Free desert poultry education · Arizona grown

Everything we know about keeping birds alive in the desert. Free.

Twenty years of Arizona flock keeping — heat, predators, feed, setup, chickens and quail alike — given away in plain language. Start with the free articles. When you want expert eyes on your own flock, that exists too.

285
Five-star reviews
4,000+
Arizona families
50,000+
Chicks raised
10,000+
Pullets raised
The Desert Chicken Library

Take all of it

Articles, the manual, proven gear, and direct counsel — pick the door that fits the problem:

DIY · Free

DIY Articles

Every desert flock problem we have ever solved, written up free. No login, no catch.

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Desert-Proven

Recommended Gear

The short list we trust our own birds to at 115°.

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Done-For-You

The Desert Flock Guide

$29

How to keep your flock alive in the desert — the manual, done for you.

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Done-With-You

The Poultry Desk: Advisory

High-level 1-on-1 strategic counsel for your flock, your microclimate, your goals. Application only.

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What keepers say

285 five-star reviews from keepers who came with questions and got real answers.

★★★★★285 five-star reviews
★★★★★Consulted on AZ heat
“Colwyn was especially helpful consulting… AZ specific challenges such as the AZ heat, shade, predators… built confidence and joy.”
A. Kasper
★★★★★A real person
“Talked with a real person, got in-depth information… excellent service with quality product.”
Cyndi S.
★★★★★Complete novice
“Being a complete novice to the chicken world, I couldn't have been more impressed with the extreme patience and knowledge that was provided to me…”
Robin G.
★★★★★Classroom lesson
“… every time I had a question, I got a quick and helpful response… a wonderful and educational journey!”
Christine H.
★★★★★Taught me for free
“Had a 15 minute conversation with me about chicken questions that didn't even pertain to what I purchased.”
Jason J.
★★★★★Patient with questions
“Patiently answered ALL our questions… so incredibly friendly and supportive.”
Russell D.
★★★★★Solved my problem
“I mentioned I was having a some trouble with my teen rooster. He was positive, encouraging and shared some advice that was quick to resolve my issue.”
Michelle B.
★★★★★Every question answered
“Timely responsive and very informative… helped answer every question.”
Krystal S.
★★★★★Homeschool project
“We are using them as a homeschool project too, and learning so much… They even took time to talk to us on the phone about our many chicken questions.”
Tonya V.
★★★★★Helped me choose
“Very helpful in deciding between breeds… made me feel welcome to the family.”
Ken D.
★★★★★Provided solutions
“Colwyn reached out and provided solutions… super present, detailed, and honest… they definitely care about you and your flocks needs.”
Devyn S.
★★★★★Knowledgeable
“Super kind, knowledgeable and helpful… Fast and wonderful service.”
Ladonna A.
★★★★★Wealth of knowledge
“They have been a wealth of knowledge and support.”
Tempe Chicken Mama
★★★★★A chef's read
“Great at communicating… took time to answer questions… as passionate about how he raised his birds… traditional French breeding techniques.”
Jack R.
★★★★★Knowledgeable
“Very knowledgeable in answering my many questions!”
Christopher C.
★★★★★Endless questions
“Colwyn went ABOVE and BEYOND with his patience. I had endless questions and he always cared and took the time to help me navigate my situations.”
Angel M.
★★★★★Helped us choose
“Communication with AZ Chickens was informative and kind every step of the way, helping us figure out which birds would be best for us.”
Rosemary F.
★★★★★Took the time
“Absolutely the best…”
Kristin H.
★★★★★Answers calls and emails
“I've worked with other hatcheries — these guys are the best!… They also answer your calls & emails!”
Cynthia B.
★★★★★Offers advice
“Colwyn and his family are so great to work with… always happy to offer advice.”
Kimberly D.
★★★★★Always available
“Available for any and all questions.”
Nikki P.
★★★★★Kind with questions
“Timely and kind with any questions… Super friendly.”
Haydon T.
★★★★★First-time keeper
“Very friendly and informative (I am a first time chicken mom) lots of helpful information.”
Destiney A.
★★★★★Advice for novices
“AZ Chicken provides fast response when questions arise, with great advice for novice chicken hatchers like me!”
Pamela A.
★★★★★First incubation
“This was my first time buying hatching eggs and using my incubator. Colwyn was so helpful and the customer service is top notched!”
Kathy D.
★★★★★Honest answers
“Any questions were answered completely and honestly.”
Dennis K.
★★★★★Felt supported
“We felt very supported by the company as first time chicken owners.”
Tarah S.
★★★★★Nervous first-timer
“Since it was our first time we were a little nervous, but everyone has been so wonderful and kind.”
Sheri S.
★★★★★Always available
“Colwyn responds quickly and was always available to answer my questions!”
Tessa L.
★★★★★Genuinely helps
“Colwyn's always very helpful and genuinely wants to help with any questions you may have!”
Clay D.
★★★★★Stays available
“Answered all my questions and stay available if I ever have questions or need anything. Really appreciate their professionalism.”
Andrew C.
★★★★★Responsive
“Very responsive and personable customer service! Answered any questions or concerns I had.”
Breonna M.
★★★★★Exceptional service
“When I had a question about my order the customer service was exceptional and my questions were all answered!”
Kattie H.
★★★★★Care advice
“We got lots of advice on how to care and feed our chicks.”
Veronica A.
★★★★★Not just a sale
“Colwyn was genuine and made me feel like he cared, and I was not just a number or a sale.”
Jennifer M.
★★★★★Answers after the sale
“Absolutely the best customer service I've ever experienced when it comes to buying livestock… ready to answer any questions even after the purchase.”
Jeffrey B.
★★★★★Transparent
“Expectations consistently exceeded… transparent about any issues… outstanding communication.”
Ashley Z.
★★★★★Fixed it immediately
“…they fixed the issue immediately… I highly recommend.”
Sarah G.
★★★★★Honest advice
“Due to heat issues they were willing to wait and fill my order in spring rather than rush it.”
Mary A.
Before you ask

Frequently asked questions

The Poultry Desk →
Is the education really free?

Yes. The articles, the guides, the whole library — all of it, no login and no catch. We earn trust by giving the knowledge away and earn a living from the Field Guide, the gear we genuinely recommend, and The Poultry Desk for the keepers who want counsel built for their property.

What is The Poultry Desk?

Direct, one-on-one strategic counsel on your flock — your setup, your microclimate, your goals. The Advisory Tier is the flagship: an intensive strategy session customized to your flock and a written blueprint for its success. Apply at The Poultry Desk.

Chickens only, or quail too?

Both. Quail are the small-yard secret of desert keeping — up to 300 eggs a year from a corner of the patio — and they handle our heat better than most hens. The quail articles are free like everything else; The Poultry Desk covers them too.

Do you only work with Arizona keepers?

Arizona is home and the low desert is our specialty — but heat is heat. If you keep birds in any hot climate, the material and the counsel both apply.

What if the advice doesn't help?

Our Clarity Guarantee on Poultry Desk work: you will leave the call knowing what is wrong, what to do first, and why — or we keep talking until you do.