Field notes
The GoodCoop Blog
Practical guides for backyard chicken keepers — written by people who actually keep chickens, edited by people who care if it's right.
What to Plant in Your Garden if You Have Chickens: The Complete Chicken-Safe Garden Guide
A practical guide to chicken-safe garden plants — what to plant for foraging, what to plant for shade and pest control, what's toxic, and how to design a garden that feeds your flock and your family.
Read postBird Flu and Backyard Chickens: What Small Flock Keepers Actually Need to Know in 2026
HPAI is active in backyard flocks across the U.S. in 2026 — not just commercial farms. Here's what to watch for, how to protect your birds, and what to do if you suspect a case.
Read post8 Instagram Chicken Myths — Debunked by Real Keepers
That viral reel about apple cider vinegar, garlic, and heat lamps? Mostly wrong. Here are 8 of the most common backyard chicken myths spread by Instagram influencers — and what to do instead.
Read postBackyard Chickens for Beginners: Every Question Answered
New to backyard chickens? Every question a brand-new keeper asks — roosters, feed, cost, breeds, health — answered in one place.
Read postYour First Week with Backyard Chickens
What to actually do — day by day — when your first hens arrive. The small habits that prevent the big problems.
Read postWhat a Healthy Chicken Actually Looks Like
A field guide for the daily glance. Knowing baseline normal is what lets you spot trouble early.
Read postThe Winter Coop Checklist
What chickens actually need in cold weather (and what they don't). Skip the heat lamp, do these instead.
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