In this blog post, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about raising backyard chickens for eggs, focusing on the essentials to ensure your success. By the end of this post, you'll see how affordable and straightforward this process can be. Whether you're already set on getting chickens or just need a little push to make that decision, I'm here to guide you through the journey from acquiring your chickens to caring for them throughout their lives.
Let's begin with acquiring chickens. While you can start with eggs and hatch them, it's a complex process I wouldn't recommend for beginners. The more straightforward approach is to get day-old chicks. You can order these online or find them at farm supply stores, mainly between February and June. When ordering, remember that there's a small chance you might end up with a rooster, which many city ordinances and homeowners associations don't allow.
A common question I encounter is whether you need a rooster to get eggs. The answer is no; hens will lay eggs without a rooster. Those eggs just won’t hatch into chicks without a rooster's involvement. With day-old chicks, expect your first fresh egg in about six months. If you're less patient, consider getting ready-to-lay pullets, which are closer to starting egg production.
Once you bring your chicks home, they need a brooder, a heat source to maintain a temperature of around 95°F, and a bedding of pine shavings. They also require starter food and fresh water. I recommend adding a probiotic mix to their water during the first month.
As your chicks grow, you'll notice them shedding their fluff and developing feathers. By six weeks, they are usually fully feathered and can gradually move to the coop. In terms of coop essentials, you need about three square feet of floor space per chicken inside the coop and eight to ten square feet per chicken in the outdoor run. A coop requires a solid floor, roosting spots off the ground, and nest boxes for egg-laying.
For feeding adult chickens, aim for about a quarter pound of food per chicken per day. This can include kitchen and garden scraps alongside their regular feed. Remember, the more greens they eat, the richer the yolk color.
Watering systems can vary, but it's crucial to ensure they always have access to fresh water. You can use simple dispensers or automated systems, depending on your setup.
Finally, egg collection should ideally be done daily. Unwashed eggs can be stored on the counter, but once washed, they should be refrigerated.
I hope this post has demystified the process of raising chickens and shown you how manageable and rewarding it can be. Chickens are relatively low-maintenance compared to pets like dogs and offer numerous benefits, from fresh eggs to natural compost. If you're considering raising chickens, I say go for it – it's a delightful and enriching experience!