The latest installment of our GoPro on a Rooster video series gives us an inside look at the life of a free range chicken. Our rooster went on a foraging adventure; little did he know that his Mrs. was right there beside him to steal his find right out from under his beak! One of …
I remember traveling to Cuba on behalf of the Ontario government in the early 1990’s. This was an agriculture mission, working with the Cuban government on strategies for improving poultry, swine and dairy production. The experience was tremendous, as I realized the beauty of the country, the diverse culture, and the respect and appreciation the …
I recently visited Grandma iChicken in Quebec, where I grew up. She made a fantastic feast for our Easter dinner, including a delicious baked bean recipe that has been around since before I was born! This is a must-try. The Best Baked Beans Salt pork or thick cut bacon, chopped 1 lb. beans (your preference, …
Early this winter, I let the chickens out on a day after a light snow fall. The chickens quickly came out of their door, down the ramp onto the dirt pad, and then stopped. It was clear that to them, the snow was absolutely strange. They were “chicken” to go further when they encountered it! …
As fun, rewarding, and interesting as raising your own chickens can be, it’s also work! Great and worthwhile work, but work nonetheless. Paying attention to the details while raising chickens in their environment is really important. Being a chicken manager isn’t the easiest or hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it’s worth it! It is …
Great news! Blood spots on the yolks of your eggs are perfectly safe to eat and are not harmful. What is a blood spot? It is a pinhead-sized red or brown spot on the yolk of an egg. These are caused by the rupture of small blood vessels during the formation of the egg. A …
When I think of backyard farming, the word that comes to mind is simplicity. Simplicity is the art of getting away from the complexities of life and enjoying the peace and harmony of capturing the harvest at home. To me, simplicity is the state of being simple, freedom from the intricacies of life, and the …
Few things are as tasty as fresh, natural syrup made from the sap of trees you tap yourself! Tapping a tree for sap is quick and easy, and the cost of the equipment is minimal. Dr. iChicken demonstrates his technique on a black walnut tree at the Farm. What you’ll need: – Electric drill with …
One of the most rewarding experiences a parent can share with their child is to help them learn life lessons by raising an animal. Unlike a domestic pet, exposure to chickens can teach lessons of health, environmental awareness, and food consciousness. My children learned discipline through the daily chores associated with our farm animals including …
Living sustainably or living “green” means to live in such a way that you reduce your personal impact on the environment. One easy way to decrease your carbon footprint is to eliminate your need to go anywhere but your backyard for the eggs, vegetables and herbs that you eat! Here at iChicken, we support the …
