Author: Benjamin Gartner

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Crumble vs Poultry Mix: What Should You Really Be Feeding Your Chickens?

When it comes to feeding chickens, one of the most common questions is whether to use a poultry mix or a complete feed like crumble or pellets. At first glance, poultry mix feels like the more natural option. It looks like real food. You can see the grains, the seeds, the variety. But what looks good to us isn’t always what works best for the flock.

A Simple Way to Think About It

Poultry mix is a bit like a bowl of snacks. If you gave someone a mix of chips, nuts, and vegetables, they’d probably eat the chips first, pick through the rest, and leave what they don’t enjoy. Chickens do the same thing. They’ll go straight for the tastiest, high-energy ingredients and leave behind the parts their body actually needs most.

Chickens eating corn Mix

What Happens When Chickens Pick Their Feed

Chickens are natural foragers, and when given a mixed feed, they don’t eat it evenly. Instead, they select what they prefer first. Most flocks will go straight for the grains and seeds, picking out the higher energy ingredients while leaving behind the components that are less appealing but nutritionally important.

Over time, this creates an imbalance. On paper, poultry mix may be designed to be a complete feed, but in practice, what your chickens actually consume is often very different. They tend to take in more energy than they need, while missing out on enough protein and essential nutrients. It’s these small gaps that start to show up in the flock. Feather condition can decline, younger birds may not grow as steadily, and egg production can become inconsistent. It doesn’t usually happen overnight, but gradually, the effects of an unbalanced diet begin to appear.

Why Crumble and Pellets Work Differently

Complete feeds like crumble or pellets remove that choice entirely. Each bite contains a consistent balance of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals, so your chickens receive what they need every time they eat. Instead of relying on them to balance their own diet through selective feeding, the feed does it for them. It’s a simple, consistent, and reliable approach, especially for growing birds and laying hens where steady nutrition makes a noticeable difference.

Poultry mix looks balanced in the bag.
Crumble makes sure it’s balanced in the bird.

Does That Mean Poultry Mix Is Bad?

Not at all. Poultry mix still has its place, but it works best when it’s treated as a supplement rather than a main diet. Used occasionally, it can encourage natural foraging behaviour, add variety, and keep the flock engaged. The key is balance, using it alongside a complete feed rather than relying on it as the foundation.

Where People Often Go Wrong

A common mistake is feeding poultry mix as the main or only feed. This is where selective eating becomes a problem, and nutrition starts to slip without it being obvious straight away. Another one is assuming that because chickens look happy eating it, they must be getting what they need. Chickens will always choose what tastes best, not what’s most balanced.

What to Look for in a Good Feed

Whether you choose crumble or pellets, a good feed should be appropriate for the bird’s age, whether that’s a grower or a layer, and contain adequate protein to support development and production. It should be nutritionally complete rather than made up of simple grains, and avoid unnecessary fillers that don’t add real value to the diet. If you’re feeding laying hens, calcium should be available to support shell quality, but it’s important not to overdo it for younger birds that don’t yet require those higher levels.

A Practical Feeding Approach

A simple way to structure feeding is:

  • Main diet: A quality crumble or pellet
  • Extras: Occasional scraps or poultry mix
  • Free choice: Shell grit or calcium source

This keeps things balanced while still allowing for variety.

Feeding chickens doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal is consistency. When their main diet is balanced, everything else becomes an addition rather than a risk. Poultry mix has its place, but complete feeds like crumble make it much easier to ensure your chickens are getting what they actually need, not just what they prefer to eat.

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Why Choose Our Pullets for Your Backyard Flock


From farmers across regional WA to backyard keepers in Perth, chickens have always had a place in the day to day. For some, it is about production. Eggs, reliability, and getting the most out of a flock. For others, it is something closer to home. A few chickens in the yard, fresh eggs, and animals that become part of everyday life. Most people start with a simple goal.

Then it grows into something more. The birds become part of the space around you. Something you see every morning, something you check on in the afternoon, something that naturally fits into your routine. That experience starts long before they arrive at your place.

What Shapes Our Pullets From the Start

By the time a pullet is ready for sale, a lot has already been set in place. Those early weeks determine how evenly a bird develops, how well it transitions through growth stages, and how easily it adjusts once it moves to a new home. Feed is a big part of that.

