Raising Chickens 101

Chicken can be a wonderful addition to your home and family. They can help relieve stress, get you more in touch with nature and natural food, and can be just fun to have around! If you are starting out, you might need a little guidance to get you started. We have some great tips for you to start your journey of owning chickens.

If you have never owned chickens before, you may not realize different breeds of chickens produce different kinds and amounts of eggs. It is crucial to have the right types of chickens to have eggs all year long.  

Why Chicken Raise Chickens

Chickens are a great option for getting in touch with nature or raising them for food and sustainability. Plus, you’ll have a supply of eggs which are a nutrient and protein-rich food

Chickens are easy to care for.

Chickens are truly easy to take care of. Essentially all you have to do is gather eggs daily, fill their food and water containers a couple of times a week and change their bedding once a month.  

Chickens make a good pet.

Each chicken has their own unique personality which can make them a good pet. Most likely, you’ll end up naming them and treating them like a pet even if that was not your priority in getting them in the first place. 

Chickens are low-cost.

Generally speaking, the investment made into purchasing the chickens, building the coop, and buying food and supplies is relatively low. The return on investment is great as you will most likely get enough eggs to feed your family and potentially more to sell or barter with.

Chickens produce fertilizer which is great for your garden.

Composting is a wonderful way to use chicken manure and even eggshells. You’ll have a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to add to your vegetable garden. 

Chickens eat weeds and bugs which again, is great for your garden.

Keep in mind that chickens eat leaves, weeds, and bugs which can prove to be helpful as you keep a survival garden. They also aerate the soil as they peck and scratch.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chicken

When planning your chicken coop, you want a healthy, happy, and egg-producing flock. When you are researching breed of chicken, you should consider:

• number and color of eggs produced
•  breed’s temperament
• Breed’s noise level
• adaptability to confinement
• preferred climate

Eggs

Generally speaking, larger birds lay fewer eggs and smaller birds lay smaller eggs. If you’re in it for the eggs, consider our list so your hens produce a lot of eggs. Most chickens will produce white and brown eggs but some chickens make other colored eggs, such as the Ameraucanas that produce blue eggs. 

Temperament

The disposition of a breed should be something that you think about. Some chickens like to be handled and petted, others are more skittish. Chickens have personalities, and it is a good idea to read up on the breeds to get a good fit for you. Make sure you also do some research into the disposition of chicken breeds. 

Noise

We all know about a rooster’s call but you should know that chickens can be noisy. When a hen lays its eggs, they are at their loudest and can be the same decibel as a human conversation. Check with your town in case they have an ordinance about owning chickens.

Confinement

Some breeds prefer free-range while others will want to stay in the coop. You should consider your space and preference.

Climate

Generally speaking, chickens are hardy and can handle a variety of climates. If you live someplace where there is extreme weather conditions, you might have to consider specific breeds.