Bissonnette Acres

06/20/2026

I am really liking this pullet we have growing out for the fall show season. She is developing some beautiful qualities, including tightly fitting hard feathers with a gorgeous green sheen, a small upright comb, round eyes, a slightly curved beak, and a lean, athletic build supported by strong, well spread legs.

One feature I particularly appreciate is her tight undercarriage. Many hens tend to carry excess fluff in the rear, which can obscure the bird’s true shape and overall type. By selecting for birds with minimal underfluff and tighter feathering, we are able to better showcase the breed’s natural outline and proportions.

As with any young bird, there are still traits I’m watching closely. Ideally, I would like to see a more upright stance in my females, and this pullet currently leans a bit more toward the horizontal. However, she is still immature and has plenty of time to continue developing her posture, muscling, and overall balance. Her tail set is also on the lower side at the moment, but as those mature tail feathers come in and finish out, that may improve as well.

Overall, I think she has a great deal of potential for the show hall, and I’m excited to watch her continue to mature and see what she looks like in all her glory this fall.

06/19/2026

Side Sprigs (DQ)

Side sprigs are well-defined points or projections growing from the side of the comb.

When viewing the comb straight on, sprigs appear as small points or nodules that do not align with the main row of points.

Both side sprigs and split combs are genetic faults and will continue to appear in offspring if not properly managed and bred away from.

Sprigs, in particular, are autosomal dominant, meaning they can spread quickly through a breeding program without careful selection and record-keeping.

Because of this, it is recommended to cull birds exhibiting these traits to prevent ongoing issues within your flock and breeding program.

Visuals have been donated by ACBA members; Ariel Chester, Melissa Crothers, and Kristie Grund,

06/17/2026

One thing I work on with every new batch of grow-outs is cooping up on command… or should I say, when strongly suggested 🤪🐓

Teaching your birds to follow your cues gives you a little more control and confidence in your flock, especially in an emergency or any time you need everyone safely tucked away before sundown. Because we rotate and free range all of our breeding pens, having birds that understand the routine is incredibly important.

I’ll admit they can become a bit more stubborn with age and maturity, but the calls, sounds, and herding cues remain familiar to them, making an early coop up much easier than chasing chickens around the yard screaming and cussing. 😂

Start practicing with your little ones. Follow them around, use your arms and body position to gently steer them away from places you don’t want them to go, and encourage them with soft, consistent commands and sounds. Before long, they’ll begin to recognize the routine and understand what’s being asked of them.

Trust me, it’s a game changer when you have a trained flock. A little time spent working with them when they’re young can save you a whole lot of frustration later.

Do your birds come when called, or are they more the “you can’t tell me what to do” type? 🤣

06/14/2026

It may look like they’re just rolling around in the dirt, but dust bathing serves several important purposes!

Dust baths help chickens absorb excess oils, remove dead skin, and naturally manage external parasites. During hot weather, a cool patch of loose dirt can also provide relief from the heat, allowing chickens to settle into the cooler soil beneath the surface and regulate their body temperature.

Beyond the physical benefits, dust bathing is a natural comfort behavior that helps reduce stress and promotes overall well being.

In other words, this isn’t just playtime - it’s a chicken’s version of a spa day, air conditioner, and wellness routine all rolled into one!

Do your chickens have a favorite dust bathing spot?

06/13/2026

Just hosing down the ‘ole broody hens so they won’t STROKE OUT!!!

06/12/2026

Between feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and turning the backyard into an art studio, summer break is in full swing around here! 🐔🎨🌈

Yesterday’s tie-dye adventure was a success, and thankfully everyone ended up more colorful than the chickens.

So tell me… what are your “feral kids” getting into this summer? Farm chores? 4-H projects? Catching frogs? Camp? Crafting? Or running wild until the porch light comes on? 😂🐓☀️

06/11/2026

The chickens are roasting over here in this Arkansas heat
🥵🍗🔥
How’s everyone else surviving this summer??

06/10/2026

If I’ve been quiet lately, it’s because someone keeps reporting my page for community violations..
this is the third report I’ve been dealing with in less than a week.
Because someone doesn’t like me, or agree with who I am and what I bring to social media and the surrounding community - they are now attempting to shut me down.

06/09/2026

Let’s talk about legs!!!

06/07/2026