Author: Benjamin Gartner

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Coccidiosis: What It Is, How It Spreads, and How to Protect Your Flock

Coccidiosis in Backyard Chickens: What to Watch For This Summer

Summer on the farm means long evenings, busy dust baths and plenty of time for the flock to scratch around. It also happens to be prime time for one of the most common health issues in chickens, coccidiosis.

If you’ve noticed damp patches in the coop, messy waterers or younger birds looking a bit flat, this is the post to bookmark. Let’s walk through what coccidiosis is, why it shows up more in warm, damp weather and what you can do to help protect your flock.

What Is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by tiny gut parasites called coccidia. These parasites live in the soil and in droppings and are picked up when chickens peck at contaminated ground, feed or water.

Once inside the bird, coccidia damage the lining of the intestines. This makes it harder for chickens to absorb nutrients and can leave them weak, dehydrated and very unwell if it isn’t treated early.

Most older hens build up some natural immunity over time, but younger birds, especially pullets between 6–14 weeks of age, are much more vulnerable.

Why Summer Increases the Risk

Coccidia love the same conditions we try to avoid in the coop: warmth and moisture. Summer tends to tick both boxes:

  • Warm temperatures speed up the parasite’s life cycle, so numbers can climb quickly.
  • Extra moisture from sprinklers, misters, leaking drinkers or shaded damp patches creates perfect breeding pockets.
  • Increased drinking means more wet areas around waterers and more droppings in a small space.

Even a small, soggy corner of the run can turn into a trouble spot if it stays damp and birds use it often.

Common Signs of Coccidiosis

It’s easy to miss the early stages, so it helps to know what you’re looking for. Keep an eye out for:

  • Lethargy – birds sitting fluffed up, not interested in foraging
  • Hunched posture and tucked-in neck
  • Pale or droopy comb
  • Reduced appetite or birds standing at the feeder but not eating much
  • Watery, orange or bloody droppings
  • Weight loss or a sudden drop-off in growth in younger birds

One bird showing a few of these signs is a red flag. Several birds showing them at once is a strong sign that something is going on and needs attention quickly.

How to Help Prevent It

You can’t completely remove coccidia from the environment, they’re almost everywhere, but you can make it much harder for them to cause trouble. Small, consistent routines make the biggest difference.

  • Keep bedding dry. Remove wet patches daily and top up with fresh, dry material. Pay special attention to corners and underneath perches.
  • Raise and stabilise waterers. Keeping drinkers up off the floor helps reduce spills and droppings in the water.
  • Clean waterers often. In hot weather, a quick scrub every day keeps slime and droppings under control.
  • Watch your sprinkler use. Try not to soak the same shaded patch of ground where birds spend most of their time.
  • Give younger birds extra care. Pullets haven’t built strong immunity yet, so keep their housing as dry and clean as possible.

These are simple jobs, but they go a long way towards keeping the flock healthy through the hotter months.

What to Do If You’re Worried

If you suspect coccidiosis, don’t wait and see. Acting early gives your birds the best chance of bouncing back.

  • Contact a poultry-friendly vet as soon as you can. We trust Josie from South West Vets for practical chicken health advice.
  • Keep the coop as dry and clean as possible, remove any soaked bedding straight away.
  • Make sure sick birds can easily reach fresh water and feed. Electrolytes can sometimes help support hydration while they recover.

This blog is general information only and isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice, but it can help you recognise when something isn’t right and when to reach out for help.

Want to Learn More?

If you found this helpful, feel free to save it, share it with a fellow backyard farmer or follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We’ll keep adding practical chicken care guides here on the Farm Journal so you’ve always got a friendly reference to come back to when questions pop up.

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Chicken Caravan Update: Slow Progress, Big Plans

Chicken Caravan Update: Slow Progress, Big Plans

It’s been a minute since we first introduced our Chicken Caravan dream back in December, and if you’ve been wondering what happened, so were we. 😅

Like most good farm projects, this one took a little detour into “life got busy” territory. But the good news? We’re back on the tools and finally making progress again.