From day old, birds are raised on Milne Chick Starter to support early gut health, bone structure, and steady growth. At this stage, chicks require a higher protein diet to support rapid development. This helps build the foundation for strong frame, feathering, and overall condition.

As they develop, they are transitioned onto Milne Chick Grower, which supports continued growth at a more controlled rate. The protein level is reduced at this stage, allowing birds to develop more evenly without being pushed too quickly. This supports more balanced internal development rather than just fast outward growth.

That transition is done gradually so birds continue eating confidently without disruption. Alongside feed, birds are kept in balanced groups and separated by age so they develop evenly rather than competing. Conditions are kept stable, and changes are kept to a minimum so growth remains steady.

Our focus is on bird health first, not cutting corners to move birds through faster. That means taking the time to raise each batch properly rather than rushing them through the process. There is no complicated system behind it. Just a consistent approach applied properly from the beginning.

The First Few Weeks After They Arrive

Before our pullets ever leave, the goal is simple. To make them as suitable as possible for a real backyard environment. That starts with the basics. Birds are used to finding their feed and water easily, so when they arrive, they are not trying to figure it out from scratch. They have already been through a steady routine, so they move with confidence rather than hesitation.

But it goes beyond just feeding. They are raised around regular daily activity so they become comfortable with movement and presence. That helps create birds that are calm to be around, not constantly on edge. Over time, that familiarity turns into something more. Rather than keeping their distance, they begin to associate people with normal day to day activity. They will often come toward you instead of away, settling into that backyard rhythm where they feel like part of the space.

That is what we aim for. Not just birds that cope in a backyard, but birds that fit into it. Because when chickens are raised with that in mind from the beginning, the transition into a new home becomes far more natural.

Choosing the Right Starting Point

When looking at chickens for sale, one of the biggest differences is age. Some people prefer younger birds that they can grow out themselves. Others want pullets that are getting closer to laying age, while some simply want birds already laying so they can start collecting eggs straight away.

Because we raise our birds from the beginning, we are able to offer pullets across different stages of growth. That means you are not limited to whatever happens to be available at the time. Instead, you can choose what suits your setup best.

Younger pullets give you the opportunity to grow them out in your own environment and become familiar with them early. Older pullets reduce the wait time and are closer to laying, which suits those wanting a quicker start. The key is that regardless of age, the same approach has been applied from the start. That consistency carries through, whether you are taking on younger birds or bringing in pullets closer to point of lay.

Our focus is on bird health first, not cutting corners to maximise profits.

Where This Leaves You

Every flock will always have some variation.

Not every chicken available for sale is raised with the same level of focus on bird health, feeding, and development that we hold ourselves to. Some birds are simply moved through rather than properly grown out, and that often shows once they are home.

For backyard chicken keepers looking for chickens in Perth and surrounding areas, that is often what separates an average flock from one that simply works from the start. At The Little Chicken Farm, our focus is on doing things properly. From the way birds are fed, to how they are managed and handled, everything is aimed at producing consistent, well-developed pullets that suit real backyard environments.

We are working towards becoming a trusted household name for premium quality chickens, and that comes from getting the fundamentals right with every batch. Not just chickens that lay. But chickens that become a part of the family.

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Why Eggs Are One of the Best Foods for Chickens

Why Eggs Are One of the Best Foods for Chickens

It might feel a bit strange at first… feeding eggs back to your chickens. After all, it’s the very thing they produce. But done properly, eggs can be one of the most beneficial additions to your flock’s diet.

Eggs are naturally rich in protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats. These nutrients directly support feather condition, overall health, and steady egg production. Protein, in particular, plays a key role during periods of feather growth, recovery, and seasonal change. It’s a simple way of returning valuable nutrition straight back to the birds, using something already produced within your own flock.

Is It Safe to Feed Eggs?

Feeding eggs to chickens is a common and practical approach when done properly. Like anything in your flock’s diet, it comes down to balance, consistency, and good routine. Eggs are best viewed as a supplement rather than a staple. Your chickens will always perform best when their main diet is a complete, balanced feed designed to meet their nutritional needs. Eggs simply sit alongside that, offering an additional boost when needed. When used this way, they support the flock without disrupting feeding habits or overall nutrition.

