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Weak, thin, or soft chicken eggshells can lead to loss of eggs and income, deformities in chicks, and other difficulties. There are several reasons why shell strength may degrade, and different ways to prevent it to ensure the most productive laying hens. Why Hens Might Lay Weak or Soft Eggs There can be several causes behind weak chicken eggs. While any hen might have an occasional soft egg and infrequent weak eggshells are nothing to be concerned about, if a hen is laying soft eggs regularly or with noticeably increasing frequency, she may be suffering from any of these conditions....

Bloat can be a dangerous condition in goats, causing gastrointestinal distress and discomfort, decreasing the animal’s productivity, and leading to loss of condition and even death if not effectively treated. Understanding the causes of bloat in goats, however, can help you keep your billies, nannies, and kids healthy. What Is Bloat? Bloat, also called ruminal tympany, is a buildup of gasses in the digestive tract when an animal is unable to burp to release the gas, causing swelling of the abdomen. This can be a very painful condition and may even be fatal if left untreated. All ruminants are susceptible...

A dust bath is more than a fun game or occasional entertainment for your chickens – it is an essential part of grooming to keep the birds' skin and feathers in peak condition and free of mites, fleas, lice and other parasites. Fortunately, it is not difficult to give your chickens a dust bath to help keep your flock clean and healthy. Defining Dust The dust your chickens will appreciate most is far different from the lightweight, omnipresent household dust you may always be cleaning. For chickens, the very best dust is fine, dry, powdery dirt that will absorb oil...

We know that you’ve been caring for your grass all throughout the summer and at this point looking after it has probably become a tedious task. However, caring for your lawn in the fall is just as important so your grass can stay healthy through the winter months. Here are some tips on caring for your lawn in the fall:Tread softly but carry a big, and slightly raised, mower deckIf you were cutting your grass pretty short during the summer months, for the fall you should raise it approximately by a 1/2 inch – putting the total grass height at...

Flies can be more than just a nuisance, they can actually be dangerous to you, your animals, your garden and your crops. There are dozens of types of flies that can mean trouble, but fortunately, it is no trouble to take simple steps to control all sorts of fly populations around your property. The Problems With Flies There are many ways that flies can be a problem in your home, yard, garden, barn, pasture or fields. Not every type of fly causes the same issues, but common problems include… Disease Transmission – As biting insects, flies can easily transmit a...