Where We’re At

The interior’s still very much a work in progress. The oven’s been pulled, the old bunks are mostly out, and we’ve started peeling back the layers of grime and rot to see what we’re really working with.

Let’s just say this little van had a few more surprises for us than expected. But that’s all part of the fun, right?

What’s Next?

We’ll be tackling the rest of the gutting over the coming weeks, cleaning up the bones of the caravan before we start rebuilding. This next stage is where we get to shape it into something uniquely ours, something both chickens and humans can appreciate.

We’re sketching out ideas for:

  • Nesting box layout
  • Roost bar placement
  • Ramp access and ventilation
  • Optional storage compartments or wheels for mobility upgrades

Got Tips? Let Us Know

We’d love your input. Have you ever tackled a mobile coop? Got tips for waterproofing old caravans, or creating easy-clean roosting areas?

We’re figuring it out as we go, and would love to hear what’s worked (or flopped) for you.

Drop your ideas in the comments, send us a message, or reach out on Facebook or Instagram.
We’re in the trenches, quite literally and every bit of advice helps.

Follow the Journey

We’ll be sharing more photos and updates throughout July as we inch this old shell closer to its new life. If you’re not already, make sure you’re following us to watch the transformation unfold.

Thanks for sticking with us through the messy bits. This little caravan is finally rolling again — even if it’s just emotionally for now.

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The Comfort of Consistency: Feeding Your Flock with Confidence

The Comfort of Consistency: Feeding Your Flock with Confidence

Bringing home new pullets is an exciting step, but it’s also a time of big changes for young birds. One of the most effective ways to help them settle in and continue growing well is to keep their diet consistent with what they’re already used to.

That’s why we offer a high-quality pullet grower crumble, the same type of feed our pullets are raised on before they go home with you.

A Smooth Transition Starts with Familiar Feed

Pullets between 8 and 17 weeks are still developing muscle, bone, and feathers. A sudden change in diet during this stage can disrupt that growth and cause unnecessary stress.

Continuing with the same grower crumble supports:

  • A calm, steady transition into their new environment
  • Balanced growth and weight gain
  • Strong feather development and bone health
  • Consistent digestion and feeding habits

Keeping things familiar allows your pullets to focus on growing, not adjusting to a new feed.

What Makes a Good Grower Crumble?

The crumble we supply is selected for its balance of nutrients and ease of feeding. It’s trusted by poultry producers for good reason.

Key features include:

  • Moderate protein levels to support development without encouraging early laying
  • Essential vitamins and minerals for immunity, bone structure, and overall vitality
  • Crumbled texture that’s easy for young birds to consume and digest

It provides the essentials pullets need to stay on track through their adolescent stage.

Feeding Tips

  • Feed from 8 weeks up to 17 weeks
  • Always provide clean, fresh water
  • Avoid mixing feeds or making changes too early
  • Transition gradually to a layer mix once laying begins

Consistent feeding, paired with good water and shelter, gives your birds the best chance of staying healthy and thriving in their new environment.

Keep It Familiar

We offer 4kg bags of pullet grower crumble so you can take home the same feed your birds were raised on. Whether you’re picking up from the farm or ordering delivery, it’s easy to add to your order and give your pullets a familiar start.

Pullet Grower Crumble

Pullet Grower Crumble – 4kg

$9.00

View Product

A consistent feed routine may be simple, but it can make all the difference.

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Fresh Beginnings: Starting the Year with Purpose and Promise

Farmyard scene with chickens roaming freely in a dry, grassy area near a chicken coop, featuring the text 'Fresh Beginnings' with a chicken icon above the text.