How to Feed Eggs Properly

The way eggs are fed makes all the difference. Cooking them first, either scrambled or boiled, is the best approach. Cooking improves digestibility and makes the nutrients more accessible. It also removes the visual link between what they’re eating and what they lay, which helps prevent unwanted behaviours forming in the flock. Once cooked, eggs can be fed on their own in small portions. Offering only what your chickens will eat straight away helps prevent it sitting around in the coop or run. Keeping it simple is key. No seasoning, no additives, just plain cooked egg.

Eggs are considered Restricted Animal Material (RAM), and there are strict rules around this.

They’re not suitable for livestock like cattle, sheep, or pigs under certain conditions, but for backyard chickens, they can be used safely when handled the right way.

A Note on Raw Eggs

Raw eggs are best avoided. While they contain similar nutrients, they don’t offer any advantage over cooked eggs and can lead to poor habits developing. Chickens learn quickly, and repeated exposure to raw egg can increase the likelihood of them recognising and targeting eggs in the nesting box. Cooked eggs remove that risk while still delivering the same nutritional benefit.

What About Eggshells?

You’ll often hear advice about feeding eggshells back to chickens as a calcium source. While it can be done, it’s something we generally avoid. The main reason isn’t the shell itself, but what it can teach your flock. Chickens are quick to associate food with what they recognise. Once they connect eggs with something edible, it can lead to them pecking and breaking their own eggs in the nesting box.

That’s a habit that’s much harder to fix than it is to avoid in the first place. There are also practical considerations. Shells need to be cleaned, dried, and crushed properly before feeding. If not handled well, they can become another messy feed source that attracts unwanted attention in the coop or run. For us, it’s simpler and more consistent to rely on a balanced feed for calcium, and keep eggs as a clean, occasional supplement.

Keeping It Clean and Low-Risk

Cooked egg is a soft feed, and like any soft food, it needs to be managed properly. Leaving it sitting in the run can attract rodents or wild birds, particularly in open setups. It can also spoil quickly in warmer conditions, which is something many backyard keepers overlook.

It’s also best to avoid using heavily soiled or cracked eggs. Starting with clean, good-quality eggs keeps things simple and reduces unnecessary risk. Feeding smaller amounts that are consumed quickly, and removing anything uneaten, keeps things clean and controlled. Combined with a consistent feeding routine, this helps maintain a healthier environment for your flock.

Good feeding isn’t about more food. It’s about feeding the right things, the right way.

A Simple Addition, Not a Replacement

Like most things on the farm, balance is what makes the difference. Eggs can be a simple and effective addition when used properly, but the foundation should always be a quality feed and a consistent routine.

That’s what keeps a flock healthy, productive, and easy to manage.

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Why Your Chickens Choose Scraps Over Feed

Why Your Chickens Choose Scraps Over Feed

There’s a moment most backyard chicken owners notice sooner or later. You throw out a handful of scraps and the whole flock comes running, straight to your feet, full of energy and interest. But when it comes to their regular feed, they pick at it, wander off, and come back to it later. It can feel like they’re being fussy, or that something’s off with the feed itself. Most of the time, it’s just their natural behaviour showing through.

Chickens don’t look at food the way we do. They’re not weighing up what’s balanced or what will keep them productive over time. They’re wired to go for what’s easiest and most rewarding in the moment. Scraps tend to be softer, quicker to eat, and often higher in energy, which makes them more appealing straight away. It’s the same instinct that has them chasing insects or working over freshly turned soil. Given the choice, they’ll go for what gives them the quickest return, not what supports them long term.

Where It Starts to Catch Up

On its own, that behaviour isn’t a problem. It becomes one when it starts replacing what they actually need. A good layer feed, sitting around that 16–18% protein range, is balanced to carry birds properly. It supports egg production, feather condition, and overall health in a way scraps simply can’t match.

When that balance starts to shift, the changes don’t show up overnight. That’s why they’re easy to overlook. Egg production can feel inconsistent. Shell quality may drop slightly. Birds don’t quite hold their condition the same way they did a few weeks earlier. It’s not dramatic, just a gradual change building in the background.

It’s not dramatic, just a gradual change building in the background.

Most flocks will always have some scraps, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s part of keeping chickens. The difference comes down to how much influence those scraps have. When they stay as a small addition, everything tends to hold steady. When they begin to take over, even slowly, that’s when things start to drift. Chickens won’t balance this out for themselves. If they’re given the opportunity, they’ll always pick what they enjoy first.

