Raising chickens can be a rewarding, therapeutic, and a fun endeavor, but it might seem a bit daunting for those just starting out! With so much information accessible online, it can easily become overwhelming.
That’s why we are sharing these need-to-know tips for beginners to uncover all the essentials as you begin this new journey.
THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A CHICKEN KEEPER?
Ask yourself these important questions first:
- Do you have a city ordinance or an HOA regulation? Some cities and small towns prohibit chickens entirely, or impose limits on how many birds you can have.
- What motivates you to raise feathery companions? Are you in it for the delicious eggs, tender meat, or simply to enjoy their entertainment?
- Are you prepared to provide them with daily love and attention? Chickens can be quite demanding!
- How many chickens do you want to raise? Four chickens can produce a dozen eggs weekly, as they typically lay one egg every other day. However, keep in mind that egg production decreases, particularly in fall and winter.
- How much space do you need for the amount of birds you plan on raising?
- Where will their cozy coop be located, and where will they settle down for the night?
- Are you well-versed in “Chicken Math?” Most of us begin with a few chicks for egg production, and before long, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a bigger than anticipated flock.
- Who will tend to and care for your chickens when you’re out of town or out on an adventure?
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Being well-prepared in advance for chicken-keeping will set you on the right path. When you are ready, you reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed and increase your chances of success.
Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll be on your way to a successful chicken-keeping experience!
Like any pet, your feathered friends will require a blend of hard work, a touch of training, and a consistent routine to thrive.
If you’re hesitant about taking on this feathery responsibility, it might be time to reconsider your chicken aspirations!
However, if you’re fully committed, that’s fantastic news! Prepare for a delightful poultry adventure; it’s going to be a fun learning journey!
IT’S BEST TO START WITH BABY CHICKS
Hatching fertilized eggs that require incubation can feel overwhelming for newcomers, not to mention a bit of a learning curve.
For those just beginning their flock, we recommend baby chicks as the perfect option.
If you do decide to venture into fully grown hens or pullets (a young hen less than a year old, that isn’t yet laying) please keep in mind biosecurity. It is crucial when sourcing hens from other out sourced suppliers and farms you are not aware of their practices. Unfortunately, we’ve known a family who purchased a new flock of birds that they incorprated into their already established flock. This new flock of grown birds was unquarantined from their other chickens and they ended up bringing in an awfu
l virus that led to the culling of their entire flock, highlighting the importance of obtaining birds from trusted and ethical sources.
Preparing for a backyard flock is no different, staying informed and implementing precautionary measures is very much advisable.
The easiest way to obtain baby chicks is from a trusted local farmer, trusted online ethical hatcheries, or from trusted local farm stores.
Again, do your research on how these chicks are being cared for. Are they truly coming from ethical farms and hatcheries and stores? If hand selecting your chicks, avoid those that seem lethargic, are hunched, reluctant to move, or exhibit any signs of eye or nose discharge. Also, if you care about getting unvaccinated chicks, going with your trusted local farmer may be the better option. Get to know them and their farming practices.
PROVIDING PROPER SHELTER
Chickens require safe and secure environments to rest, lay eggs, and seek refuge from predators, while shielding themselves from weather conditions.
Before acquiring your chicks, ensure that you have a suitable coop or shelter built and ready BEFORE your feathery pals arrive. Also know, that it can easily take up to 4-6 weeks before transitioning them from the safety of a brooder to the outdoors, so be prepared and plan accordingly for this down-time. Many new Chicken Keepers forget or are unaware of this important time of growth for their chicks.
Other important considerations:
- The coop must be weatherproof; a wet chicken is an unhappy chicken!
- It should also be spacious enough to accommodate all the chickens comfortably, preventing conflicts and overcrowding that could lead to unsanitary and unhealthy conditions. A minimum of 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the coop is recommended.
- Proper ventilation is vital! Your coop should remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter, without becoming stuffy or damp. Inadequate ventilation can result in unhealthy conditions, mold growth, and illnesses.
- Additionally, it’s important to tidy your coop weekly, and providing a deep clean approximately once a month.
- Hens require nesting boxes for egg-laying. It’s advisable to have one box for every three hens, but having more could be beneficial.
- Lastly, a secure outdoor run or pen is essential, as chickens are happiest and healthiest when they have more space to roam and peck.
