Backyard Chickens, from the editors of Hobby Farms magazine and Chickens magazine, is your springboard to dive deeper into the word of keeping a few hens in your suburan or urban yard. It provides the breeds to choose, how to take care of them, nutrition and health advice, the right coop for small areas, what to do with all those eggs and more.
Editor’s Note
Backyard Chickens 2025
PICKIN’ Chickens • Before you purchase new birds, be sure to get the right breed for the right job.
Breeds to CONSIDER • We rounded up some of the best breeds to add to your flock.
DAY-OLD DUTIES • You’ve ordered the breeds you want, and the package has arrived; now, the real work begins.
First Few Days
FEEDING YOUR FLOCK • What you feed, how you supplement and when you treat will make all the difference for your chickens.
BASIC HERBS
YOU ARE WHAT YOUR CHICKENS EAT
WHAT NOT TO FEED YOUR CHICKENS
Let’s Get Physical! • Keep winter doldrums at bay with these boredom-busting activities.
COME & Get It! • Make these five treats for your backyard flock to keep them happy and healthy.
THE IMPORTANCE OF Probiotics • Add these essential nutrients to your flock’s diet to boost health, production and longevity.
poultry POINTERS! • We present 75 expert tips for raising chickens from more than a decade of publishing.
General Store • Bring the chickens inside with rooster, hen and chic(k) décor.
Happy & Healthy • Help your flock thrive with these attentive tips.
DUST BATH
Your Best VET • Even with poultry popularity soaring, finding a veterinarian for your chickens is not easy task.
For a Healthy Flock
EGG Song