As the new year unfolds, we’re brimming with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. At Little Chicken Farm, this time of year feels like opening a new chapter filled with endless possibilities, innovative ideas, and a refreshed commitment to serving our cherished community of backyard farmers. Here’s a glimpse into how we’re embracing these fresh beginnings and what you can look forward to in 2025!

Reflecting on Growth and Gratitude

2024 was a year of learning, adapting, and achieving milestones that we’re proud of. From expanding our product range to connecting with more of you through our delivery routes and special projects, your support has been the backbone of everything we do. Thank you for growing with us and trusting us to be a part of your farming journey.

What’s New for 2025?

This year, we’re stepping into fresh ideas while keeping our roots firmly planted in the values that matter most: sustainability, community, and quality.

  • Monthly Themes for Inspiration: Each month, our Facebook cover will highlight a new theme, focusing on seasonal tips, farm life insights, and product spotlights tailored to your backyard farming needs. Keep an eye out for January’s cover, setting the tone for a productive and fulfilling year.
  • Expanded Blog Content: Whether you’re looking for advice on raising happy, healthy chickens or tips on sustainable living, our blog categories are growing. From Farm Projects to Wildlife and Nature, there’s something for everyone. This month, we’ll share practical guides and spotlight our exciting new projects.
  • Product Innovations: We’re thrilled to introduce new offerings like mealworm frass branded as ‘Organic Fertiliser’—perfect for enriching your garden soil naturally. Don’t forget to check out our pullets, feed options, and our ever-popular 190L heavy-duty barrels.

A Sneak Peek: The Chicken Caravan Project

One of our most exciting ventures for 2025 is transforming a caravan into a fully functional chicken roost. It’s a labor of love that embodies creativity, sustainability, and practicality. This project is not just about chickens—it’s about showcasing how innovation can blend seamlessly into farm life. Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and tips for your own farm projects.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to be a part of our journey this year. Whether through engaging with us on Facebook and Instagram, reading our blog posts, or simply sharing your backyard farming stories, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to fresh beginnings, meaningful connections, and a year of growing together. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

What would you like to see more of this year? Drop your ideas in the comments below or send us a message—we’re always listening. 😊

Happy New Year! 🎉
From all of us at The Little Chicken Farm

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Should I Buy Hy-Line Brown Chickens? A Guide to This Top Egg-Laying Breed

A basket filled with freshly laid brown eggs surrounded by hay, with text overlay reading "Hy-Line Browns: Top Reasons to Choose."

Should I Buy Hy-Line Brown Chickens? A Guide to This Top Egg-Laying Breed

The Hy-Line Brown is a popular hybrid chicken breed renowned for its exceptional egg-laying capabilities and friendly disposition. If you’re considering adding this breed to your flock, it’s essential to understand their characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks to make an informed decision.

Breed Overview:

Developed by Hy-Line International, the Hy-Line Brown is a crossbreed designed primarily for high egg production. These hens are prolific layers, often producing around 360 brown-shelled eggs in their first year. They are medium-sized birds, typically weighing up to 1.9 kg, and are known for their placid and friendly nature, making them suitable for backyard settings and families with children.

Advantages of Hy-Line Browns:

• High Egg Production: One of the standout benefits of Hy-Line Browns is their remarkable egg-laying capability. With proper care, these hens can produce up to 320–360 eggs per year, averaging almost one egg per day. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a consistent and reliable supply of fresh eggs.

• Friendly Temperament: These hens are known for their docile and approachable nature, making them excellent pets for families and easy to manage for beginners.

• Feed Efficiency: Hy-Line Browns have an efficient feed-to-egg conversion ratio, meaning they require less feed to produce a high number of eggs, which can be cost-effective for keepers.

Considerations:

• Shorter Lifespan: Like many high-production hybrids, Hy-Line Browns typically have a shorter lifespan compared to heritage breeds, often living around 3 to 5 years. Their bodies are specifically optimized for maximum egg production, which can place additional strain on their health over time, potentially leading to earlier health issues as they age.

