How-To Library

Whether you are a first-time chicken owner or have had chickens for a while, knowing how to care for them while they molt is important to their overall health. All chickens molt annually. This occurs when the days start to get shorter and fall approaches. Some chickens will molt twice in one year and this second molt is called a soft molt. To the untrained eye, you will not be able to tell this is happening because your chickens will only lose some feathers to thin out their coat. During a hard molt, the chicken will become almost bald. This process can take anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks; however, each bird is different, and the length of its molting process can vary. Caring for your birds while they molt is of the utmost importance as they are more susceptible to illness.

Planning for summer chicken care will ensure that your flock has sufficient water on very hot days. The poultry experts at Southern States have some helpful tips for keeping your chickens cool and hydrated during the heat of summer.

Rotational grazing allows you to provide fresh pasture to your livestock at all times. Large pastures are sectioned off into smaller parcels using either permanent or temporary fencing. These new smaller pastures are grazed intensively for a short period of time. Animals are then moved to the next pasture that is ready for grazing and the pasture they were moved from is given time off to allow grass to regrow.

Nationwide® members file claims for animal “breakouts” on their farms and ranches that total close to $8 million a year. Consider these best practices to help you keep people and animals safe on your farm or ranch.

Caring for your pet’s health and wellbeing is the most important part of being a good pet owner. Feeding high-quality food, getting plenty of exercise, and maintaining a regular check-up schedule with your veterinarian will help to keep your pet feeling their best. To get the most out of your next visit to the vet, be sure to ask these essential questions to give you more insight into your pet’s health.

It’s not uncommon for domestic cats and dogs to want to make a tasty treat out of chicks or even full-grown chickens. However, while your pets may behave unpredictably around your chicks, there are steps you can take to protect your new feathered friends.

The first step in creating a quality pasture is to select grasses and legumes that will thrive in your soil & environment. Grasses known to produce quality forage are fescue, orchardgrass, timothy, ryegrass, and bermudagrass.

With winter weather fast approaching, it’s time for beef farmers to develop and finalize their winter herd management plans. Cold temperatures bring added stress on cattle as they adjust to temperature fluctuations, wind, snow, rain and mud.

Across the USA, extreme drought has become a far too familiar foe for homeowners and agricultural farmers. In the suburban setting, the obligation for reduced water usage has forced lawn care and maintenance to become more strategic. It demands a conscious approach when attempting to maintain an attractive property. To preserve the health of your grass during such harsh conditions, consider these tips to help you make the drought more manageable.

The number one enemy of healthy lawns is compacted soil. Air gets compressed out of the top layer of soil by children's play, heavy rains, foot traffic, parked cars, mowing and construction equipment. It is vital that the soil be opened up so air can enter it. Core aeration can remedy soil compaction issues.

If your lawn has problem areas due to disease, an accidental fertilizer spill or just an area where the grass plants are thin, Southern States has solutions to fit your needs.

A balanced application of good lawn fertilizer four times a year helps, but first you need to determine the best lawn fertilizer for your grass & area. Here are some tips and resources for additional lawn care information.