The Beginners Guide to Raising Chickens

April 19, 2023

Whether it looks like it or not, spring is right around the corner! The season of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. And for many people, it's also the perfect time to start raising chickens! There's something so exciting about getting your very own flock of beautiful birds, watching them grow, and collecting fresh, delicious eggs. But if you're new to chicken raising, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've created this beginner's guide to help you get started on your journey to becoming a backyard chicken farmer!

Why Should I Raise Chickens?

There are many great reasons to consider raising chickens, including the fact that it allows you to produce your own natural, organic, homegrown eggs. Not only does this provide a healthier and more sustainable option than store-bought eggs, but it also allows you to be self-reliant and come one step closer to being in control of your own food supply. Additionally, raising chickens can help keep bugs at bay around your home and provide you with a fun and rewarding hobby.

Getting Ready for Baby Chicks

If you're new to raising chickens, starting with baby chicks can be so fun. Chicks can be purchased from a variety of sources including hatcheries or farm stores. When caring for baby chicks, it's crucial to keep them warm, provide them with fresh water and food, and keep them out of the reach of larger animals that could harm or eat them. With the right care and attention, your baby chicks will grow into happy and healthy adult chickens that will provide you with years of enjoyment and fresh eggs.

Here is a checklist of things you may need before you bring chicks home:

Heat lamp
Small pen or brooder
Feeder
Waterer
Shavings or newspaper to lay in bottom of pen
Chick starter feed
Thermometer

It is so important to keep baby chicks warm and nourished throughout their first few weeks of life. Get a heat lamp and ensure the area is about 95 degrees for the first few weeks. When you first bring them home, it is important to watch how they act. If they are all huddled under the heat lamp, lower the light or add additional lights to make it warmer. If the chicks are around the edges of the pen, hiding from the heat lamp, move the light up or a little further away to reduce the temperature. Keep a heat lamp on them until they are about six weeks old and fully feathered.

Another vital thing to watch for with baby chicks is their bums. While it may seem an odd thing to watch, baby chicks often get a pasty bum. Pasty bum is when their droppings get stuck to the down feathers surrounding the baby chicks vent and prevent them from pooping. This should be something you check your baby chicks for everyday for the first few weeks. If you notice some blockage, get a glove or a warm damp cloth to clean their bum off.

Transitioning from Baby Chicks to Chickens

By providing chicks with warmth, care, food, and water, you can expect your hens to start laying eggs between 18 to 22 weeks of age. Once they are fully feathered and no longer need a heat lamp in order to stay warm, you can transition them to a bigger living area or a chicken coop. Make sure there is a place for them to get sunlight, but also a place for them to go inside the coop to nests or bedding where they can lay their eggs.

Caring for Laying Hens

There are a few things to keep in mind as you strive to keep your chickens happy and healthy. Here are a few things to help you as you care for your chickens.

Provide a balanced diet: Laying hens require a balanced diet that includes a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. You can either purchase commercial feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens or create your own feed mix. The feed should contain at least 16% protein and be free of mold or contaminants.
Offer fresh water: Hens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Make sure their waterer is cleaned regularly and free of contaminants.
Provide calcium: Laying hens need extra calcium to produce strong eggshells. You can provide this in the form of crushed oyster shells (sold at most farm stores), which can be added to their feed or offered in a separate container.
Ensure adequate space: Laying hens need adequate space to move around and exercise. The recommended minimum space per bird is 4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet in an outdoor run.
Keep the coop clean: A clean coop will help prevent disease and parasites. Clean out the coop and nesting boxes regularly and provide fresh bedding.
Allow access to the outdoors: Hens that are allowed to roam and forage outside will have a more varied and nutritious diet. Make sure their outdoor area is secure and protected from predators.
Monitor for signs of illness: Watch your hens for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or abnormal droppings. Address any health concerns promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Place your nesting boxes on the ground and your roost higher: This will help to keep your nesting boxes clean and ready for eggs.

Integrating New Chickens into an Existing Flock

Introducing new chickens to an existing flock can be a bit of a challenge, but with proper management, it can be done successfully. The first thing to keep in mind is that it's best to introduce chickens to an established flock when they are around the same size as the adult birds. This helps to prevent any bullying or aggression from the older birds towards the younger, more vulnerable chicks.

One effective method for introducing new chickens is to use a wire barrier or partition to separate the new chickens from the adult birds initially. This allows the birds to see and smell each other, but prevents physical contact. Gradually, over the course of a week, you can begin to allow the new chickens and adult birds to interact more closely, always under close supervision. You can also try providing multiple feeding and watering stations to help reduce competition between the birds. Be sure to monitor the birds closely for any signs of aggression or bullying, and be prepared to separate any birds that are causing problems. With patience and careful management, your new chickens should be able to integrate successfully into your existing flock.

Ready to Raise Your Own Chickens?

In conclusion, raising chickens can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort. From the excitement of raising baby chicks to the satisfaction of collecting fresh eggs, there's something magical about having your own backyard flock. Whether you're looking for a more sustainable food source, a fun hobby, or a way to keep bugs at bay, raising chickens can be a great option.

Remember, the key to success in raising chickens is to provide them with the proper care, nutrition, and living conditions. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your flock stays healthy, happy, and productive. So why not consider starting your own backyard chicken farm this spring? You might be surprised by just how much joy and fulfillment it can bring to your life.