Raising Backyard Chickens: Is It Right For Your Family and Space?
Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding and fun way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and connect with nature. Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for beginners. This detailed guide will walk you through every step, from planning and setting up your coop to caring for your flock.
Step 1: Research and Planning
Check Local Regulations
Before getting chickens, check your city’s or county’s regulations:
Are backyard chickens allowed in your area?
How many chickens can you keep?
Are roosters permitted?
Are there specific requirements for coop placement?
Decide on Your Goals
Determine why you want chickens:
Eggs: Layers like Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns are great for egg production.
Meat: Consider dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Rocks.
Companionship: Buff Orpingtons are friendly and docile.
Plan Your Flock Size
Start small: 3-6 chickens are ideal for beginners.
Expect about 5-7 eggs per week per hen, depending on the breed and conditions.
Step 2: Setting Up the Coop
Coop Essentials: Your chickens’ coop is their home and safe haven. It should provide shelter, protection from predators, and a comfortable environment for laying eggs and roosting.
Space Requirements: Indoor Coop: 2-4 square feet per bird. Outdoor Run: 8-10 square feet per bird for exercise.
Nesting Boxes:: Provide 1 box for every 3-4 hens. Line boxes with straw or pine shavings for comfort.
Roosting Bars: Chickens sleep off the ground. Install roosts 1-3 feet above the floor. Allow 8-10 inches of roost space per bird.
Ventilation: Include windows or vents to ensure proper airflow. Protect openings with hardware cloth to keep predators out.
Predator Protection: Use sturdy materials for the coop and secure doors with locks. Install a wire mesh skirt around the coop to prevent digging predators.
DIY or Pre-Built? DIY Coop: Build a custom coop using wood, pallets, or upcycled materials. Ensure it’s weatherproof. Pre-Built Coop: Purchase a ready-made coop, but double-check size and durability.
Step 3: Choosing Your Chickens
Where to Buy: Local Hatcheries: Support local breeders for healthy chicks. Farm Supply Stores: Often sell chicks in spring. Reputable Online Hatcheries: Order and have chicks shipped directly to you.
Chicks vs. Pullets Chicks: Cheaper but require a brooder and more care during the first 6 weeks. Pullets: Young hens ready to lay eggs, ideal for beginners.
Selecting Breeds: Egg Layers: Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Australorps. Dual-Purpose: Plymouth Rocks, Sussex, Orpingtons. Cold-Hardy: Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons.
Step 4: Caring for Chicks
If you start with chicks, you’ll need to set up a brooder to keep them warm and safe.
Setting Up the Brooder: Container: Use a plastic bin, large box, or stock tank. Ensure it’s spacious enough for growth.
Bedding: Use pine shavings or straw. Avoid newspaper as it’s too slippery.
Heat Source: Install a heat lamp or brooder plate. Keep the brooder at 95°F for the first week, reducing by 5°F weekly.
Food and Water: Provide chick starter feed (medicated or non-medicated). Use shallow water dishes with marbles to prevent drowning.
Step 5: Daily Chicken Care
Feeding: Provide a balanced layer feed for adult hens. Offer supplemental treats like fruits, vegetables, and mealworms in moderation. Supply grit and oyster shell for digestion and calcium.
Watering: Ensure clean, fresh water is always available. Use a heated waterer in winter to prevent freezing.
Cleaning the Coop : Remove droppings from nesting boxes and roosting areas weekly. Deep-clean the coop every 3-4 months. Add fresh bedding regularly.
Health Checks: Look for signs of illness: lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal droppings. Check for parasites like mites or lice. Maintain a dust bath area for natural pest control.
Step 6: Collecting and Storing Eggs
Check nesting boxes daily to collect eggs. Gently clean dirty eggs with a dry cloth; avoid washing unless necessary. Store eggs in a cool place or refrigerate for freshness.
Step 7: Dealing with Common Challenges
Predators : Raccoons, foxes, hawks, and snakes are common threats. Secure the coop and run with hardware cloth and locks. Supervise free-ranging chickens when possible.
Health Issues: Keep a first-aid kit with electrolytes, wound care, and antibiotics. Quarantine sick chickens to prevent spreading illnesses.
Molting: Chickens lose and regrow feathers annually, reducing egg production temporarily. Provide high-protein treats during this period.
Step 8: Enjoying Your Flock
Raising backyard chickens is a fulfilling experience. Beyond the fresh eggs, you’ll enjoy their quirky personalities and the joy they bring to your homestead. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your flock stays happy, healthy, and productive. With proper care and preparation, backyard chickens can be a delightful addition to your homesteading journey. Start small, learn as you go, and enjoy the rewards of fresh eggs and a thriving flock!
Here is a YouTube Channel called: The Happy Chicken Coop. A family owned farm dedicated to raising chickens.
Click here to check them out! https://youtu.be/bfKvzOFhzbU?si=NiyFrXv5DGGWcDyR