The Basics of Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
July 27, 2009 – 11:25 pm by MarinaHanes
There are so many benefits to raising chickens in your backyard. Although it might seem like an overwhelming idea, these birds are easy and inexpensive to maintain in comparison to other pets. Maybe most importantly you and your family will be able to enjoy fresh, organic eggs. In addition, the chickens will control the bugs and weeds in your yard and even fertilize it for you too. If you’re interested in raising chickens, there is some basic information you should know.
First, you need to figure out where you’re going to get your chicks. Try local feed stores during the spring or find local chicken suppliers online. Another option is to hatch chicks from eggs by using a homemade chicken incubator. Whichever route you take, you need to setup their housing so it’s ready to go.
During the first 60 days, your chick will have simple needs when it comes to shelter. A cardboard box or small animal cage is sufficient. Of course, the chick will also require water and food (chick crumbles). As they become stronger, it’s important to socialize them with people so they get comfortable with being handled. It’s also beneficial to setup a secure area outside where they can scratch and explore your yard.
After the first 60 days, it will be time for your chickens to live in the outdoor coop. Each chicken will need two to three square feet inside the coop. However, outside the henhouse, each bird will need four to five square feet. The floor can be covered with pine shavings, and their food should now consist of chicken layer feed or pellets. Don’t forget to have a clean water supply and make sure that the henhouse should be protected from local predators too.
Before you know it, you will be enjoying fresh, organic eggs from your backyard. Plus, you might learn to appreciate chickens even more and treat them as your pets. When they mature, you can feed them treats such as vegetables, bugs, cracked corn, milo and wheat.