• Limited Broodiness: If you’re interested in natural breeding, it’s important to note that Hy-Line Browns rarely go broody, meaning they are unlikely to hatch their own chicks.

• Weather Sensitivity: These hens may not fare well in wet conditions due to less dense feathering, which can make them more susceptible to the elements. Providing adequate shelter is essential to keep them healthy.

Conclusion:

If your primary goal is to have a reliable source of eggs and you’re prepared to manage their specific care needs, Hy-Line Browns can be an excellent addition to your flock. Their friendly nature and high productivity make them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. However, if you’re looking for a breed with a longer lifespan or one that can naturally reproduce, you might want to consider other options.

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The Blue Wrens in Our Backyard: A Delight to Watch and Feed

A vibrant blue wren perched on the edge of a bowl filled with mealworms and grain.

The Blue Wrens in Our Backyard: A Delight to Watch and Feed

There’s something magical about watching blue wrens flit around the garden, their vivid blue feathers catching the sunlight as they hop and flutter through the bushes. These tiny birds are not only stunning to look at but also play a vital role in keeping our gardens healthy by eating insects and maintaining the natural balance.

If you’re lucky enough to have blue wrens visiting your yard, feeding them mealworms can be a wonderful way to encourage them to stay and thrive. Here’s why mealworms are a perfect treat for these feathered friends and how they can benefit your garden ecosystem.

Why Feed Blue Wrens Mealworms?

Blue wrens are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Mealworms mimic their natural diet, making them a nutritious and appealing snack. Here are some benefits of feeding them:

1. High Protein Content

• Mealworms are rich in protein, which is essential for blue wrens, especially during breeding and molting seasons. Protein helps them maintain their energy and supports healthy feather growth.

2. Attracts Blue Wrens to Your Garden

• Offering mealworms encourages regular visits from blue wrens, allowing you to enjoy their playful antics while helping them stay well-fed, especially during times when natural insect populations are lower.

3. Natural Pest Control

• Blue wrens are excellent at keeping pest populations in check. By encouraging them to stick around, they’ll naturally help control unwanted bugs in your garden.

4. Safe and Nutritious

• Mealworms are safe to feed and easy for blue wrens to eat. They provide a consistent food source, particularly during winter or dry periods when insects are harder to find.

How to Feed Mealworms to Blue Wrens

1. Choose the Right Mealworms

• Live or dried mealworms both work, but live mealworms are more natural and appealing to blue wrens.

2. Placement

• Offer mealworms in a shallow dish or on a feeding tray near shrubs or low branches where blue wrens feel safe. Avoid placing the mealworms in open spaces where predators could threaten the birds.

3. Moderation is Key

• While mealworms are a great supplement, they shouldn’t replace the birds’ natural diet. Offer a small handful of mealworms once or twice a day to supplement their foraging.

4. Fresh Water

• Always ensure there’s fresh water nearby for the wrens to drink and bathe in.

Benefits to Your Garden

Feeding blue wrens isn’t just about the birds—it benefits your entire garden:

• They help control pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles.

• They add life and movement to your outdoor spaces, creating a vibrant and healthy ecosystem.

• Their presence can inspire a deeper connection to nature and the local wildlife in your area.

By offering mealworms to blue wrens, you’re not only helping these stunning birds thrive but also enriching your garden with their presence. Watching them enjoy the treat is truly a rewarding experience.

Do you have blue wrens in your garden? Let us know your tips and tricks for attracting and feeding them! If you’re interested in getting mealworms, we stock high-quality ones that are perfect for wrens and other garden visitors. Get in touch to order some and see the difference they make in your backyard!

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Rolling in Style: Our DIY Chicken Caravan Adventure

Rolling in Style: Our DIY Chicken Caravan Adventure

We’ve always believed in the importance of creativity on the farm, and we’ve got an exciting new project that takes that philosophy to a whole new level. Introducing the Chicken Caravan—a mobile, cozy new home for our feathered friends!

