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People and chickens operate on different schedules that sometimes conflict. As days shorten and the temperature drops people turn on furnaces and electric lights and sleep about as many hours as they do in summer. Not chickens. Their daily schedule is set by daylight. Lacking artificial light they settle into a long night’s sleep as soon as dusk arrives and don’t wake until tomorrow’s dawn. In high latitudes they often sleep 15 or 16 hours a night. For chickens, winter is a time for rest, not reproduction. Cold temperatures don’t reduce laying, but as fall advances, decreasing daylight causes egg...

As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it’s a reminder that colder weather is on its way. For farmers and animal caretakers, this season brings unique challenges and opportunities to ensure their animals remain healthy and thriving. Here are some essential tips to keep your livestock in top condition as temperatures drop. 1. Adjust Feed Rations With the onset of cooler weather, animals require more energy to maintain their body temperature. This means adjusting their feed rations to include more energy-dense foods. Consider incorporating grains like corn and barley, which provide the necessary calories to...

Do you know the fiber level in your current feeding program? If you don’t, you are not alone. Few horse owners can answer that question, and even fewer understand why it might be important or where fiber comes from. The first and foremost source of fiber in a horses’ diet is their roughage, or hay, source. Secondary to that is what is present in any supplemental grain sources. First of all, let’s define what fiber is: Fiber is a measure of the plant cell wall, or the structural portions that give the plant support. Main components of fiber are the...

It’s hard to imagine that dreaded time of year is almost upon us, you guessed it, molt. Even though molt is a very natural process for poultry, it doesn’t make it any easier as a flock owner. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for the less-favorable chicken molting season. Be proactive – Supplemental light, especially in the winter months, is a great consideration for your flock. Hens 18 months or older can benefit from this practice, and it can possibly lessen the extreme experiences of molt. Feed adjustments – Now is the time to dial up the protein and cut...

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cool, crisp air of fall, it's an important time for farmers and livestock managers to focus on pasture health. Effective pasture management during the fall can set the stage for a productive spring. This blog will explore two key components of fall pasture care: rotational grazing and soil care. Understanding Rotational Grazing What is Rotational Grazing? Rotational grazing is a livestock management practice where animals are moved between different pasture sections (or paddocks) to allow forage plants time to recover and regrow. This method contrasts with continuous grazing, where livestock...