Home»Chickens»Chicken Health
If you ’re thinking about getting chickens for the first time , you ’re in the right place . This comprehensive novice ’s guide on enkindle backyard crybaby will hatch everything you take to acknowledge tofeelconfident and preparedto give them a happy , safe , and healthy home . In return , they ’ll provide you with the most delicious and nourishing fresh eggs ever !
This article will explore how to handle for chicken , where to get chicks ( or sr. wimp ) , the best backyard chicken breeds , coop and run essential , sizing essential , predator - proofing , free compass considerations , egg position bedrock , manure management , nutrient , weewee , health concerns , and more . This is the ultimate guide onwhat to wait when you ’re testis - specting .
We ’ve been recruit chickens for over 10 year – including in an average suburban backyard and now on a larger rural property – so we have tips that cover it all . Our girls bring SO much joy to our lives , and I ca n’t look for you to experience that too !
NOTE : This article was originally published in February 2019 .
Would you like to save this?
We ’ll email this post to you , so you may follow back to it later !
I agree to receive electronic mail update .
Disclosure : Homestead and Chill is reviewer - supported . When you buy through liaison on our site , we may garner an affiliate direction .
Benefits of Raising Backyard Chickens
Backyard chickens offer endless entertainment , along with the most delectable and nutritiousfresh eggsyou can get ! They arefriendly , inquisitive , well-informed , and clean low - maintenanceanimals . novel poulet keeper are often agreeably surprised at just how much personality and backtalk they have . Plus , the flavour of being followed around by an adorable waddling batch or cuddles from your preferred lap Gallus gallus is middling hard to beat !
Chickens can also help to controlpest insectpopulations , and sustainably dispose of some of your garden or kitchen leftover ( thoughchicken - safe treatsshould only be offered in moderation ) . In coming back , they ’ll provide a unfaltering supplying of rich manure that ( once properly ripened and compost ) can be used asfree fertilizer .
Like any other favourite , chickens do need some preparation , responsibility and ongoing maintenance . Once you have everything ready up , it ’s middling inexpensive to enhance chickens too.90 % of the cost is upfront , while the chief on-going cost is feed .
15 Essential Things to Consider Before Getting Backyard Chickens
1) Check Local Ordinances
Before getting chickens , be sure to check over local ordinance and regulation . Many Town andHOAshave rules against raising backyard poulet . Some may instantly prohibit it , or if permit , include restrictions for property linesetbacks or a maximum numberof bird .
For example , the town we used to live in allow up to 14 chickens , butno cock , and all of their restrict home ground ( run and coop ) had to be at least 15 feet from any neighboring complex body part .
Sometimes it can be tough to find the right-hand document that spell out the rules . Ours is under the public welfare section of the City Municipal Code . Try Googling “ ( your Ithiel Town / city)poultry ordinance ” to find it .
Side line : I always feel it little funny when rules allow biddy but not roosters , because be forewarn : laying hen can bejust as noisy(if not louder ) than roosters ! Particularly when they ’re singing their “ eggs song ” .
2) How Many Chickens Should I Get?
Chickens are flock animals by nature . They ’re societal creature that call for at least a few friends around to palpate felicitous and secure . For the average flock and family , I in person thinkfour or five is a staring start number . That will give you plenty of eggs , entertainment , and board to extend the mass once you ’re well-to-do and quick .
If you ’re stringent on space , three is okay too , but starting withonlytwo chickens is NOT advisable . If something find to one of them , the last young lady standing will be really lone and you ’ll need to find her a booster ASAP . Or , potentially consider responsibly re - homing her .
Thesize of your cage , run , and yard infinite will also dictate how many backyard chickens you should have , since thelast affair we want is too many biddy in the henhouse ! to a fault crowded or blase crybaby may too peck at each other ( to the dot of injury ) , originate risky feather - plucking or ball - exhaust habits , and generally be less well-chosen , tidy and healthful .
See more info about advocate coop and hightail it sizing minimums in the relevant division below .
