For some individuals raising backyard chickens can be quite the challenge. Fortunately, our team did some research, so worry no more because we are going to make raising backyard chickens a piece of cake for you, by telling you these 10 easy hacks.
1. START WITH A DESIGN PLAN FOR BUILDING YOUR CHICKEN COOP
The very first thing you should do is make a plan on how to build your chicken coop. In this phase, you should also think about the materials that will be included in the building process. These materials can be very cheap and even old stuff that are lying around at your place.
- Alternative: if you really don’t know how to build a chicken coop, just buy one.
2. FIND NEARBY CHICKEN FARMERS
When raising chickens it is very important to do your research. You can do it by browsing the internet or books. But a big mistake to a lot of rookie chicken farmers is that they don’t interfere with others.
For instance, when you are facing a problem, it is easier for an experienced farmer to help you with your problem, instead of reading up to 100 other solutions on the net.
3. BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING
A lot of your chickens will die. A lot of predators will come and eat or try to eat your chickens. Such predators are: dogs, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, hawks, skunks, and many others. To increase the safety of your chickens, you should build a nice chicken coop.
4. EXPECT ROOSTERS
When it comes to telling the sex of a chicken, usually when they are young is not that accurate. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you find a rooster amongst your chickens.
5. LAYING EGGS IS NOT TIME SCHEDULED
Laying eggs varies from breed to breed, and another thing you should keep in mind is that the seasons also affect the egg-laying. If you are not satisfied with the number of eggs your chicken is laying make sure she has the perfect amount of water, whole grains food with proteins, and ample light.
6. CHICKEN BLOGS
Chicken blogs can sometimes help you at a time when an emergency strikes. When you notice something funny about your chicken, a chicken blog offers many solutions.
7. RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS IS NOT THE CLEANEST JOB
Chickens make a lot of waste and waste attracts flies. To keep the odor down use straws, but also clean your chicken coop on a regular basis, replace the straws weekly and use fly traps.
8. WITH RAISING CHICKENS, TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR FOOD
The eggs and meat from your chickens taste amazing, you can also put some food on the table, and in hard times do not forget that what you have in your backyard would make a great business outside of your house.
9. GET TO KNOW YOUR CHICKENS
Like people, chickens have different personalities and behaviors. Observe their behavior. It is fun and relaxing and it helps you get to know them, which makes raising them easier.
10. THEY WILL CHANGE AND GO
The production of eggs declines. Usually, a chicken produces a lot of eggs for 2 years and then the amount of eggs it is laying is becoming smaller and smaller.
What is your favorite chicken-keeping tip? Share it with us in the comments below.
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
