This is where I share practical chicken keeping information, local resources, and some of the things that would not fit into a single workshop day.
This is still a work in progress but, eventually, you’ll find articles about raising chicks, caring for adult chickens, flock health, biosecurity, local breeders and suppliers, and the occasional product or resource I have found genuinely useful.
These resources are written to help you understand your birds and make better decisions, whether you have attended a Feathered Fundamentals workshop or are still deciding if chicken keeping is for you.
The Feathered Fundamentals workshop brings the important parts together in one day, with time to ask questions and a detailed guidebook to take home.
All Articles, Life With Adult Chickens, Raising Chickens
Finding chickens locally shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Here’s a list of real, established Nova Scotia breeders, plus a few tips to help you avoid scams and bring home your flock with confidence.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: March 23, 2026
Wondering how much space those chickens will actually need? Here are the minimums I use when planning housing for my birds. These are starting points, not a reason to stop measuring once you’ve reached the number. More space is always welcome, especially in a run.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: September 29, 2026
All Articles, Health, Wellness & First Aid, Life With Adult Chickens
Layer feed contains more calcium than roosters and other non-laying birds need. Learn what to feed a mixed flock, why oyster shell should be offered separately, and how a laying hen uses calcium from her diet and bones to build an eggshell.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: September 20, 2026
All Articles, Life With Adult Chickens, Local Chicken Resources
A roundup of local makers and small producers selling handmade goods for your flock.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: July 19, 2026
Finding poultry locally shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Here’s a list of real, established Nova Scotia breeders - plus a few tips to help you avoid scams and bring home your flock with confidence.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: July 10, 2026
All Articles, Health, Wellness & First Aid
Coccidiosis is one of the first health challenges many chicken keepers encounter. With a little knowledge, you can spot the signs early, treat it effectively, and protect the rest of your flock. Let’s walk through what it is, how it spreads, and what to do if it shows up in your coop.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: June 9, 2026
All Articles, Raising Chickens
Not every rooster can stay in the flock he hatched into, but every rooster deserves a humane outcome. Learn about local re-homing resources, bachelor flock management, rescue options, and other responsible ways to handle extra roosters in Nova Scotia.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: June 2, 2026
All Articles, Health, Wellness & First Aid
Poultry sales, swaps, and shows are a fun way to meet other chicken keepers and maybe bring home a few new feathered additions, but they also come with increased biosecurity risks. In this post I’m sharing some simple, practical habits that can help protect your flock both during and after poultry events.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: May 15, 2026
All Articles, Raising Chickens
Bringing home new chickens is exciting, but one question matters more than anything else: is your new flock healthy? Learn how to evaluate a breeder, what questions to ask, and how to protect your birds with smart biosecurity.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: March 27, 2026
All Articles, Raising Chickens
Thinking about getting chickens in Nova Scotia but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly guide covers everything from bylaws and breed choices to coop setup, daily care, and finding reputable breeders so you can start your flock with confidence.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: March 24, 2026
After nearly a year of planning, tweaking, and second-guessing, Feathered Fundamentals is finally live. There’s one pilot workshop date available for now, with more to come if there’s interest.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: March 23, 2026
All Articles, Life With Adult Chickens, Raising Chickens
Cold weather can be tough on chickens and their keepers. Every winter brings a new round of opinions on how much help our birds actually need. Should you heat the coop? Add light? Wrap the run? Let’s talk through some practical, balanced ways to help your flock stay comfortable without going overboard.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: November 5, 2025
All Articles, Life With Adult Chickens, Raising Chickens
It’s fall, there are feathers everywhere, and at least one member of your flock suddenly looks like she has been pulled backward through a hedge. The first time you see a hard molt, it can be alarming. Chickens can lose their tails, develop bare patches, look tired and generally appear as though something has gone terribly wrong. In most cases, though, they are simply replacing their old feathers.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: October 28, 2025
All Articles, Raising Chickens
Facebook is full of people selling chickens that don't exist. Here's how to spot a scammer before you send anyone money.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: May 28, 2025
All Articles, Health, Wellness & First Aid
When temperatures drop, your chickens’ combs and wattles are at risk for frostbite, especially the boys with the big, showy ones. Here’s what frostbite looks like, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.
CONTINUE READINGPosted on: March 7, 2025
The Venue & What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility & Supports
Pay for a Workshop
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Feathered Fundamentals is part of my wider work at Roots, Roost & Rafter, where I share homestead life, chicken keeping, and ongoing updates.