The recently launched Country Skills book series by GRIT magazine is loaded with easy, healthy and do-it-yourself tips and tricks to make your life better. Whether it is making the perfect loaf of homemade bread or finally getting those backyard chickens, we have the solutions. You won’t be disappointed.

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GRIT Country Skills Series • GUIDE TO BACKYARD CHICKENS • Spring 2020

CHICK ILLNESS PREVENT AND TREAT • Protecting your chicks from illnesses starts with understanding how to prevent diseases, and spotting and responding to symptoms.

Build the Perfect CHICKEN COOP • With our unique design, anyone can keep a few chickens, even in a small backyard.

BREEDS THAT WORK FOR YOUR NEEDS • These standout breeds deserve special recognition for a job well done. So raise an egg and help congratulate our top chicken breed picks!

THE BEST BACKYARD CHICKEN BREEDS FOR KIDS • A whole new generation of youngsters is falling in love with flocks of fowl and is eager to learn more about keeping them healthy and happy.

Caring For Your New Chickens • Caring for your new baby chicks properly is the key to maintaining a healthy flock.

HATCHING A PLAN • It’s all in a day’s work for entrepreneur Ryan Kelsey, who rises with the chickens.

WHY RAISE HERITAGE LIVESTOCK? • Such breeds connect us with our past and often can bring a variety of benefits to a farm.

From Total Loss to Sustainable Success • A hardworking family from New Orleans lost everything in Katrina including their jobs and investments. With only themselves to rely on, they started an extremely successful, sustainable chicken farm.

Poultry on Pasture • Don’t underestimate the nutritional value of the weeds and grasses on your ground.

Nutritious Green Plants

Seven Safety Tips for FREE-RANGING CHICKENS • Follow this experienced chicken owner’s advice to keep your flock happy and healthy as they roam around your yard.

Feed the Flock • Whether free-range, forage, or a combination of the two, learn more about what makes an effective diet for your chickens.

Making Your Own Feed

Affordable Ways to Keep Your FLOCK WARM • Some easy methods help increase the chance your chickens will survive a spate of cold weather.

What to Do About Poultry Remorse • Avoid this malady by following these five tips from an experienced chicken owner.

A Healthy Flock: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • Backyard chicken-keeping tips will keep your birds thriving.

Get Smart: Protecting the Flock from PREDATORS • Knowing the enemy is the first step to keeping your chickens safe.

Farm Dogs

Roosters

TREATING and PREVENTING LICE on CHICKENS • Learn how to identify the presence of lice to avoid an infestation in your chicken flock.

Treating and Preventing CHICKEN FROSTBITE • Protect your flock from winter freezes with the help of these tips.

RAISING Guinea Fowl on Your Farm • Guinea fowl make a great addition to your livestock. Raising them on your farm or homestead can help keep gardens tidy and bug free.

STEALING FROM SNAKES • Keep your chicks safe and warm in their brooder with these helpful tips.

Build a Weatherproof, Pest-Proof Chicken Feeder • Feed your flock without encouraging mold or supporting the local mouse and starling populations.

Home on the (Free-) Range • “Where the hens and the rooster are happy all day...