- If planning on free ranging (our favorite method here on our farm!) We recommend having a guardian dog to help keep your flock safe or providing a netted fence. (We’ve been very pleased with this one for our birds we keep out in pasture.)
FEEDING YOUR CHICKENS
Chickens enjoy a diverse range of foods. A balanced diet is essential for their health, egg production, and overall well-being. The nutrition you provide significantly impacts their health and egg yield. Chickens are omnivorous by nature and a correct diet produces healthy chickens and higher quality eggs, and a poor diet produces underweight or overweight birds, major health problems and low egg quality and production.
When looking for a higher quality supplemental feed, it should consist of these main ingredients: amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, and high-quality protein. The protein needs and types of feed will change depending on your birds age. Our farm feeds our chickens our very own custom blend of non-gmo, soy-free supplemental feed. (At this time we do not provide this to the public.)
Here’s a breakdown of what chickens eat:
(We’ve included Gmo-free & soy-free options, ones we have used in the past, before we began our own custom blend – our custom blend is not yet available to the public.)
- Starter/Growing Feed (0-18 weeks): A high-protein blend that fosters the healthy growth and development of young chicks.
- Layer Feed (18 weeks and older): Loaded with essential nutrients for egg production, including calcium for strong eggshells.
- Broiler Feed (for meat birds): Specifically formulated for chickens raised for meat, ensuring balanced nutrition for rapid development.
- Scratch Grains (fully grown birds): things like barley, oats, wheat and some corn as treats or supplements. Chicken scratch helps keep chickens warm during colder weather and gives more natural energy in summer months.
- Chicken Grit (fully grown birds): Grit is essential for digestion, as chickens lack teeth and rely on it to break down food in the gizzard. Composed of small stones or pebbles, grit grinds food into smaller pieces for better digestion and nutrient absorption. It also prevents digestive issues like impaction and sour crop. Regular replenishment of grit is necessary, as it wears down and is expelled from the body.
- Kitchen/Garden Scraps or Leftovers: (fully grown birds), scraps such as non-citrus fruits like berries, apples & melons, vegetables, leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, and some veggie peels, cooked pasta and rice.
- Extra Protein: Insects, bugs, and worms are excellent natural protein sources for chickens. They enjoy scratching and foraging for these creatures in the yard. You can also offer mealworms and earthworms as tasty treats or as a nutritional supplement.
- Extra Calcium: Incorporating crushed oyster shells or eggshells can boost calcium intake, which supports the development of strong eggshells.
- Fresh Clean Water: Chickens generally avoid drinking hot water. Be sure you provide your chickens with a fresh source daily. In the winter months here in the midwest, you’ll want to check water several times a day to ensure it hasn’t frozen over. Consider investing in a heating solution to help when temps are below freezing. in the summer months do the same and consider adding a few ice-cubes to their water to encourage them to drink more.
***Avoid these foods: Chocolate, avocados, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, raw potatoes and tomatoes, and highly processed, sugary or salty foods, as these can pose health risks.
CARING FOR YOUR CHICKENS
Caring for chickens involves thoughtful planning, effort, and a continuous commitment. The wonderful news is that chicken care becomes simple when you establish a daily routine and adhere to a schedule for all essential tasks. You won’t find yourself running around aimlessly when you have a plan in place!
- Dust or Sand Baths: Chickens take dust baths to maintain their cleanliness. The dust absorbs oils from their feathers and helps repel pests like mites and lice. Providing a dusting box will allow them to stay clean and content.
- Outdoor Space: Chickens require an outdoor area to scratch, peck, and enjoy themselves. You can either create a fenced enclosure for them, or let them roam freely in your backyard.
DAILY CARE OF YOUR CHICKENS
- Let chickens out in the morning and give a quick inspection of their overall health.
- Provide fresh water, feed, and grit.
- Collect eggs
- In the evening, chickens enjoy roosting in their coop; check for eggs and secure them for the night. (Naturally chickens seek shelter of their coop and come into the coop on their own in the evenings.
- Weekly, give your coop a quick clean and add fresh wood shavings or fresh hay for happier chickens.
- Once a month, do a deep clean of the coop, and do a little dusting of dematiaceous earth to ensure unwanted insects stay away.
I hope this chicken info has hatched some helpful tips for you! Once you put in a little investment and get a rhythm down, to raising these feathery friends, it’s as easy as pie and you’ll find your little flock a pure delight.
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