3) Best Backyard Chicken Breeds
One of the hardest part of raise chicken is narrowing down what breeds to get . After all , there are so many wondrous , beautiful chicken breed to choose from . Not to mention the egg colouring options ! ( That ’s why “ Gallus gallus math ” happens , lol . )
Some of the most popular backyard volaille stock for both eggs and a friendly demeanor includeBuff Orpingtons , Barred Rocks , Easter Eggers , Cream Legbars , Marans , and Wyandottes . Polish and Silkies are also very scented , cute , and popular , but not as neat for eggs product . Their unique feathers can make them mellow - maintenance too . It ’s also important to study the stock ’s rut or cold leeway for your area .
LEARN MORE : See our complete list of the 18best backyard chicken breedsfor photo , demeanor , heat or cold hardihood , egg color and lay frequency of each one . Also do n’t miss this list of over 500 of the bestcute and rummy chicken public figure !
4) Starting with Chicks, Pullets or Eggs
There are a routine of slipway to get get going with backyard poulet , including raising them from chicks , adopting young “ coop - quick ” pullets or already - laying hen , or even getting testis to concoct yourself . Getting day - old chicks is the most common route , and what we always wish to do !
Chicks are available either assexed “ ensure females”(though mistakes can happen ) or unsexed“straight running game ” wench – a 50/50chance of being male or distaff . phratry brand raw to raising backyard chicken ordinarily forfend roosters at first due to the noise , potential agression , unlike flock moral force , and total learning curve .
Raising Chicks
set out with day - old chicks will give you the best opportunity to form astrong bondwith your chickens . It also exponentially increases the chances they ’ll beeasier to handle(important for wellness care ! ) or even need to cuddle with you . Not to mentionthe precious factor . If you have kids , they ’ll be SO excited to have fluffy baby chicks around !
However , raising skirt is a big consignment ! You become their mama , and must be ready to tend to their need and provide them asafe quick space ( indoors , in a garage , or other protect localization ) for at least6 to 8 weeksbefore they can fully live out of doors without supplemental heat .
Before bringing chicks home , have a brooder ( protected inclosure ) and relate equipment ready and wait . Seehow to set up a chick incubator hereincluding a week - by - week broodertemperature chart . The brooder will need adaily clean - up , along with frequent intellectual nourishment and weewee changing , to keep them glad and healthy .
see MORE : Please claver our comprehensivebeginner ’s template on raising infant chicksfor more item . Also do n’t neglect these 11 easyDIY chick incubator box ideas .
Hatching Eggs
If hatching your own ball at base sound interesting , insure outthis detailed guide . However , I palpate this might be an consuming option for someone trade name new to raising chicken . We have n’t incubate eggs at home ( yet ) ourselves .
Some of thebenefitsof hatching eggs admit : no stress for the birds during shipping , a expectant selection of breeds to prefer from , and a fun learning experience for the kiddos , and you !
Thepossible drawbacksare : potential to deal out with rare complications , deformities , or even deaths during brooding or hatching . There is also no ascendance over the sex of the razzing , plus the extra equipment , time , and knowledge needed .
Adopting Pullets
If fussing over a incubator and have tiny pooping creatures in your house does n’t sound like your cup of tea , you may want to study getting slightly erstwhile chick , called pullet .
Pulletsare distaff chickens that are approximately 8 to 28 weeks former . They ’re fully - feather and “ henhouse ready ” ( so no need for a brooder ) . you may tell their gender 95 % of the time by now , but they have n’t yet start laying egg . And , there is still a great fortune of forming a close bond with them if you put in some consecrated hang out and treat time !
Laying Hens
If you wantfresh testicle right away , and having a super strong bond with your backyard chicken is n’t all that important to you , then have young laying hen may be the elbow room to go !
It ’s best to get a handful of birds that were already together if potential , since inaugurate new chickens to each other can be tricky – including a quarantine process and gradual ( supervised ) first appearance process . The pecking order can be barbarous ! Especially with adult shuttlecock from dissimilar flocks , or when introducing chicks to grownup . Chick - to - chick is a little gentle .
teach best praxis abouthow to enter new chicken to a flockhere .
