Member-only story

The Basics Of Raising Backyard Chickens

T.S. Eliot

·4.5k Followers· Follow

Published in The Basics Of Raising Backyard Chickens: Beginner S Guide To Selling Eggs Raising Feeding And Butchering Chickens (Homestead Basics 1)

5 min read

129 View Claps

24 Respond

Save

Listen

The Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens: Beginner s Guide to Selling Eggs Raising Feeding and Butchering Chickens (Homestead Basics 1)

The Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens: Beginner's Guide to Selling Eggs, Raising, Feeding, and Butchering Chickens (Homestead Basics Book 1)

by David Nash

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20676 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	92 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to become more self-sufficient and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Chickens are relatively easy to care for, and they can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs and meat.

If you're thinking about raising backyard chickens, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Here's a comprehensive guide to the basics of raising backyard chickens:

Choosing The Right Breed

There are many different breeds of chickens available, so it's important to do your research and choose the breed that's right for you. Some of the most popular breeds for backyard chicken keepers include:

Rhode Island Reds
Plymouth Rocks
Wyandottes
Orpingtons
Leghorns

When choosing a breed, consider the following factors:

Egg production: Some breeds are better egg layers than others. If you're primarily interested in raising chickens for eggs, choose a breed that has a high egg production rate.
Meat production: If you're interested in raising chickens for meat, choose a breed that has a good meat-to-bone ratio.
Temperament: Some breeds are more docile than others. If you have children or other pets, choose a breed that is known for being friendly and good-natured.
Climate: Some breeds are better suited to certain climates than others. If you live in a cold climate, choose a breed that is cold-hardy.

Housing and Feeding Requirements

Chickens need a safe and comfortable place to live. The coop should be large enough to accommodate all of your chickens, and it should be well-ventilated and protected from the elements. The coop should also have a nesting box for each hen to lay her eggs in.

Chickens need a diet that is high in protein and fiber. You can feed your chickens a commercial chicken feed, or you can make your own feed using a variety of grains, seeds, and vegetables.

Health Care

Chickens are generally healthy animals, but they can be susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites. It's important to keep your chickens vaccinated and to regularly check them for signs of illness.

Some of the most common health problems in chickens include:

Coccidiosis: This is a parasitic infection that can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
Marek's disease: This is a viral infection that can cause tumors in chickens.
Fowl pox: This is a viral infection that can cause skin lesions and respiratory problems.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to raising backyard chickens, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start small: Don't start with a large flock of chickens if you're new to raising them. Start with a small flock of 3-4 chickens and gradually increase the size of your flock as you gain experience.
Do your research: Before you get started, do your research and learn as much as you can about raising chickens. There are many resources available online and in libraries.
Be prepared to commit: Raising chickens is a commitment. You need to be prepared to provide your chickens with food, water, and shelter every day. You also need to be prepared to clean the coop regularly and to monitor your chickens for signs of illness.

Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience. Chickens are relatively easy to care for, and they can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs and meat. If you're thinking about raising backyard chickens, do your research and choose the breed that's right for you. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of raising backyard chickens for years to come.

The Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens: Beginner's Guide to Selling Eggs, Raising, Feeding, and Butchering Chickens (Homestead Basics Book 1)

by David Nash

4.7 out of 5