Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming for those who are new to the process. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started with raising chickens, from preparation to harvesting eggs.
Getting Started
Benefits of Raising Chickens
Raising chickens has many benefits, including a steady supply of fresh eggs and meat, entertainment, fertilizer, bug control, and educational opportunities. It can also be a great way to teach children about responsibility and where food comes from.
Is it Allowed in My Area?
Before you start raising chickens, you need to check with your local government to see if there are any ordinances or regulations in place that prohibit or restrict backyard chicken keeping. Some cities and towns have specific rules regarding the number of chickens you can keep, as well as where they can be kept.
How Much Space Do I Need?
The amount of space you need for a small backyard flock will depend on several factors, including the size of your yard and the breed of chicken you're raising. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2-4 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop, and 8-10 square feet of outdoor space.
Preparing for Chickens
Choosing a Coop or Enclosure
One easy-to-achieve coop or enclosure is available at many farm stores: a 10x10 dog kennel. For a little more, you can put a peaked (tarped) roof on it, and with some additional chicken wire achieve a great summer enclosure. Additional tarps enclose it for winter.
If you go the dog kennel route, consider replacing the tarp roof with a translucent tarp in winter. Sunlight is super important for egg-laying chickens because it helps trigger their ovaries to release a yolk and start the egg-laying process.
Using the above space rules, a 10x10 dog kennel is adequate for up to 25 full-size adult chickens. Smaller breeds could increase that limit.
You can find many pre-built coops and kits online.
Tips for Building a Chicken Coop
When building a chicken coop, make sure to include the following features:
- Ventilation: chickens need fresh air to stay healthy
- Predator protection: use hardware cloth to protect your flock from predators
- Easy cleaning: make sure the coop is easy to clean and maintain
Remember, chicken wire keeps chickens in - hardware cloth keeps predators out.
Caring for Chickens
Feeding and Nutrition
Chickens need a balanced diet that includes protein, grains, and vegetables. You can purchase chicken feed at most farm stores or online. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times.
Health Care
Regular health checks are important to keep your chickens healthy. Look for signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian who specializes in poultry. If that isn't an option for you, a mentor or peer group might be able to assist in getting your birds healthy. Social media can be a great resource to find those kinds of groups.
Managing the Flock
How Many Chickens Should I Keep?
For beginners, starting with a small flock of three to four chickens is a great idea. This way, you can get the hang of taking care of them without feeling too overwhelmed. As you get more comfortable and confident, you can always think about adding more chickens to your flock.
Introducing New Chickens
When introducing new chickens to an existing flock, make sure to follow these steps:
- Quarantine the new chickens for at least 30 days
- Gradually introduce the new chickens to the existing flock
- Monitor the behavior of both groups to ensure a smooth transition
If you're introducing significantly younger birds, waiting to introduce them until they're roughly the same size as your existing flock will give them a fighting chance to fit into the group. If you run into problems, refer back to your support system.
Harvesting Eggs
When Can I Expect My Hens to Start Laying?
Chickens typically start laying eggs at around 18-24 weeks of age. However, this can vary depending on breed and nutrition.
How Often Should I Collect Eggs?
It's best to collect eggs from the coop daily to prevent damage and encourage healthy egg-laying behavior. Leaving eggs for too long might encourage a hen to "go broody", where she sits on the clutch of eggs and does not lay.
A clutch of uncollected eggs is a tempting treat for predators. Your nesting box becomes a grocery store if you leave it stocked.
Tips for Increasing Egg Production
To increase egg production, make sure to provide a balanced diet, adequate space, and regular health checks. Also, consider providing supplements such as oyster shells or crushed eggshells to support calcium intake.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dealing with Predators
Predators such as foxes, coyotes, and hawks can be a threat to your flock. Consider using electric fencing or other protective measures to keep predators out. There are as many solutions to predator-proof your coop as there are predators.
Managing Chicken Manure
Composted chicken manure can be used as fertilizer for your garden. Make sure to compost the manure before applying it to your soil. Hot composting (turning every few days) produces fertilizer in as little as 5 weeks, while cold composting (pile it up and ignore it) can take a year or more to produce usable fertilizer.
By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to raising healthy and happy chickens. Remember to always do plenty of research and stay up-to-date with local regulations and best practices in backyard chicken keeping.