5) Where to Buy Chicks or Chickens
you’re able to purchase child biddy , Gallus gallus , or hatching egg fromlarge commercial-grade hatcheries , local provender stores , a local farm or stock breeder , that random person on Facebook , and more . There are pro and confidence trick to every option , research in more depth in this military post onwhere to buy chicks .
As unmated as it may seem , it ’s acommon practice to ship live chicksin the mail . Upon crosshatch , chicks absorb their egg yolk sac , which gives them enough nutrients to pull round those first few days without intellectual nourishment or water . They ’re shipped with heat packs to keep them warm , though I ’m sure the journeying is a bit trying regardless .
You ’re most likely to get all distaff chick ( though never 100 % guaranteed ) when ordering through a enceinte hatchery or feed store ; they normally cull the males . Big hatchery also pop the question the big selection of breeds . On the other hand , it ’s alwaysgreat to support small or local operationswho likely treat the animals far better too !
utilise caution when adopt chicks or older chicken from Facebook or exchangeable retail store ; who live what theirbiosecuritypractices are ! Always be trusted to quarantine new birds and followbest practices for introducing new chickens .
We ’ve grease one’s palms chicks from a intermixture of piazza over the years : some from commercial-grade hatcheries , some from our local Tractor Supply ( which generator chicks from a local hatchery ) . We ordered our last batch of chicks fromAlchemist Farm , a small CA - based humane and sustainable hatchery .
6) Chicken Coop and Run Essentials
One of the most significant and impactful things you ’ll ever do for your succeeding beloved backyard chickens is to offer them a safe , strong ( read : predator - fag ) and prosperous home .
wimp coops come in all sorting of shapes , size of it , and styles , include gravid take the air - in elan hencoop or smaller turn over - in ace . In addition to considering your flocks needs , do n’t forget to account for yours ! You will be the one who needs to regularlyaccessthe coop for cleaning , accumulate eggs , and other chore .
Adjacent to the coop , your Gallus gallus will also take aprotected run : a large enclosed space where they ’ll spend most of their metre outdoors . Even if you plan to allow your chickens mostly detached stove , it ’s good to also have an adequately - sized trial in station too .
Let ’s explore coop and run size of it requirements and other crucial below .
Where to Put a Chicken Coop
Ideally , a chicken coop and running should have a goodmix ofsun and nicety . If you do n’t have lifelike shade useable , you could create a shaded area usinga shade canopy , add a roof over a fortune of their run , or other cover song .
If you may also contain mature trees in or around your chicken run , they ’ll thank you endlessly ! Our lady friend love to string up out under the canopy of tree and shrubs all day . Theyfeel most unattackable under cover , and also rely on spectre to avail delay nerveless during live weather . Yet chickens favor sunny spots for dust bathing , along with stretching out in the sunlight on coolheaded day to warm up up . Ample sun is also cardinal for good egg product !
Chick Coop and Run Size Minimums
The commend minimal size for achickencoop is 3 to 4 straightforward feetper wimp , and about10 square feetper poulet for their enclosed run space . heavy is full , if potential !
Since we have very balmy winter here , our girl only utilize their hencoop to log Z’s and lay testicle . Yet if you havelong rough winters , design to have a coop that ’s big enough for drawn-out halt with elbow room for food , water , and other essential inside . A hencoop that you could walk in to may be preferred in that situation .
PRO TIP : annul minimum cage and run sizes so you could eventuallyexpand your hatful , because you inevitably will want to ! It ’s calledchicken math , and it ’s a very real thing .
DIY Chicken Coops
It ’s fun to plan and build your own DIY volaille coop , customise to your exact blank and needs . Our first cage was a smallerreach - incoop that we built using mostly recycle material , with a big access door for sluttish cleaning at waistline - height . I recommendelevatingsmall reach - in coop so you do n’t have to bend down . The poulet favor the added height too !
Our current cage is a largerwalk - instyle , convert from an oldshed . It ’s fairly gentle to sprain a shed into a chicken coop ! Just add roosts , nesting box , a wimp - sizing door , and secure vent-hole or windows as needed .
Here is a collecting of 46 buildable chicken hencoop programme .
Pre-Made Chicken Coops
If you ’re not up for work up your own , there are tidy sum of pre - made chicken coops available to buy . I ’ve seen some really squeamish one out there , including custom - built ones from local company orCarolina Coops(no affiliation ) .
You ’ll also see little pre - made coop at Costco or Farm Supply that sunnily claim are “ design for up to four Gallus gallus ! ” – but continue with caution . They are often quite small , designed for slumber and testicle lay only ( not food , water , and extended stays during inclement weather ) . They may also be crafty to access for clean . The miniature “ runs ” that come connected to those coops also tend to be grossly undersized , so plan to add extra run quad .
Thenumber one regretI try from people raising backyard poulet is that they wish well they ’d build their own coop or bought something bigger . That , or wish well they ’d better predator - proofed their chicken coop and tally … which we ’ll discourse shortly .
What’s Needed Inside a Chicken Coop or Run
Here is a leaning of key detail that should be inside a crybaby coop or run . Here is a stark tilt ofour preferent poulet suppliestoo .
Climate and Weatherproofing
Your chicken chicken coop and run should be equip to cover whatever eccentric of conditions is common in your surface area . At least a percentage of the political campaign should have awaterproof coverto put up the Gallus gallus shelter and keep their solid food dry on showery twenty-four hours . For instance , the section of our rivulet closest to the henhouse has clear sheet of corrugated roofing material over it . The base material in the running play should be well - draining to keep off a muddy mess during pelting too .
There are a number of easy ways towinterizea chicken coop , such as by wrap the run with clear durable plastic or adding excess insulation inside the coop ( for example abstruse straw bedding ) . On hot summer days , offering cool treats , afanin the hencoop , ormistersoutside can be literal lifesavers !
In general , backyard chicken are far more tolerant or hardy to cold precondition than they are to uttermost oestrus , depending on the breed . I have many friends who ’ve lost darling chickens toheat stress !
7) Predator Proofing
Backyard chickens are vulnerable to many daylight and nighttime predators . Sometimes it feels like everyone ’s out to get these wretched lamb ! poulet ca n’t see in the dark and ca n’t vanish all that well , leaving them fairly defenseless . So , properly predator - proofing your chicken coop and streak should be taken seriously , including thoughtful design and using the right material .
Chicken Predators
Predators to chickens includehawks , bird of night , weasels , foxes , prairie wolf , raccoons , opossums , bears , bobcats , mountain lions , or other gravid wild African tea . Dogs may be a concern unless they ’re properly take aim or raised around chickens . Domestic or ferine cats are typically not a menace once chickens are in full grown . snake in the grass may stress to rust chicken egg . When raising child chicks indoors , ensure to cautiously supervise their interaction with your other larger favourite .
Hardware Cloth vs Chicken Wire
Do n’t permit the name slang you ! poulet conducting wire does NOT offer passable protection for chickens . It deteriorates with time and is pretty flimsy , well chewed or pull through by predators . Plus , the large gaps in the conducting wire can allow gnawer , snake in the grass , and other pests in .
Rather , thebest palisade materialto predator - substantiation a chicken chicken coop and run isgalvanized hardware clothwith ¼ ” opening . To prevent predators from digging under , it ’s respectable to also bury hardware fabric in a 1 - foot cryptic proscenium around the perimeter of the hencoop and/or run too .
Rodents
gnawer can squeeze through pretty tiny trap ( the size of it of a quarter ) so ensure to take that into considerateness when looking into chicken coop and fencing option . Mice and rats may not harm your chicken , but they ’re a nuisance . You do n’t require them in your backyard chickens ’ infinite . They might endeavor to feed ballock , and it isnotsanitaryto have them around the provender and water .
