Tips for Raising Backyard Chickens
Chickens are a low-maintenance way to increase self-sufficiency and add more efficiency to a vegetable garden. Individuals considering raising chickens should consider the following factors before making a purchase.
Checking local laws is the first step. Many communities have regulations regarding what kind of livestock residents can own. While this is usually determined at the city level, some housing associations will impose rules about backyard coops. Ordinances will determine how many chickens an individual can have and if additional documents are required.
From there, owners can decide on their coop set up. Grazing chickens produce better-tasting eggs, but they also require a shelter or coop to sleep in. Chicken coops should offer two and four feet of room per chicken, based on the breed’s size.
However, experts recommend larger coops if the chickens are unable to graze. Owners should also avoid crowding too many chickens into a single coop. That can trigger anti-social behaviors and impede egg production.
Chickens need space to exercise and must be protected from predators, such as domestic pets and hawks. Owners can provide both by constructing an enclosed space known as a chicken run. These areas are usually closed off with mesh wiring to prevent animals from entering or escaping. If the coop is in a region without avian predators, chickens may roam freely in a sectioned-off area of the backyard.
Grazing chickens can support a garden by eating pests and spreading manure. If chickens cannot graze due to weather or other restrictions, owners can still use manure collected from the coop as a fertilizer. However, the manure must be composted and mixed with sawdust to reduce potency.
Chicken nutritional needs vary. Young chicks need high protein diets, which owners can provide through the specialized feed. Hens need food with appropriate calcium content to produce healthy eggs. Chickens that do not graze need at least a half cup of feed daily. On the other hand, grazing chickens get most of their nutrients from insects and grass but need feed to supplement.
Owners can provide their chickens with fresh water using an elevated water tower designed for chicken coops. That prevents contamination. Some owners add supplemental nutrients to the water supply, such as garlic and apple cider vinegar.
When they are about four and half months old, Hens start producing eggs and lay between one to two eggs per day. Owners should collect eggs early in the morning and clean daily nest boxes.
Fresh eggs should be cleaned using either the dry or wet cleaning technique. If the dry cleaning technique is selected, use an abrasive cloth or sandpaper to clean the egg. Dry cleaned eggs do not need to be refrigerated because it leaves a natural antibacterial substance called bloom on the egg. If wet cleaning is required, use warm running water and sanitize the egg with a water and bleach solution.
Like any other farm animal, raising chickens, especially in a residential setting, can face some challenges. For example, roosters and hens can be very noisy, and the coop can produce strong-smelling odors. Owners can minimize these issues by placing the coop in an area far from surrounding neighbors.
