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Choosing Breeds

High-Value Layers for Budget-Focused Homesteads

Leave a Comment / Choosing Breeds, Raising Chickens / /
Focusing on Birds That Deliver Steady Returns When money is tight, it helps to keep hens that lay well without burning through feed. A dependable layer uses feed well and provides a steady supply of eggs for the household. Choosing the right birds from a reputable hatchery gives you a stable foundation that supports predictable […]

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Calm, Reliable Breeds for Family Homesteads

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Why Temperament Matters on a Family Homestead A calm flock keeps daily work simple. When hens are steady and predictable, chores move smoothly and children can help with confidence. Choosing reliable breeds is one of the easiest ways to set up a low-stress routine for a new backyard flock or a small homestead. The breeds

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Cold Hardy Chickens: A Practical Guide

Leave a Comment / Choosing Breeds, Flock Planning, Raising Chickens / /
Understanding Your Winter Conditions Winter conditions vary widely across homesteads. Some areas spend long stretches below zero. Others see damp cold, freezing rain, or steady winds. Before choosing cold hardy chickens, take a clear look at what your birds will face. This helps you match breed traits to real conditions so your flock stays healthy

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A Guide to Choosing Breeds That Meet Your Backyard Flock Needs

Leave a Comment / Choosing Breeds, Flock Planning / /
First, ask yourself why you’re getting chickens. Are you looking for eggs, meat, show birds, pets, or a combination? Do you want birds that look unique, or ones that remind you of what your grandma raised growing up? Are you interested in fertile eggs and natural reproduction, or are eggs alone your main goal? Once

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Exploring Multi-Breed Flocks for Multi-Purpose Homesteading

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Why Many Homesteaders Choose Multi Breed Flocks A mixed flock brings balance to a small farm or backyard homestead. Each breed contributes something different. Some hens lay well through most of the year. Others grow out nicely for the table. Many help manage pests and keep compost active. When these traits work together, the homestead

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Winter Coop Tips: Keep Your Flock Healthy and Laying All Season

1 Comment / Baby Chick Care, Choosing Breeds, Equipment & Accessories, Feed & Supplies, Flock Planning, Mail-order Chicks, Raising Chickens / /
When temperatures drop, proper winter chicken care and practical winter coop tips are essential to keeping your flock warm, healthy, and productive. At Valley Hatchery, we know that happy hens lay better—and the right preparation makes all the difference. Cold weather brings shorter days, moisture, and frostbite risks, but with good insulation, ventilation, and nutrition,

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Most Common Infectious Chicken Diseases: What to Look For and How to Prevent Them

Leave a Comment / Baby Chick Care, Choosing Breeds, Equipment & Accessories, Feed & Supplies, Flock Planning / /
Raising healthy chickens means being prepared for the illnesses they may face. Here are the most common infectious chicken diseases, what symptoms to watch for, and how you can help prevent them in your flock. Avian Influenza A contagious viral infection that primarily affects chickens, ducks, turkeys, and wild birds. Strains vary in severity and

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Connie’s Top 10 Tips for New Chick Owners

Leave a Comment / Baby Chick Care, Choosing Breeds, Equipment & Accessories, Feed & Supplies, Flock Planning, Mail-order Chicks, Raising Chickens / /
As a support rep here at Valley Hatchery, I’ve noticed there are a few things new customers often aren’t fully prepared for when their chicks arrive. These tips come straight from experience and are meant to help you get ready and avoid the most common hiccups. 1. Heat Lamp Placement Turn on your heat lamp

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