Backyard Coop Guide - Practical Tips for Happy Hens

Straw vs Pine Shavings: Best Winter Bedding for Chicken Coops?

January 2, 2026 by Jack Miller

Comparison of straw vs pine shavings for chicken coop bedding

I have seen more arguments about chicken bedding than I have about politics. When you are new to raising chickens, it is confusing. The old-timers swear by straw because “that’s how we always did it.” The modern books tell you to use pine shavings because it’s cleaner. You just want your birds to survive January … Read more

7 Easy Ways to Keep Chicken Water From Freezing Without Electricity

January 2, 2026 by Jack Miller

backyard chickens drinking from water bowl in winter snow

Let’s be honest: waking up at 6 AM in -10 degree weather to smash ice out of a plastic chicken waterer is miserable. I’ve been there. You walk out to the coop, freezing your fingers off, only to find the waterer is a solid brick of ice. Your chickens are thirsty, you are grumpy, and … Read more