Fox Field Farm

10/15/2025

10/13/2025

👉 How to Become Self-Sufficient on ¼ Acre (or less)... http://www.ecosnippets.com/self-sufficient-backyard/

10/13/2025

Understanding the Chicken Comb: A Comprehensive Guide

The Chicken Comb

The chicken comb is much more than a decorative feature on a chicken’s head; it serves as a crucial organ with important roles in the bird’s health, reproduction, and temperature regulation. Just like a thermometer measures temperature or a beacon signals health, the comb is a reliable indicator of a chicken’s overall condition. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about chicken combs, helping you understand their importance and how to care for them in simple, clear terms.

Types of Combs

✅Single Comb: The most common type of comb, characterized by a straight, upright structure with distinct, pointed spikes.

✅Rose Comb: A flat, broad comb with a smooth, rough surface, typically seen in certain breeds like the Rose comb or Wyandotte.

✅Pea Comb: A small, rounded comb that resembles a cluster of peas, often seen in breeds like the Plymouth Rock.

✅Buttercup Comb: Cup-shaped, featuring two distinct lobes that resemble a small cup, commonly found in breeds such as the Buttercup

The Comb as a Health Indicator

Signs of a Healthy Comb

✅Bright Red Color: A vibrant red comb signifies good circulation and health in adult chickens.

✅Smooth Texture: A healthy comb is smooth to the touch without bumps or irregularities.

✅Firm Yet Flexible: The comb should be firm but not rigid or overly stiff, indicating good blood flow and overall health.

Common Comb Disorders

✅Frostbite: Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause the comb tips to darken, leading to frostbite.

✅Fungal Infections: Can lead to swelling and discoloration of the comb.

✅Scaly Leg Mites: These can affect the base of the comb, leading to irritation and scaling.

Caring for Chicken Combs

Nutrition

✅Ensure a diet rich in vitamins A, D, and E to maintain comb health.

✅Provide clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Protection from Weather

✅Apply petroleum jelly to combs during freezing temperatures to prevent frostbite. This should be done daily in extreme cold, especially for chickens with larger combs. Alternatively, consider using insulated coops or frostbite-resistant breeds to minimize the risk.

✅Offer shade and ventilation in hot climates to reduce heat stress

Regular Health Checks

✅Inspect combs weekly for signs of injury, discoloration, or swelling.

✅Treat any infections or injuries promptly with appropriate medications.

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10/10/2025

Farm therapy at it's best!

💙 World Mental Health Day: October 10 2025 💙

Mental health isn’t always visible, but it touches every part of who we are. It’s in how we think, how we love, how we rest, and how we show up for ourselves and others. Taking care of your mind isn’t selfish - it’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and the people who love you.

Some days feel heavy, and that’s okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out. What matters is that you keep going, one small step at a time. Breathe, pause, talk, cry if you need to. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but it begins the moment you give yourself permission to be human.

And if you’re lucky enough to have a pet, you already know the quiet magic they bring. They don’t need to fix you - they just stay. Their presence reminds us that love doesn’t need words, and that even on the hardest days, we are not alone. 🐾

Let’s keep making space for honesty, care, and compassion. Check in on someone today. Remind them that their feelings matter. And remind yourself too - you deserve peace, rest, and light. 💛

10/10/2025

We love and have both breeds in our flock♡

MARAN VS ARAUCANA: CHICKEN BREEDS AND THEIR EGGS COMPARED

Maran and Araucana chickens are two fascinating breeds that offer not only unique personalities but also stunningly colored eggs. Whether you're building a backyard flock or just curious about chicken genetics, these two stand out for very different reasons.

Maran chickens hail from France and are known for their large, sturdy build and feathered legs—especially in varieties like the Black Copper Maran. They’re calm, friendly, and easy to manage, making them ideal for beginners. What truly sets them apart is their eggs: deep chocolate brown, often with a glossy sheen. These eggs are medium to large in size, have thick shells, and are laid at a moderate pace. The darker the egg, the more prized the hen, which makes Marans a favorite among egg collectors.

Araucana chickens, originating from Chile, are visually striking and genetically intriguing. They’re rumpless (lacking a tail) and sport dramatic ear tufts, which are linked to a lethal gene that can complicate breeding. Araucanas are active, curious, and sometimes a bit flighty—less docile than Marans but full of personality. Their eggs are a vivid bright blue, medium-sized, and moderately thick-shelled. Like Marans, they lay at a moderate rate, but their egg color is what steals the show.

In terms of breeding, Marans are relatively straightforward, while Araucanas require more care due to their unique genetics. Araucanas are often confused with Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers, but they are genetically distinct and one of the original blue egg layers.

In summary:
- Marans offer rich, chocolate-colored eggs and a gentle temperament.
- Araucanas bring vibrant blue eggs and a quirky, energetic vibe.

If you're aiming for a rainbow egg basket, these two breeds are a perfect start.

10/10/2025

We LOVE GENETICS!

BLUE LACED WAYNNOTE
How Blue Laced Red Wyandottes (often affectionately called BLRWs) are bred, especially when it comes to their color genetics. These chickens are admired for their stunning blue-laced feathers over a rich red base—but getting that look takes a bit of genetic magic 🧬🐔.

💡 5 Key Points About the Breeding Chart

1. The BBS Rule (Blue, Black, Splash)
Blue coloring in chickens follows a pattern called BBS genetics. When you breed two blue birds, you don’t always get blue chicks—you get a mix:
- 50% Blue
- 25% Black
- 25% Splash (a lighter, almost white-blue)

2. Red Base Doesn’t Change the Math
The “red” in Blue Laced Red Wyandottes is a separate trait. It doesn’t affect how the blue gene behaves. So the same BBS percentages apply whether the bird is red-laced or not.

3. Breeding Combinations Matter
- Blue × Blue = Blue, Black, Splash chicks
- Blue × Black = 50% Blue, 50% Black
- Blue × Splash = 50% Blue, 50% Splash
- Splash × Splash = All Splash
- Black × Black = All Black

4. Why Splash Is Tricky
Splash birds are beautiful but not ideal for breeding if you want consistent blue-laced offspring. They tend to produce lighter, less defined lacing.

5. Best Pairing for Color Consistency
Most breeders prefer pairing a Blue with a Black to get strong, consistent Blue Laced Red Wyandottes with crisp feather patterns.

If you're breeding for show quality or just want a gorgeous backyard flock, understanding this chart helps you plan your pairings wisely.

10/10/2025

10/07/2025

National 4-H Week is October 5th-October 11th 2025. If you haven’t heard of 4-H, check out this fact sheet with all you need to know about this great organization!

This year, National 4-H is recognizing the Beyond Ready initiative by holding events throughout the week. Check out these events here: https://hubs.ly/Q03MgXVw0

10/04/2025

Save the date

Save the date for the 100th Middlesex & New Haven 4-H Fair!