What Usually Works Without Overthinking It

The simplest approach is usually the one that holds up. Let birds settle into their feed first, then bring scraps in afterwards. That keeps everything in balance without needing to constantly adjust or second guess things. It doesn’t need to be strict, just consistent. Over time, that consistency is what keeps birds in good condition and avoids the small issues that tend to build when feeding starts to drift.

A Simple Way to Look at It

If chickens had their way, they’d eat like kids at a birthday party, straight to the easiest and most rewarding food first, without much thought for what comes next. That’s not a flaw, it’s just how they’re wired. Their regular feed does the heavy lifting in the background, quietly supporting everything you don’t always see day to day.

Looking Ahead

As routines shift through the season, small habits like feeding tend to matter more than they first appear. Nothing stands out straight away, but over time, consistency in feed and access plays a big role in how birds settle and perform.

If you’ve noticed your flock favouring scraps or picking around their feed more than usual, it’s usually a good time to bring things back into balance before it starts to show up elsewhere. If your chickens seem to waste feed or pick around it more than they should, our next blog will cover a simple approach that can make feeding easier and more consistent.

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Why Avocado Is Bad for Chickens

Why Avocado Is Bad for Chickens

It’s One of the Few Foods to Avoid Completely. Most kitchen scraps are fine for chickens in moderation.

Vegetables, fruit, leftovers, even things you wouldn’t expect, chickens are generally very good at picking through what they need and leaving the rest. Avocado is one of the few exceptions. It’s not something they should have access to at all, not because it’s messy or hard to eat, but because it contains a compound that can be harmful to birds.

What Makes It a Problem?

Avocado contains a natural toxin called persin.

In small amounts, it doesn’t tend to affect humans, but birds are far more sensitive to it. For chickens, it can interfere with how their body functions, particularly affecting breathing and internal organs. The important thing to understand is that it’s not just one part of the fruit. Persin is present throughout the avocado, though some parts contain more than others.

The Parts to Avoid

The highest concentration sits in the skin and the pit, which is where most of the risk comes from. These parts should never be fed. The flesh itself is lower in persin, but it’s still not considered safe to offer, especially when there are plenty of better options available. As a general rule, it’s best treated as a complete avoid, rather than something to portion or manage.

What Happens If They Eat It?

In most cases, chickens won’t actively seek it out in large amounts, but if they do consume it, the effects can show up fairly quickly. The first signs are usually subtle. Birds may seem quieter than usual, less active, or slightly off their normal behaviour. As it progresses, you may notice breathing becoming more laboured, or a general drop in condition.

Severe cases are rare in backyard flocks, but the risk is there, particularly if larger amounts are consumed or if birds are exposed repeatedly.

Why It’s Easy to Miss

Avocado doesn’t stand out as a risky food. It’s soft, fresh, and seems similar to other scraps that are normally fine. Because chickens will peck at it out of curiosity, it can easily be offered without a second thought. That’s usually where the problem starts, not from overfeeding, but from assuming it’s just another harmless scrap.

What to Do Instead

There’s no shortage of better options. Leafy greens, vegetable offcuts, and fruit that’s safe for poultry all give the same benefits without the risk. Chickens will still show the same interest and behaviour, just without the downside. Keeping scraps simple and familiar tends to avoid most issues.

Final Thought

Most foods are fine in moderation. Avocado isn’t one of them. It’s one of the few scraps that’s best left out completely, not because it’s likely to cause immediate problems every time, but because there’s no real benefit to taking the risk.

We’ll be covering more common foods like this in upcoming posts, what’s safe, what’s not, and what’s worth thinking twice about before it ends up in the coop.

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Autumn Chicken Care: What Changes When the Season Turns


There’s always a moment out here where things just feel different. The first proper rain settles the dust, softens the ground, and changes how everything moves. After a long dry stretch, it’s not just the paddock that shifts, the whole environment does.

The chickens usually pick up on it first. They’re well equipped for the weather, their feathers shed water better than most people realise, but it’s not the rain itself that causes issues. It’s when moisture lingers, when the ground stays wet, bedding holds damp, and conditions don’t get a chance to dry out properly. That’s when things start to matter.

Chickens Notice Before We Do

Chickens are far more in tune with their environment than we often give them credit for. Before you’ve changed anything on your end, they’ve already adjusted how they move through the day.

You’ll see it in the small things. They take longer to leave the coop in the morning, spend more time working certain patches, and naturally drift toward areas that offer a bit more shelter or drier ground. It’s not dramatic, just a steady shift in how they use the space around them.