Predator-proofing a chicken coop and run
The coop should be your chickensultimate safe harbour . It should be completely enclosed and fabricate of sturdy materials that ca n’t be let on into by wild beast . This includes any latches , locks , gaps , threshold or windows . Cover all window and outlet firmly with ironware fabric .
On the other mitt , the level of tribute in the poulet run will bet on your spot and predator air pressure . For example , if nighttime predators are the primary concern , and you have a super secure coop that the chickens are safely locked in at night , then a gently fenced and covered campaign areamaybe okay during the day ( e.g. using wimp telegram , chain link fence , or other fencing materials ) . But if you have coyotes , bears , bobcat , mountain lions , foxes , etc ( or , ever may not be home to put them away before non-white ) plan for a sturdy running play too .
8) Food, Water, and Treats
Chicken Feed
It ’s important to feed your chickensage - appropriate feedsince baby chicks , frier , and position hens all have different nutritional needs . “Starter”and “ agriculturist ” feeds for younger bird have more protein to plump for speedy growth . Layer provender has more or less less protein and a little superfluous atomic number 20 . When switching between feeds , it ’s best to mix in and step by step transition them .
There are a ton of options for chicken food out there , include making your own blend . If you take to do so , ensure you find a formula that gives them all the nutrition they need ! We favour to give that to the pro and feed our chickensorganic , non - gmo Scratch and Peck layer feed . We alsoferment Gallus gallus feedon social occasion , for an extra hike of nutrition and probiotics . The quality of their diet gets passed down to us through their eggs , after all !
Food Storage and Biosecurity
Most backyard poulet custodian do not put out fresh food every individual solar day . That ’s awful if you do , but that takes a lot of employment ! Instead , we leave outlarge feedersto top off or refill as needed . We also in full empty and deep - clean the confluent sporadically so nothing gets mouldy or stale .
However , it ’s significant to practice good biosecurity andlimit other animalsfrom access your chicken food and water as much as potential . Wild animals ( including other birds ) may carry parasites or diseases that could be transmitted to your backyard chickens . We keep our female child food for thought and body of water inside their pesterer - trial impression run .
Store superfluous bulk chicken feed in adry , vermin - proof container . We keep all of our chicken food , treats , and miscellaneous supplying in our service department where gnawer are n’t an issue . If you keep chicken feed outdoors or in a shed with minimal wildlife natural process , take aheavy - duty , BPA - free , plastic container like this one . If you need a little more protection , you could usea galvanized metallic element container like this one . They ’re both made in the USA !
Water
Fresh , fair water supply needs to beavailable at all times . Like their feed , it should not be approachable to raving mad fauna ( to the undecomposed extent potential ) . In addition to lead off their water as needed , be sure to fully empty and houseclean their waterers as often as needed to prevent mold or alga ontogenesis .
In our many year raising backyard chickens , we ’ve essay several case of water boy andthis one is our current deary . It never grow alga like our other ones did!Poultry nipplesare another popular choice to keep weewee extra white , but our mass never took to them .
Calcium
Once your chickens start set eggs ( or just before ) , you ’ll also need to put out a loose - choice calcium source such ascrushed huitre shellsor testis shells . It should always be available and disjoined from their intellectual nourishment . This isessentialto support healthy eggshell evolution and prevent serious health yield like egg - bind !
Learn more and how we prepare bakedcrushed shell or huitre shells for our chickenshere .
Treats
A backyard chickens diet shouldprimarily comprise of level feed , and whatever flora and insects they break up at while free ranging . As tempting as it may be , do n’t cover them like your living compost system – tossing every scrap of kitchen and garden waste their way . This can throw off their nutritional counterpoise and cause health outcome , so only givetreats in easing .
Safe chicken treatsinclude dried mealworm or grubs , ignominious crude oil helianthus germ , scrambled eggs , deal block , chicken dough , and most fruit and veg . Our miss specially love getting kale , lettuce , and other leafy greens from our garden !
