Keeping Chickens – Top 5 Questions

Why is Keeping Chickens Smart?

Here are the 5 Top Questions most people ask about keeping chickens.

What are some of the benefits of keeping chickens?

Almost every chicken blog I read says backyard chickens are “All the rage these days” or “The newest craze”. IMHO – What a lot of rot. Chickens have forever been all the rage and for a very good reason! They make great pets, are low maintenance, convert a very small amount of food into extremely nutritious fresh eggs every day and are the best company and a heap of fun to own. But before you rush off to get a chicken or hundred, there are a few things you need to know. And, it’s a whole lot of fun keeping chickens

What do I need to get started?

The most important thing you need to get started with backyard chickens is a shelter of some type. In all parts of the world these shelters are called different things like Chicken Coop, Chook Shed, Chicken Caravan, Egglu, and the list of shelters for chickens is endless. This is where your chickens will sleep, lay eggs, and hide from predators. Chicken shelters come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your budget and space.

In addition to a shelter for your chickens you will also need to provide your chickens with food, water, and a suitable roost. You can purchase chicken feed at most pet stores, feed mills or produce stores. Water should be fresh and clean at all times. And for roosting, you can use wood but not steel. If you are preferring to have your chickens on the ground (which I do not recommend) you can use untreated wood shavings or sand.

.

How many chickens should I get?

The number of chickens required depends on your reason for having chickens. If it is for getting eggs you can work out how many people, you want to feed or how many dozen per week you are likely to consume. If the chicken is for a pet you can get one or as many as you think you can look after. However, because chickens are flock animals, I would suggest you don’t have one chicken on its own – See why here.

A good rule of thumb is to start with three or four chickens. This will give you a nice variety of eggs and help prevent any one chicken from getting lonely. If you have more space, you can always add more chickens later on. But in the beginning be cautious to only get female chickens as your first chickens as roosters can be very challenging. There are many reasons for NOT owning roosters. More about the vagaries of owning roosters here:

What kind of chickens should I get?

There are many different breeds of chickens to choose from, each with its own unique personality and production characteristics. Some popular breeds for backyard chicken keepers include Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks. If you’re not sure which breed is right for you, do some research and talk to other chicken keepers.

How do I care for my chickens?

Chickens are relatively low-maintenance animals, but they do require some basic care. You’ll need to feed them daily, clean their coop regularly, and check them for signs of illness or injury. It’s also important to provide them with a safe and secure enclosure to protect them from predators.

What do I do with the eggs?

Fresh chicken eggs are one of the best things about keeping backyard chickens. You can enjoy them yourself or share them with friends and family. If you have more eggs than you can eat, you can even sell them at a local farmers market (depending on applicable laws for your country, of course).

Benefits of Owning Hens:

If you’re thinking about getting backyard chickens, I encourage you to do your research and talk to other chicken keepers. There is so much to learn about chickens that asking those who have done so before you is the best way to get prepared for owning your own. It’s a rewarding experience that can bring you and your family many years of joy and laughter.