Roots, Roost & Rafter Logo with a picture of a carrot, a hen and a hammer above the text.
A dozen colorful eggs on a bench.

Stories From The Homestead

Winter Chicken Care: Keeping Your Flock Cozy and Safe

A red hen in the snow.

Cold weather can be tough on chickens and their keepers. Every winter brings a new round of opinions on how much help our birds actually need. Should you heat the coop? Add light? Wrap the run? Let’s talk through some practical, balanced ways to help your flock stay comfortable without going overboard.

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Posted on: 5 November 2025

What’s Happening to my Chickens?!

A molting rooster.

It’s fall. You’re minding your own business. One day your chickens are looking fluffy and fabulous. The next it’s like a feather pillow exploded in the coop! Your chickens have bare spots, and weird, spiky quills are poking out everywhere. Don’t panic - they’re not sick. They’re just molting.

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Posted on: 28 October 2025

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Safe Handling of Farm Fresh Eggs

A lot of colorful eggs.

There’s something special about farm fresh eggs - rich yolks, strong shells, and the satisfaction of knowing they came from happy hens. To keep that quality shining through from the nest to the breakfast table, here’s what you need to know about storing, washing, and handling your eggs the right way.

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Posted on: 24 October 2025

What Do You Feed Your Flock?

A basket of tomatoes and zucchini.

Ever wondered what the flocks at Roots, Roost & Rafter are munching on? From grower feed and oyster shell grit to garden veggies, scratch grains, and the occasional egg snack, here’s the full menu - plus why we skip layer feed and how we balance the needs of hens, roosters, and retired ladies.

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Posted on: 17 January 2025