Information About the Prize
The Urban Chicken Podcast is giving away one free Nite Guard Solar-Powered Night Predator Light which has been generously donated by the Nite Guard company. This clever solar-powered tool can be effectively used to repel predators from chicken coops, barnyards, orchards and other locations that need protection. Below is a more in depth description of the prize product. Continue reading
City Farmers Nursery – photo courtesy Bill Tall
What separates the average from the extraordinary? Perhaps you think it depends on the context or subject matter that is being considered. I disagree. In all things and all people the extraordinary distinguish themselves by seeing what can be – not just what is. Moreover, the extraordinary have confidence in their own judgment and the strength to follow their convictions, regardless of what may be the norm.
City Farmers Nursery, nestled in the urban San Diego area, is an extraordinary business which has grown and prospered through the vision of it’s owner/manager, Bill Tall. This unique store is more than just a business – it is a source of inspiration and support for urbanites who want to learn about urban farming, backyard chicken-keeping, canning, beekeeping and many other permaculture skills and techniques. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
European Eagle Owl – photo by Mara 1
Predators are always a concern for chicken owners. What may not be widely known amongst chicken keepers is that the risk of attack upon your flock may actually be worse in winter months than during other times of the year.
In order to properly guard backyard flocks from becoming prey to hungry predators of all sorts, chicken keepers need to properly prepare and protect their birds. Today on the Urban Chicken Podcast we discuss the best techniques to prevent attracting predators to your backyard coop and protecting your hens if the predators are already there. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Ayam Cemani – photo courtesy of Greenfire Farms
Allegedly, it all began with the Coronation Sussex – a chicken variety developed to celebrate the coronation of King George. In 2007 Florida Attorney, Paul Bradshaw noticed a demand for Coronation Sussex Chickens in the United States. Though Coronation Sussex chickens have been in existence for approximately two centuries, this native English breed was essentially unavailable in North America at that time. Bradshaw recognized a rare opportunity and imported some hatching eggs of this rare breed from Australia. Bradshaw’s gamble paid off when he sold his first pair of Coronation Sussex in the U.S. through an on-line auction for $4,500! Ever since then, Bradshaw’s 12 acre Florida farm, called Greenfire Farms, has specialized in importing, raising and arguably saving rare and unusual birds. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Like most people, I love to receive mail (so long as it is not a bill or junk). Recently, I have gotten several messages from Urban Chicken Podcast listeners, who wrote to either pose a burning chicken question they have or to share a useful chicken tip. Today on the UCP, I am sharing three of these listener letters with the audience and answering questions such as “how cold is too cold for your chickens?” and “what do I think about feeding chickens sprouted grains and soldier flies?” and much more. I also talk about an email that provides me and the UCP listeners a great tip on a resource for quality poultry education classes and teachers. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Fresh Eggs with Bloom Still on by Jake Wasdin
It is always nice to find out that someone has been saying kind things about you when you are not present. I recently found out that the Urban Chicken Podcast was generously mentioned on another chicken blog. The positive shout out for the Urban Chicken Podcast came from the Avian Aqua Miser regarding UCP Episode 013: The Ins and Outs of Washing Eggs.
It absolutely made my day reading Avian Aqua Miser’s flattering review. I must admit that it is great to learn that people are listening to the show and finding the episodes informative and useful. If you have not yet listened to that episode – go back and enjoy it.
Thank you to the Avian Aqua Miser for your post about the show. You can read what the Avian Aqua Miser wrote through this LINK.
Black Copper Marans – photo courtesy of Bev Davis
The Marans chicken breed is marvelously varied! The untrained observer could see a Black Copper, a Blue, a Wheaten and a Cuckoo Marans and never realize that these chickens, with vastly different coloring and feather patterns, were of the same breed. What unites these different looking Marans are their rich, brown egg color.
Marans chickens have a long history dating back to the 12th century when English sailors Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Frida Starting a Hard Molt in Winter – photo by Jen Pitino
Frida Chicken turned up in the coop mostly naked and looking quite chilled a couple weeks ago – just before Christmas. Wintertime in Boise, Idaho is cold and snowy, with the days hanging at or below freezing. This is a particularly inopportune time for a chicken to decide to chuck her feathers in a massive molt. Today on the Urban Chicken Podcast, we take a close look at the molting process and consider such questions as what causes it and how to help your hens through it with as much ease as possible. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
American Poultry Association’s logo
What do Andre “the Hawk” Dawson, Phil Collins (with his band Genesis), and Tony Albritton all have in common? All three gentlemen were inducted into their respective industry’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Eight-time All-Star Player, Andre “The Hawk” Dawson earned his place in the American Baseball’s Hall of Fame for his excellence in his sport. Phil Collins and his former band Genesis was a natural pick to join the illustrious ranks of the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with three decades worth of hits in the music world. Tony Albritton became the 53rd member of the American Poultry Association’s Hall of Fame after demonstrating for more many years superior skills in chicken breeding, raising and showing. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Chicks in a Box – photo by Samdogs
It is always gratifying to get feedback and interaction from the Urban Chicken Podcast audience. Recently, Carla Allen of Georgia email me and posed a few questions that were interesting and applicable to all chicken keepers. Her questions are in the area of chicks, flocks, and tractors. This week’s episode is a questions and answers session. Continue reading
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS