Why I Still Keep Hens After They Stop Laying
A practical and humane look at what old hens still contribute to a working flock.
Flock Notes
Stories, lessons, and working-yard observations from me, Sage Mercer.
What changed over time, what held up, what did not, and what only became clear after enough ordinary days with the flock.
Start with these
These are some of my first posts. As I come to realize what beginner bird keepers were asking, I make posts about the most common important topics.
What a Good Rooster Is Worth
Not every rooster earns his keep. The good ones change how a flock moves and settles.
What I Do With Kitchen Scraps and What I Never Toss to the Flock
Where scraps help, where they don’t, and how to keep treats from becoming the whole menu.
How I Went From Four Hens to a Real Working Flock
The shift from a starter flock to a yard that revolves around birds, eggs, feed, and routine.
The Hens That Earn Names Around Here
Not every bird gets a name. The memorable ones force the issue.
My Honest Thoughts on Free Ranging
Why I like free ranging, where I draw the line, and when it simply is not worth the risk.
All Notes
Notes on flock life, management choices, useful birds, and the parts of chicken keeping that do not really become clear until the novelty has worn off.
A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before I Sold My First Eggs
What changes when the flock is not just feeding the house anymore.
What Wind Changes in a Chicken Yard
Wind affects feed, dust, stress, roosting habits, and how birds use shelter more than people think.
How I Introduce New Pullets Without Making a Mess of the Flock
There is no magic trick, but there are ways to make introductions less ugly.
The Kinds of Birds I Like Best Now
After keeping a mixed flock long enough, your standards change.
What I Look For Before Winter Hits
The quiet checks that make cold weather easier on both the birds and the keeper.
What I Pay Attention to During Molt
Molt can look rough, but there are a few things that tell me whether the flock is moving through it well.
The Problem With Pretty But Useless Birds
I do not mind a handsome flock. I just do not build one around looks alone anymore.
How a Flock Tells Me Something Is Off
By the time one bird looks sick, the flock often hinted at it already.
The Roosters I Remember Best
Some roosters leave behind noise. A few leave behind respect.