Chicken Chatter Blog with Lacey Vilhauer

Lacey Vilhauer Chicken Chatter As a farmer’s daughter, an agricultural journalist and someone who currently lives on a farm, I love that chickens—just like the eggs they produce—are serving as a binder to bridge the gap between agriculturists and consumers several generations removed from the farm. This inspired me to start a chicken blog called Chicken Chatter, to discuss various fowl topics, including some of my own experiences with a flock of 11 birds and insights from others involved with the backyard bird pastime.

They really are incredible animals and after several years of consistently owning chickens, I can’t see my life without them. If you love chickens or want to learn more about them, follow Chicken Chatter on www.hpj.com for new installments each month and let’s talk chickens together.

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or lvilhauer@hpj.com.

How to introduce new hens to a backyard flock

How to introduce new hens to a backyard flock

Ask my husband what stresses me out, and he’ll say, “worrying about pets,” and introducing new hens to my chicken coop is no exception. Selecting new birds is always exciting, but transporting and int…

All Avian Related Content

Bird flu continues to drive egg prices

Bird flu continues to drive egg prices

As expected, peak demand for eggs during Easter came at a time of tighter supplies. In the recent World Agricultural Supply and…
Texas A&M study predicts long-term drop in chicken fertility rates

Texas A&M study predicts long-term drop in chicken fertility rates

Statistical analysis forecasts further declines in ‘hatchability’ by 2050 A new study shows chicken fertility rates in U.S. bro…
Backyard Laying Hen Workshop set for May 10

Backyard Laying Hen Workshop set for May 10

Register for free event by May 8. University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist Patrick Davis says backyard poult…
Wholesale egg prices are decreasing, but expect delay in lower prices at grocery stores

Wholesale egg prices are decreasing, but expect delay in lower prices at grocery stores

The national average wholesale price of eggs has declined, but consumers may have a wait before seeing lower prices at the grocery…
Why are eggs different colors?

Why are eggs different colors?

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A good egg: Pasture-raised egg farms connect with consumers 

A good egg: Pasture-raised egg farms connect with consumers 

The pastel-colored yolk of a conventional, cage-raised egg literally pales in comparison to the rich, golden shade of a pasture-ra…
Rollins: Progress made on avian flu and egg prices

Rollins: Progress made on avian flu and egg prices

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s five-pronged strategy to combat highly path…
Partnering for success: how local processors strengthen agriculture and community

Partnering for success: how local processors strengthen agriculture and community

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How to keep chickens safe during unpredictable spring weather

How to keep chickens safe during unpredictable spring weather

Springtime in areas with unpredictable weather can present unique challenges for chicken owners. Tornadoes, strong winds, and heav…
Safety first: keeping children and chickens together

Safety first: keeping children and chickens together

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Avian Flu detected in two Oklahoma counties

Avian Flu detected in two Oklahoma counties

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in Grady …
Raising chickens for their eggs has some costs and takes time and patience

Raising chickens for their eggs has some costs and takes time and patience

The high price of eggs has caused some people to start their own backyard flocks. But before getting your first chick, there are a…
SDSU awarded research grant to help fight poultry virus

SDSU awarded research grant to help fight poultry virus

Avian metapneumovirus is a highly contagious virus causing respiratory and reproductive disorders in poultry, leading to significa…
Avian flu detected in Iowa turkey flock

Avian flu detected in Iowa turkey flock

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspectio…
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Predator problems? A control guide for livestock producers

K-State wildlife specialist outlines non-lethal ways to protect livestock from predators Based on 2020 market values, predators…
Chicken meat prices hold steady despite rising egg costs

Chicken meat prices hold steady despite rising egg costs

Consumers may have noticed the cost of chicken meat has not climbed in relation to soaring egg prices amid production losses due t…
Secretary Rollins announces $1 billion plan to combat avian flu, egg prices 

Secretary Rollins announces $1 billion plan to combat avian flu, egg prices 

On Feb. 26, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined a plan to systematically control highly pathogenic avian influen…
A rundown of the roadrunner

A rundown of the roadrunner

(Photo by Jessica Kirkpatrick via Unsplash.) Seeing a roadrunner dart across a highway is not an everyday occurrence in Oklahom…
A ‘gathering for gardeners’ is set for March 8 in Hutchinson

A ‘gathering for gardeners’ is set for March 8 in Hutchinson

A day filled with free gardening information for homeowners and gardeners has been scheduled for March 8. The Hutchinson Horticult…
Texas A&M veterinarian named head of Trump pandemic office 

Texas A&M veterinarian named head of Trump pandemic office 

Gerald Parker, Jr., DVM, Ph.D., has been selected to head the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy under the Donald Trump adm…
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Operation Ostrich: Raising one heck of a drumstick

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Maine pine needles yield valuable Tamiflu material

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Waging war on cedar trees

Birds need our help in winter

Birds need our help in winter

Iowa State University avian influenza in small birds and rodents

Iowa State University avian influenza in small birds and rodents

Poultry feed efficiency research has implications for human health

Poultry feed efficiency research has implications for human health

A New Year’s resolution for soil and business

A New Year’s resolution for soil and business

Goshen County 4-H educator honored for innovative programming

Goshen County 4-H educator honored for innovative programming

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How to manage agricultural land to benefit wildlife

EPA says glyphosate is unlikely carcinogenic

EPA says glyphosate is unlikely carcinogenic

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ICAC: Global cotton consumption to increase

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Evanston hosting Wyoming-Utah Ag Days on Jan. 23-24

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Raising peacocks and game birds

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Raising turkeys

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Raising ducks and geese

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Pueblo Eagle Days festival happening Feb. 3-4

Earl Hafner of Panora to receive 2018 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa

Earl Hafner of Panora to receive 2018 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa

Local FFA chapter does their part to train future agriculturalists

Local FFA chapter does their part to train future agriculturalists

Texas Native Seeds project expanding to meet demand ecosystem restoration

Texas Native Seeds project expanding to meet demand ecosystem restoration

Government in shutdown mode, Perdue outlines USDA services while ag reacts

Government in shutdown mode, Perdue outlines USDA services while ag reacts