Why a Caravan?

The idea to convert an old caravan into a chicken roost came from our desire to offer our chickens a more versatile living space. We wanted a solution that would allow us to move the chickens around the paddock, giving them access to fresh grass and foraging opportunities while keeping them safe and secure. The mobility factor is what really inspired us—it’s like a tiny home for chickens that can travel with us as we rotate the flock across different areas of the farm.

The Concept

Our plan is to gut the caravan and transform it into a purpose-built chicken coop that’s not only practical but also comfy and sustainable. With its compact size and solid structure, the caravan is the perfect foundation to create a cozy, weatherproof roost. By integrating features like nesting boxes, perches, and plenty of space for the chickens to roam, we’ll ensure they thrive in this unique, mobile environment.

What’s the Plan?

The transformation of the caravan will take some time and creativity. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing the entire process with you—from gutting the interior and repurposing materials to designing the layout for our hens. We’ll also take you behind the scenes as we tackle some of the challenges that come with converting such a small space into a functional chicken coop.

Expect to see lots of exciting updates and sneak peeks along the way! From choosing the best materials for insulation to installing ventilation and preparing the paddock for the caravan’s first outing, we’ll be documenting everything.

Stay Tuned for the Transformation!

We can’t wait to bring you along on this creative journey and share all the details of how we turn this caravan into the ultimate chicken retreat. We’ll be posting regular updates on our blog, as well as sharing snippets on Instagram and Facebook, so be sure to follow along.

As we embark on this project, we’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Have you ever tried a mobile chicken coop? Drop your ideas or tips in the comments below!

Stay tuned for the next update where we dive into the gutting phase—things are about to get messy! 😉

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Pullets vs. 18-Month-Old Hens: Which is Right for Your Flock?

Pullets vs. 18-Month-Old Hens: Which is Right for Your Flock?

When it comes to building or expanding your flock, the age of the hens you choose plays a significant role in their productivity, health, and how they fit into your long-term plans. Should you choose young pullets or opt for 18-month-old hens that are already laying? Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Pullets?

Pullets are young hens between 8–18 weeks old that haven’t yet started laying eggs. At this age, they’re in the process of maturing and will typically begin laying around 18–20 weeks.

What About 18-Month-Old Hens?

These are hens that have already been through their first year of egg production. While they’ve proven themselves as layers, they’re also approaching the natural decline in productivity that happens as they age.

The Case for Pullets

When you choose pullets, you’re investing in young, healthy birds that will give you the full laying experience from the beginning. Here’s why pullets are a fantastic option:

1. Young and Vibrant: Pullets are just starting their journey and have their peak laying years ahead of them. With proper care, they’ll provide consistent eggs for 2–3 years before any noticeable decline.

2. Long-Term Investment: Since they’re still growing, you’ll enjoy several years of egg production before they reach the same stage as an 18-month-old hen.

3. Healthy Start: Pullets raised on high-quality feed and proper care, like ours, are robust and resilient, ensuring they thrive in their new home.

4. Social and Friendly: Raising hens from a young age allows you to bond with them, resulting in tamer, more approachable birds.

5. Laying Control: Pullets will start laying eggs under your care, ensuring optimal nutrition and comfort as they enter this important phase.

The Reality of 18-Month-Old Hens

At first glance, purchasing older hens might seem like a quick way to start collecting eggs, but there are important considerations:

1. Production Decline: Hens typically lay their most eggs during their first year. By 18 months, they’re nearing their first significant production slowdown, which means fewer eggs over time.

2. Molting Period: Around 18 months, hens naturally molt, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. During this time, they often stop laying altogether, leaving you with a few weeks (or more) without eggs.

3. Shorter Lifespan: Older hens have already spent a significant portion of their laying years. While they can still produce, their productivity and lifespan may be limited.

4. Health Concerns: Depending on how they’ve been raised, 18-month-old hens may come with health issues or reduced vigor, which could lead to additional care needs.

