard hens are essentially robed in their own down comforters and dealing with the sun blazing down outside on them all day. There are however, some thoughtful and creative ways to keeps your birds cool this time of year.

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UCP Episode 019: Picking Great Backyard Hens with Chicken Aficionado Mike Stanton + Eating Raw Chicken?!

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Chicken Sashimi – photo by yoppy

There are hundreds of different breeds of chickens. Literally, hundreds. Though one likes having options – it can also be daunting to try to sift through the variety of birds to find the breeds best suited to your own personal needs. Mike Stanton, a chicken-breeder, show-chicken competitor/judge and buyer of chicks for a local farm and garden store has a wealth of knowledge about picking and raising backyard hens. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 018: Spontaneous Sex Reversal in Chickens – My Hen Just Became a Rooster!

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Gynandromorph Chicken -photo by Roslin Institute @ Univ. of Edinburgh

Probably, if you have been following this podcast for a while now, you have noticed that I can’t get enough of the stories and news items that are based in the realm of the bizarre. Despite my clear predilection for that which is odd and curious, there is a deeper driving force behind today’s episode. Oh, indeed! This episode arises out of an actual situation and need I have based on recent behavioral changes in my favorite hen, Frida. Her unexpected change — Frida is trying to crow like a rooster. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 017: Learning How to Set Up & Running a Wholesale Organic Feed Buyers’ Club with Scott Brown of Phoenix Organic Feed

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Chicken Feed – by Ichabod2

If you have backyard chickens there is a good chance that you are looking to eat more locally and organically. However, the retail cost of purchasing organic chicken feed can be daunting or even cost prohibitive. There may be a way to build community and get the highest quality organic feed for cheaper than retail prices. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 016: Rent-a-Coop – A Way to Try Before You Buy Chickens

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Rent-a-Coop – Tyler Phillips & Diana Samata

So you’re chicken curious, but feel trepidation about jumping head first into backyard chicken ownership. If only there was a way you could try out backyard chickens without having to commit. Now you can try before you buy chickens for your yard thanks to Rent-a-Coop. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 015: The Politics of Chickens

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Endless Battery Cages in Egg Factory Farm by Farm Sanctuary

Lately, chickens are the centerpiece of a growing political battle in America. Little did Henny Penny know, that one state’s effort to pass a state law to provide her with a slightly larger battery cage at the factory egg farm would cause a national, political stir. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 014: Chicken Lice & Mites – How to End the Creepy-Crawlies on Your Hens and In Your Coop

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Red Mite by Arenamontanus

Lice and mites are creepy-crawlies that can torment your birds and cause them serious suffering, physical ailment and in extreme cases, lead to the death of your chickens. There are many things to know about chicken lice and mites such as: how to detect these creepy-crawlies; how to treat for these pests; and how to prevent infestation in the first place. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 013: The Ins and Outs of Washing Eggs

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Fresh Eggs With Bloom Still On by Jake Wasdin

Soak your eggs in water with one cap of bleach…wash your eggs with warm water…wash your eggs with cold water…wash your eggs with non-toxic dish soap…wash your eggs with baking soda… don’t wash your eggs…etc. There is a lot of conflicting advice on the internet on whether you should wash your freshly laid, backyard eggs and if you are going to wash them – what the correct method is. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 012: 4H – It Will Teach Your Kid More Than Just Showing Chickens

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Jen Pitino

4H Poultry Clinic in Boise Idaho – June 2013

What do Johnny Cash, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Orville Redenbacher all have in common? 4H – they were all members of 4H in their youth. Continue reading →

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UCP Episode 011: Medicated Chick Feed or Not – What Is Best For Your Baby Birds?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Jen Pitino

Laura Haggarty & Family of Pathfinders Farm

Many people take up chicken keeping for the particular purpose of having more control

Laura Haggarty, Pathfinders Farm’s Buckeye Chickens

over this food source of eggs (and sometimes meat) in a direct response to the world of large agribusiness. These individuals want hormone and antibiotic free meats and try to raise their birds as naturally as possible. This raises the question, can you raise healthy, natural birds and eggs if you start the hens with medicated chick feed? Laura Haggarty of Pathfinders Farm joins the Urban Chicken Podcast today to discuss this very issue.

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