The Farming Diaries

Have you ever gone into your chicken house in the morning and noticed that one chicken has a swollen eye, watery eyes, or an eye that is completely closed? It can be worrying, especially when the bird was perfectly fine the previous day. A swollen or closed eye is not a disease by itself . It is a sign that something is irritating or affecting the bird. The cause can range from an injury or poor air quality to a respiratory infection. The important thing is not to assume that every swollen eye needs the same treatment. This guide explains what to look for, what you can do immediately, when to separate the affected bird, and when you should involve a poultry veterinarian. Important: This article is for general poultry-care education. A chicken with a severely swollen eye, breathing difficulty, multiple symptoms, or rapidly spreading illness should be assessed by a qualified poultry veterinarian. What does a swollen or closed eye look like? The problem can appear in different ways. Yo...

There is something special about watching a duck egg slowly develop, hearing the first tiny peep from inside the shell, and finally seeing a wet little duckling emerge. But successful hatching is only the beginning. The first few days after hatch are just as important as incubation. Ducklings need the right temperature, clean water, appropriate feed, dry bedding and protection from chilling, drowning, predators and disease. Whether you are hatching ducklings naturally under a broody duck or using an incubator, this guide takes you through the journey from fertile egg to fluffy, active duckling. Note: Incubation requirements vary between duck breeds and incubation methods. The recommendations below are general guidance. Always follow the instructions for your particular incubator and breed where available. How long does a duck egg take to hatch? Most domestic duck eggs hatch in approximately 28 days . However, there are important exceptions. Muscovy ducks generally have a longer inc...

Raising broiler chickens profitably depends heavily on one key factor — feed . In fact, feed alone can account for up to 70% of the total production cost in a typical broiler farming setup. For many small- to medium-scale poultry farmers, relying on commercial feeds can become a financial burden. Not only are these feeds expensive, but their quality can also be inconsistent. In some cases, they may lack essential nutrients or contain fillers that slow down bird growth or compromise health, ultimately cutting into your profits. The good news? You can take control of your production by formulating your own broiler feed at home . With the right knowledge and ingredients — many of which are locally available and affordable — you can prepare nutritious, balanced feed that supports healthy growth, boosts immunity, and maximizes weight gain in your broilers. Homemade feed also allows you to adjust nutrient levels based on the bird’s age or specific needs, giving you flexibility and cost-effi...