Why Our Pullets Are the Better Choice

When you choose our pullets, you’re getting young, well-raised hens that are ready to thrive in your backyard. We focus on providing healthy, strong birds that have been carefully nurtured on high-quality feed, ensuring they’re off to the best possible start. With pullets, you get the joy of watching them grow and the satisfaction of knowing they’ll soon begin their peak laying phase under your care.

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for long-term egg production and a rewarding experience, pullets are the way to go. They provide a clean slate, fewer health risks, and a chance to enjoy the full lifecycle of a laying hen.

While 18-month-old hens can be a good short-term option, they’re best suited for those who are okay with lower egg production and the challenges that come with older birds.

For a productive and thriving flock, our pullets are ready to join your backyard and become a reliable source of fresh eggs for years to come.

Interested in starting your flock with pullets? Get in touch today!

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Trialing Manure Around Our Blood Orange and Mandarin Trees.

Today, we tried burying manure directly around our Blood Orange and Mandarin trees. Both of these citrus trees are located just by the main house, so they’re some of the first plants we’re focusing on as we explore regenerative farming practices.

Now, we’re far from experts when it comes to gardening or farming. In fact, we consider ourselves novices, still learning as we go, and trying out new things to see what works best for our land and our farm. We’re using the manure from our chickens, which we consider an excellent natural fertiliser. Chickens play a big role in our farm, and using their manure in our garden feels like a full-circle way of utilising everything the farm provides.

Freshly fertilised Blood Orange tree.

Why Bury Manure?

We believe burying the manure helps it break down more efficiently, allowing it to release nutrients gradually over time. This method also reduces the risk of burning plants, which we think can happen if manure is applied directly to the surface without being composted or buried.

Our goal with this is to help our trees thrive by improving the soil they grow in. We’ve heard that citrus trees, like our Blood Orange and Mandarin, really benefit from nutrient-rich soil, and we’re excited to see how this method helps their growth over the next few months.

We’re excited to see how the manure will help our citrus trees grow. If it works as expected, we may expand this method to other parts of the farm. We’re also looking forward to sharing more of our journey with you as we continue to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Join Us in Our Learning Process

Follow along as we continue our farm journey and keep experimenting with new practices. We’re grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside our plants and chickens, and we’re excited to share the process with all of you.

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From Little Chickens to Big Dreams: Our Journey and What’s Ahead

Our story

Which began with a love for animals and a dream of sustainable living. It all started with a small flock of hens, but what began as a simple hobby quickly grew into a thriving small-scale farm. As we experienced the joy of raising happy, healthy chickens, our passion turned into a mission: to share this experience with others.

Today, we’re proud to provide our community with healthy pullets and valuable resources for raising chickens. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your backyard flock, we’re here to support your journey. At the heart of it all is our commitment to sustainable practices, animal welfare, and the joy of farm life.

Regenerative Farming: Growing with Purpose

At the heart of our farm is a commitment to regenerative farming—working with nature to create a thriving, sustainable system. Our chickens play a vital role in this process, from enriching the soil with their manure to helping manage pests in natural ways. By integrating their care with regenerative practices, we’re building a farm that not only supports our flock but also nurtures the land we depend on.

For example, we use the manure from our chickens as a natural fertilizer for our garden and orchard. This nutrient-rich addition improves soil health, boosts plant growth, and reduces the need for synthetic inputs. In turn, healthy soil creates a thriving ecosystem that benefits both crops and wildlife.

We’re also exploring ways to connect more elements of the farm through rotational grazing, composting, and planting cover crops. These practices help restore soil fertility, promote biodiversity, and capture carbon, aligning our farm with long-term sustainability goals.

This journey is about more than growing crops or raising chickens—it’s about creating harmony between the land, animals, and people who care for them. Through regenerative farming, we aim to not only feed our community but also leave the land better for future generations. 🌱🐓