Most people get into raising chickens for the benefits of having eggs on hand, plus they make great pest control. Chickens are excellent for catching crop eating grasshoppers and other small destructive bugs. They are perfect for fertilization of the garden area too. Kids enjoy helping to raise chickens and it is a fantastic way for them to learn to be responsible. Chickens are very easy to raise and are less expensive than many other pets.
Where to Purchase - You can buy chicks in the spring from farmers' markets, feed stores, and farm supply places. Feed stores usually require you to fill out a form before the chicks are ordered, so they aren't left with a large supply of unwanted chicks.
There are some farms where chicks can be purchased and farmers' markets in the spring. A variety of catalogs are available with photos of various breeds and you can order directly from them as well. Many catalogs are also found online, with the option to purchase kits of chicks with rearing supplies.
First 60 Days - Chicks need to be kept very warm during their first 60 days and taught how to get food and water on their own. If there isn't an adult chicken to show them how, you will need to demonstrate this. Dip their beaks into the water when you first place the dispenser in the brooding area so they know where it is.
They will huddle underneath it when they get cold. If you have a bunch of chicks, they will often huddle together as well. You will need plenty of chick feed and dispensers for food and water. Placing pine shavings on the floor of their area keeps it cleaner too.
60 Days and After - After they are big enough to move outside, usually after a couple of months in the brooding area, they will need a coop. This should provide adequate housing for the chicks, keeping them safe from wind, rain, and excess sun. Adding a fenced in area to the coop will allow them to have a safe place for outside rummaging. They enjoy digging for bugs and small rocks, plus they like eating scraps from veggies.
The most important things to remember when raising chickens is to keep them warm, fed, and watered. You will need to introduce them to the water dispenser by dipping their beak into the water to show them what it is. If there isn't an adult chicken to demonstrate this process and you don't show them how to get water, they can dehydrate and die. Try to socialize the chicks when they are young so they won't grow up to be skittish chickens. This is a lot of fun for children too, since they like playing with them.
Where to Purchase - You can buy chicks in the spring from farmers' markets, feed stores, and farm supply places. Feed stores usually require you to fill out a form before the chicks are ordered, so they aren't left with a large supply of unwanted chicks.
There are some farms where chicks can be purchased and farmers' markets in the spring. A variety of catalogs are available with photos of various breeds and you can order directly from them as well. Many catalogs are also found online, with the option to purchase kits of chicks with rearing supplies.
First 60 Days - Chicks need to be kept very warm during their first 60 days and taught how to get food and water on their own. If there isn't an adult chicken to show them how, you will need to demonstrate this. Dip their beaks into the water when you first place the dispenser in the brooding area so they know where it is.
They will huddle underneath it when they get cold. If you have a bunch of chicks, they will often huddle together as well. You will need plenty of chick feed and dispensers for food and water. Placing pine shavings on the floor of their area keeps it cleaner too.
60 Days and After - After they are big enough to move outside, usually after a couple of months in the brooding area, they will need a coop. This should provide adequate housing for the chicks, keeping them safe from wind, rain, and excess sun. Adding a fenced in area to the coop will allow them to have a safe place for outside rummaging. They enjoy digging for bugs and small rocks, plus they like eating scraps from veggies.
The most important things to remember when raising chickens is to keep them warm, fed, and watered. You will need to introduce them to the water dispenser by dipping their beak into the water to show them what it is. If there isn't an adult chicken to demonstrate this process and you don't show them how to get water, they can dehydrate and die. Try to socialize the chicks when they are young so they won't grow up to be skittish chickens. This is a lot of fun for children too, since they like playing with them.
About the Author:
Backyard Chickens require little up keep and maintenance. They can simply accommodate themselves in almost any conditions.
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