Do NOT prey chickens : dried beans , leaves or unripe fruit from the nightshade industrial plant family ( Lycopersicon esculentum , peppers , eggplant , potatoes ) , citrus tree , junk food or work on food , moldy or rotten food , Malus pumila seminal fluid , avocado peels or pit , deep brown and confect .
9) Nest Boxes and Egg Laying
This is one of the good part of raising backyard crybaby , right ? The most fresh , honourable , delicious and nutritious testis possible – straight from your backyard . They really ca n’t be vanquish ! For us , our chickens are dear pets first and foremost , but the eggs certainly are a great fringe benefit .
Most chicken start laying eggsaround 24 hebdomad oldon modal , though it can set out from as early as 16 weeks to as previous as 30 weeks or old . ascertain five tell - story signs that yourchickens will start to pose orchis shortly here . Some breeds will put an nut almost daily , while others may position just a few clip per week or less .
When your chicks are still young , it ’s beneficial toblock off the nest boxesso they do n’t get in the wont of slumber in the them . This is key to prevent poopy egg ! Then once they ’re about 14 to 15 weeks sure-enough , open up up the nest boxes and putwooden dummy eggsinside . They help train them where to lay eggs . Remove the false ball once they start to lay .
Chickensalsostop lay eggsfrom meter to time , including overwinteror while they ’re molt ( turning over new plume ) . interpret for exuviate chicken here . untried hens may lay the right way through their first winter , but then usually block off during winter as they get older . We personally do not artificially perch the cage to force them to put down over wintertime , which only makes them stop laying eggs sooner in life . A natural break is good !
Not lay eggs can also be a preindication of a wellness issue , explored more below .
PRO TIP : As long as they are n’t washed , fresh backyard poulet eggs can be stored atroom temperaturefor several week . Yet once you wash out them , they must be refrigerate ! Learn more about ledge biography , wash , andstoring fresh eggshere .
10) Should I let my chickens free range?
There are two key things to view when it comes to chicken and innocent ranging : predatory animal and destruction .
Predators
If you live in an urban or suburban setting with little - to - no daytime predators , it may be possible to allow your wimp free ambit with minimum endangerment . At our former urban homestead , our girls freely wander the backyard for years without incident , even when we were n’t home ! We very seldom see hawks at that holding , and our thousand was narrow and well - covered with dense tree and shrubs .
Yet if you havebirds of preyaround ( like we do now at our rural property ) , it ’s only a matter of sentence … We lose a best-loved chicken to a brute hawk onslaught lately , so in plus to their enclosed hardware cloth incline , we also addedpoultry nettingover their big fenced “ day yard ” blank space .
On the other hand , some chicken keepers have a higher tolerance for risk and permit their chicken free mountain range no matter , simply swallow that losses will happen .
NOTE : Small , unseasoned chickens are far more vulnerable to predators than full grown birds ! I do n’t advocate letting chickensunder 16 to 20 week oldfree range unsupervised , especially if you have hawks or other birds of prey around .
Destruction (and Poop)
Chickens love todig , abrasion , feed plants , and generallymake a hot messof landscape gardening ! They ’ll also slowly dig up and ruin lawn areas . So if you have a garden or plants you care about in the same surface area you plan to allow your backyard poulet to roam , add“plan to protect said garden”to the listing . Or , design to be out there supervising them during free range prison term .
Also do n’t underestimate just how much chicken poop . We ’ll talk more about managing manure in the henhouse and extend more below , but if you require to allow your poulet free mountain chain , be prepared to havepoop all over ! Even if they have Acre to stray , they ’ll likely hang out the most ripe on your back porch , realize eye contact through the windowpane as they ca-ca all over your terrace furniture .
Despite all this , we still let our chickens free range our old backyard for many class . With time and a trivial creative thinking , we came up with all sorts of deception to keep our back yard beautiful , manageable , and useful , for both us and them . For example , by strategically fencing off certain area like around the back terrace , understructure of tree , or raised garden beds . See photograph below !
Chunnels
If you have daytime predators or need to limit their access to sure areas of your garden , weigh using wimp tunnels ( aka“chunnels ” ) in addition to their run ! Channel Tunnel are short crybaby - sized tunnels , which create piffling chicken highway around designated areas of the yard . you could use chunnel to connect two run spaces , or rotate them periodically to different locations .
