Raising chickens is one of the most rewarding steps toward self-sufficiency and sustainable living. You may have heard that they are the gate-way animal to homesteading. 😂 Not only do they provide fresh eggs and meat, but they also make delightful companions and help control pests in your yard. If you’re new to chicken keeping, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Why Raise Chickens?
First off, why should you raise chickens? Chickens are incredibly versatile animals, making them a perfect addition to any homestead, backyard or beginner. Here are some benefits:
Fresh Eggs: Home-raised eggs are tastier and more nutritious than store-bought.
Natural Pest Control: Chickens love eating insects like ticks, beetles, and flies.
Composting Helpers: Their droppings are a rich source of nitrogen for compost.
Low-Maintenance Pets: Chickens are easy to care for and can provide endless entertainment.
Choosing the Right Breeds
Selecting the right breed depends on your goals. Some chickens are better for egg production, while others are ideal for meat or dual-purpose. I always recommend doing your own research to find whats right for your life and your homestead but here are a few popular options:
Egg-Layers: Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps are amazing layers.
Meat Birds: Cornish Cross and Freedom Rangers are great for meat production but these are birds you would stricly buy from a hatchery. They are bred to be larger and aren’t recommended for re-breeding as the genetics just wont turn out the same. So therfore you would be buying them from a hatchery every year. Orpingtons and Bresse’s are a good option if you want to breed yourself.
Dual-Purpose: Breeds like Orpingtons, Wyandottes, or Rhode Island Reds are good options for both eggs and meat.
Cold-Hardy Breeds: Brahmas, Black Australorp and Barred Rocks tolerate colder climates well.
Heat-Tolerant Breeds: Leghorns and Andalusians do better in warm climates.
Setting Up Your Chicken Coop
A well-designed chicken coop is essential for keeping your flock safe, healthy, and productive. Here’s what to consider:
Space Requirements: Provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the outdoor run.
Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.
Nesting Boxes: Provide one nesting box for every 3–4 hens for egg-laying.
Roosting Bars: Chickens need roosts to sleep on at night, about 8–12 inches per bird.
Predator Protection: Use sturdy materials, and ensure doors and windows are secure. Install hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for better protection against predators.
Remember, there are many options for building or purchasing a suitable coop for your birds. It can still be purposeful without being pretty. We utilized an old shed that was on our property, cut the chicken door, built roosts, and bought some laying boxes. I’ve seen people turn old campers, large dog kennels, and even make simple hoop coops to house their chickens. The possibilities are endless. So please don’t think you need $1,000 to build a coop; you just don’t.
Feeding Your Chickens
A balanced diet is crucial for healthy chickens and quality eggs. Here is a quick run down or you can check out my article here:
Feeding Your Chickens for a Healthy Flock: A Guide to Quality Eggs and Meat
Chicken Feed: Start with a commercial feed formulated for the age and purpose of your chickens (starter feed for chicks, layer feed for hens, or grower feed for meat birds).
Scratch Grains: A treat for chickens, but not a primary food source.
Kitchen Scraps: Chickens love vegetable scraps, fruits, and grains, but avoid feeding them raw potatoes, avocado, chocolate, or anything moldy.
Grit and Oyster Shells: Grit aids in digestion, and oyster shells provide extra calcium for strong eggshells.
Fresh Water: Chickens need constant access to clean water.
Managing Health and Hygiene
Healthy chickens are happy chickens. Here’s how to maintain their well-being:
Clean the Coop: Regularly remove droppings and old bedding to prevent ammonia buildup.
Check for Parasites: Inspect your chickens for mites, lice, and worms. Treat as needed with appropriate solutions.
Quarantine New Birds: Keep new chickens separate for a few weeks to ensure they’re not carrying diseases.
Watch for Signs of Illness: Be alert for lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior, which could indicate health issues.
Raising Baby Chicks
Starting with baby chicks can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s what they’ll need:
Brooder Box: A safe, enclosed space with proper ventilation.
Heat Source: Use a heat lamp to maintain a temperature of 95°F in the first week, decreasing by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered.
Chick Feed: Provide starter feed with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
Fresh Water: Use a shallow dish to prevent chicks from drowning. Yes, this happens.
Bedding: Use pine shavings or straw, but avoid newspaper, which can cause leg problems. This would be like using no bedding as the newspaper just slips and slides everywhere, putting your babies at risk for splayed leg syndrome.
Egg Collection and Storage
Hens typically start laying eggs around 4–6 months of age depending of the breed. To ensure clean and fresh eggs:
Daily Collection: When left unattended in the nest, eggs can become dirty, cracked or even eaten(either by the chicken herself orother invaders). In some cases, hens might also conceal them. Interestingly, chickens have a unique ability to carry their eggs tucked under their wings, transporting them to a more secure location(for hatching).
Store Properly: Farm fresh eggs have what we call a ‘bloom’ on them that protects them for weeks at room temperature. However if you wash this bloom off, then the eggs must refrigerated. The eggs still last up to 3 months if stored in the fridge. I personally leave all my eggs at room temperature and rotate them into my kitchen about once a week. I will then wash if they are dirty and store them in the fridge or give away to family as I see fit.
Common Challenges
Even experienced chicken keepers face challenges. Here are a few and how to handle them:
Predators: Raccoons, hawks, and foxes are common threats. Always secure your coop and run.
Broody Hens: A broody hen essentially acts like a mother anticipating the arrival of chicks. She will lay a certain number of eggs and then stop, choosing to settle on her nest in hopes of hatching them. Interestingly, even without a rooster, meaning the eggs are not fertilized, or if you routinely gather the eggs she lays, she may still insist on sitting on her empty nest. This behavior can lead her to attempt hatching eggs that won’t ever develop or remain fixed on an empty space. To curb this broodiness, it’s important to remove her from the nest, sometimes repeatedly over several days. While she won’t be pleased and will likely express her discontent LOUDLY, this intervention is crucial. Left to her own devices, she might starve herself in her relentless pursuit to incubate those eggs.
Molting: Chickens shed old feathers and temporarily stop laying eggs during molting season. Usually this happens in fall. It’s normal and doesn’t require intervention, however you may come out one day thinking a murder happened with all the excess feathers you find.
Building a Routine
Chickens thrive on consistency. Establish a daily routine that includes:
– Feeding and watering in the morning.
– Collecting eggs daily.
– Letting them out to free-range (if possible).
– Many chicken tenders choose to put their chickens to bed and close their coop doors at night to keep them safe from predators. I don’t lock mine up in their coop, but I do ensure they are safe in their run, especially during the summer when daylight hours are long and they are most likely up past my bedtime.
Enjoy the Process
Raising chickens is about more than just eggs and meat—it’s about building a connection to your food and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Chickens have unique personalities and are fun to watch as they scratch, peck, and interact. Take the time to enjoy the process and celebrate the small victories.
Final Thoughts
Raising chickens is a rewarding journey that offers both practical benefits and joyful moments. By starting with the right preparation and knowledge, you’ll set yourself up for success. Whether you’re looking to gather fresh eggs every morning or simply enjoy the companionship of these feathery friends, chickens are a wonderful addition to any homestead or backyard.
What questions do you have about raising chickens? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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