That behaviour is usually worth paying attention to. More often than not, they’re showing you where conditions are working, and where they’re starting to fall short.

Feed Matters More Than You Think

What they’re doing through the day usually shows up in how they’re feeding. You’ll often notice they’re less eager first thing in the morning, then settle into it later on. Intake tends to spread out differently, not reduced, just less rushed and more gradual as the day warms.

Try adding a bit of their regular feed to a bowl with hot water before roosting, it’s like a bowl of warm porridge.

Nothing drastic needs to change here, but quality starts to matter more. A good layer feed sitting around that 16–18% protein range tends to carry birds better through this period, helping them hold condition and maintain production without needing constant adjustment. Keeping feed consistent and easy to access will usually do more than trying to tweak things too often.

Where it can slip is with small disruptions. Missed feeds, sudden changes, or inconsistent access tend to show up more in these conditions, not immediately, but over time in weight, behaviour, and eventually production.

The Moisture You Don’t Notice

After the rain, everything looks refreshed. The dust disappears, the paddock comes back to life, and it feels like conditions have improved almost instantly. But what’s happening underneath tells a different story. Moisture works its way into bedding, especially in corners and under perches where airflow is limited. Once it’s there, it doesn’t dry as quickly as expected. Bedding loses its structure, becomes heavier, and starts holding damp instead of shedding it. That’s usually where things begin to turn, not from obvious mess, but from material that’s quietly holding more moisture than it should.

Around drinkers, the ground tends to compact with regular use. Instead of draining, water sits in place, creating patches that stay wet well after everything else has dried. Add in droppings and feed, and those areas can quickly head in the wrong direction if they’re left alone. A quick reset early makes all the difference. Turning bedding, removing damp sections, or shifting drinkers onto fresh ground gives those areas a chance to recover before they become ongoing problems. It’s simple work, but it keeps things from building in the background.

Why Egg Production Feels “Off”

This is usually when questions about egg production start to come up. It can feel like it drops off suddenly, even though nothing obvious has changed day to day. What’s often missed is that production doesn’t reflect what’s happening right now, it reflects what’s been building over the past few weeks. Light, intake, and overall condition all feed into it gradually, so when numbers shift, they’re usually catching up to earlier conditions rather than reacting to the current ones.

That lag is what throws people off. It makes it easy to look for a quick fix, when in most cases, the better approach is to keep things steady and let it level out again.

Why Autumn Is Great to Start

If you’ve been thinking about getting chickens, this is one of the easier times to begin. Not because it’s the most productive season, but because birds can settle in without dealing with extremes straight away. The heat has eased, conditions are more manageable, and there’s time for them to establish properly before winter sets in. It gives both the birds and your setup a chance to find a rhythm without pressure.

If you’re looking to get started, you can view our available pullets here:

View Available Pullets

The Farm Finds Its Rhythm

There’s a point where the pressure lifts. Through summer, a lot of time is spent working around the heat, managing conditions, and avoiding unnecessary stress on the flock. Jobs get pushed back, and progress tends to happen in short windows rather than steady runs.

Now there’s room to move again. The days are easier to work through, the ground is more forgiving, and the jobs that have been waiting can finally be tackled properly. It becomes less about reacting and more about improving things. Small changes start to stack, coops get refreshed, setups get adjusted, and everything begins moving forward again instead of just holding steady.

It’s not about slowing down. It’s about getting back to proper progress.

Looking Ahead

This is where the smaller things start to have more influence. Moisture, feed consistency, and general coop conditions tend to shape how the flock settles in over the coming weeks. None of it stands out immediately, but it builds gradually if it’s left unchecked. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more around common wet weather issues, simple ways to keep coops dry, and how to manage conditions as temperatures continue to drop.

If you’ve started to notice subtle changes in behaviour or routine, it’s usually a sign to start paying a little closer attention now, rather than later. Nothing stands out straight away, but what’s left unattended has a way of building in the background, whether it’s ground condition, bedding, or how consistently birds are feeding.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more around managing wet conditions, keeping coops dry, and what to watch as temperatures continue to drop. If you’ve already started noticing small shifts in behaviour or routine, it’s usually a good time to stay a step ahead of the

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


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. Contact Josie from South West Vets for 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 help support hydration.

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