Other Ranging Considerations
Last but not least , if you are considering destitute range , do a mental and strong-arm inventory of the space they will have access to . Are there anydangerousmaterials around , like rat bait or gopher poisonous substance ? Is the grass treated with pesticides or plant food ? Are there any sketchy cranny , sharp objects , or space they can get stuck or into trouble?Think of it like toddler - proofing . poulet are somewhat much toddlers – they ’ll put just about anything in their hooter they can .
11) Manure Management
Chickens poop about 12 to 15 time per day on ordinary – and I think that ’s a cautious estimate ! So if you ’re think of raising backyard chickens , be fain to deal with a lot of poop . Properly care manure is essential to keep their space clean and healthy , and toreduce tent flap , parasites , odor , and pests . You also do n’t want to diffuse treats or food for thought on the primer coat in an area that has poop .
It ’s a good musical theme to have an easy - cleanable designated duo of “ volaille chiliad ” boots , plus ashoe scrubbernear their space to wipe your feet as you come and go .
Poop In the Coop
Inside our Gallus gallus coop , we made aneasily - cleanable “ tail board”by covering a thin piece of plywood with mainsheet vinyl radical , which is then strategically placed under their roost . All of their overnight poops fall onto the board ( the immense majority of the overall poop in the cage ) . I can then easily scrape it blank each aurora .
In our quondam reach out - in hencoop , I used a wide paint scraper and dustpan to houseclean the poop board day by day . In our current walk - in coop , I use a long - handle andiron poop scraper circle . I collect the poop in a nearby bucket with a lid until it ’s full enough to take out to the compost . Then we take the low-down board out to recondite white once every few months too .
I ’ve seen other backyard chicken keepers create “ litter tray ” full of sand or coffee grounds just below the roost that are similarly leisurely to scoop clean . It ’s also ready to hand if your roost bar are well-off to get rid of for occasional pressure washing if require . And if daily cleanup sounds like too much bother , you could also judge thedeep litter method .
Chicken Run and Yard Poop
Beyond the cage , after part clean up will bet on your property and phone number of hiss . If you have only a handful of backyard chickens and a very expectant yard for them to free reach in , the quarter wo n’t be as noticeable . On the other hand , it willbuild up faster in modest spaces or with more dame .
Since we currently have 13 chicken , I wish to stay on top of things and houseclean up their run and day thou space every morning with along - handle dog poop scooper exercise set . In our old backyard ( with only four chickens ) I foot up quarter in the enfold run about once a week , while most of the shite in the yard simply got churned into the mulch and soil by the chickens – which was awesome fertilizer for the backyard yield Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree !
Using a hose to spray off grass , patios decks or other laborious surfaces is also effective .
PRO TIP : Do NOT add fresh wimp manure straight to your garden ! It ’s too eminent in nitrogen and can easily burn plant life , so it need to be properlycompostedfirst . Letting it sit for a minimum of 6 month is best , if not longer .
12) Daily Care
Once your muckle is establish , the casual upkeep can be jolly quick and simple – depending on your set up and site . possibly you ’ll let them out to pasture for a snatch , refresh their food and water system if need , scoop poop , hoard eggs , andalways secure they’resafely tuck into the coop at dark.(Anautomatic coop doormakes this a breeze , explicate more in the next section . )
Collecting eggson a daily basis is crucial to foreclose broken eggs andegg - eatingbehavior . It also serve prevent them from going sitter : when a hen sits on eggs to attempt to incubate and cover them ( even if they are n’t fertilized ) . It is n’t ideal because the biddy will often stay put , forego food and water system , thus jeopardize her health . Learnhow to disclose a broody henhere .
Give them somelove and attention!Chickens are curious , energetic , and even warm animals . When you could , spend some time with your flock – catching up on gossiper over a handful of mealworms . Even a busy 24-hour interval , it ’s always good to take a few minutes to observe and check that everyone islooking healthyand happy . Many crybaby unwellness are well-situated to treat if caught early !
13) Bedtime, Vacations or Late Evenings
Do you have a program for evenings when you ’re away from plate after dark , or on vacation ? If not , make one ! Backyard chickens need to besafely “ cooped up ” at sullen , before any nighttime predators come out .
Thankfully , 99 % of chicken will simplyput themselves to bed , heading into their coop on their own around dusk as their ability to see quickly decreases in the dark . Then you’re able to follow behind them and close everything up . Some spunky chickens may attempt to rest in tree or other naughty space and need re - direction , but not often .
To ensure your flock is safely tuck away each night , I highly commend enthrone in anautomated chicken coop door . For day - to - 24-hour interval use , late night , OR vacations – they ’re literally a lifesaver ! Set it to close for a while after your flock naturally puts themselves to bed and afford again in the morning after daybreak . Adjust the time as the daylight changes a few times per year .
An car door helps A LOT butdoes noteliminate the need for a family unit appendage or friend to make out check on the chickens if you ’re away on vacation for more than a couple day . They can accumulate egg , brush up food for thought and body of water , possibly deal with poop , and do a general eudaemonia check . I would suggest every 3 to 4 day , lower limit .
14) Health Issues or Emergencies
There are a number of illnesses and ailments that can dissemble backyard chickens including crop issues , parasites , bumblefoot , and subject related to laying eggs – such as becoming nut - bound or inner egg laying – when eggs are not pass normally and can chop-chop get grievous .
Many of these issue can bemanaged with prevention and at - home treatment , but that begs the query : Are you prosperous manipulation and helping them as require , such as administering baths or medication?Chances are , even if that sounds weird or scarey now , you will be quick to dive in there and help oneself when something hold out down ! specially if you raise your Gallus gallus from baby chick . You ’ll become customary to manage them .
Have alarge dog crate , spare bathroom , or other readily - available space that can serve as anemergency chicken hospitalwhen someone needs to be quarantined for TLC or watching . It should be large enough for them to well expend a twosome days if ask , with nutrient and water at bottom . I also care to have a indicate holdall or tub for poulet baths , Vetericyn poultry atomizer , andstyptic powderon hand to quickly check leech .
For issues that are beyond home - care or your comfort level , do you have a goodavian / fowl veterinariannearby ? Or at least a received vet that will accord to care for volaille ? Do a little enquiry ahead of time . It ’s respectable to know now instead of endeavor to fancy it out during an emergency ! Trust me . We have a specialty avian vet and a farm veterinary surgeon in our country , plus one cat vet who has consort to see our chicken in a speck .
15) Looking to the Future
“ What will you do with your chickens once they stop laying ? ” – multitude ask me this dubiousness all the time . The solvent is always the same : they get to live out their lives here , fat and well-chosen , eggs or no eggs .
The average lifespan of a backyard crybaby is about5 to 7 years onetime , though some chickens can live up to 10 eld or longer . However , their egg product will lessen with long time . Older hens may only lay one egg a calendar week . Some not at all . Our eldest chicken Hennifer is almost 11 years old , and still lays a couple twelve eggs every bound !
probability are , between random unwellness or freak chance event , you ’ll credibly lose a few chickens before they become sure-enough enough to intercept laying entirely . Many chicken keepersintroduce new chickens to the flockevery few year to avail create a natural hertz of untested , robust level ruffle with older , slow gals .
I hope you are n’t getting backyard chickens JUST for the eggs , and will consider them your quirky companions as well ! We do n’t eat inwardness in this firm , but even if we did , we would n’t consume our pets . I know many , many masses who do rust meat , but would never dream of eating their own chickens . Whether you intend to or not , you will form an attachment!They’re too freakin ’ cunning and have too much personality not to ! Like this cunning fluffy broad .
With that, your crash course on raising backyard chickens is complete.
Now , have SO much playfulness with your novel baby ! receive to the wild and wonderful “ crazy chicken person ” creation .
