Beginners Guide to Raising Backyard Chickens

Raising chickens may be therapeutic, fulfilling, enjoyable, and a little nerve-wracking for beginners.

There's a lot of information out there about raising chicks and hens, and it may be difficult to go through it all to figure out what's correct, what's not, and what's simply bizarre.

We've included everything you need to know about caring for your birds - from chick to chicken – in this comprehensive guide to assist you along the way.

When you have chickens, believe me when I tell you will never stop learning or smiling.

We've tried to keep everything as simple as possible so that you don't get confused.

The History of Raising Backyard Chickens

This may come as a surprise, but the truth is that raising chickens was once banned in the United States. After World War II, North Americans had this idea: Now that we are all modernized, raising chickens is not modern. However, the tide seems to be turning in the opposite direction. With Americans' interest in gardening and home-grown food soaring, many are questioning the wisdom of banning urban chickens. Some chicken activists are starting to take action. Their efforts were not in vain, and chicken farming was gradually legalized. But from now on, not all regions are allowed.

Can I Raise Chickens in My Backyard?

If you're thinking of raising backyard chickens, first check to see if it's legal in your region. Although many townships, villages, and cities have accepted the benefits of backyard flocks, chicken raising is not yet legal in all areas.

Follow these procedures to see if a backyard flock is permitted in your area:

1.Connect With Your Local Government.

"Contact your local government authorities to ensure hens are authorized or, if possible, limits exist in your region," an expert advises.
Call a member of your local planning board, county clerk, or animal control official to start the conversation. The relevant person's contact information is usually available on your city's website.

2.Ask the Right Questions.

Some localities have regulations regarding the size of your flock, coop construction, and the amount of land required per animal.

Experts advise that you ask:
- Are both roosters and hens acceptable?
- How many birds are allowed?
- Are there any restrictions on where the coop may be constructed?
- Before I begin, what do I require from my neighbors?
- Is it necessary to get a permit in order to keep hens and/or construct a coop?
- Who should I call if I have to split ways with my hens unexpectedly?

3.Obtain a copy of the local bylaws.

Ballam, who is an expert, recommends obtaining a copy of the local regulations and keeping it on file to ensure that your new family members may stay in your family.

4.Empower Change If Chickens are Not Permitted.

If your local government does not allow chickens, you can change that by modifying local legislation. You may be required to fill out paperwork and attend a local government meeting, depending on your location.

"In this instance, being prepared is the best bet," Ballam explains. "Join forces with other flock lovers in your region to lay forth the advantages of keeping hens and a plan for doing so. Showing community support and the advantages are frequently important factors in deciding whether or not to bring chickens to a community."

A local meet-up or chat group dedicated to rearing backyard chickens may be found in many urban areas. With a simple web search, you may locate one in your region.

5.Visit With Your Neighbors.

Once you've received permission to begin, pay a visit to your neighbors and tell them about your intentions.

"It's always preferable to exchange plans ahead of time and work on the project together," Ballam recommends. "Explain the advantages of rearing hens, including the peace and quiet they provide, as well as the opportunity for community involvement." Your neighbors will most likely be excited to meet their new neighbors."

6.Design Your Flock.

Your family should now be prepared for one of the most fun aspects of the process: flock design.

Ballam says there are hundreds of kinds to pick from. "Decide whether you want hens for eggs, meat, or display." Examine the personalities of the breeds, the amount of space they require, and whether they are suitable for your environment. Then gather supplies and begin with a small flock of 4 to 6 chicks.

How to Raise Backyard Chickens?

A backyard flock provides families with fresh, healthful eggs as well as the fun of seeing a baby chick develop into an egg-laying hen with the help of a coop, some chicks, and a long-term plan of action. Making a plan is the first step in starting a backyard flock.
A backyard flock may provide us with a lot of benefits. Chickens are capable of producing really fresh eggs as well as excellent, nutritious meat. We may also enjoy observing birds from our back porch while educating our children about responsibility and animal development.

Here are six pointers on how to get started keeping chickens before you go out and buy some fresh chicks this spring.

1.Decide Which Breed is Best for You.

Poultry breeds come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes. Families that want to raise chickens for eggs or meat should start with common breeds.
Decide what you want to get out of your flock. White Leghorn hybrids (white eggs), Plymouth Barred Rocks (brown eggs), Rhode Island Reds (brown eggs), Blue Andalusians (white eggs), or Ameraucanas/Easter Eggers are all good choices if you want fresh eggs (blue eggs). Cornish Cross chickens are fast-growing and ideal for meat production. Consider dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Barred Rock, Sussex, or Buff Orpingtons if you want to produce both eggs and meat. Exotic breeds make excellent show dogs or pets.

2.Determine the Number of Birds You'd Like.

Local restrictions and your flock aims may affect the quantity and gender of birds in your flock.

Keep in mind that immature chicks develop into full-fledged birds. Make a budget for the time you'll be able to spend with your flock, the housing they'll need, how you'll collect and utilize eggs, and what you'll do with the birds once they've stopped laying eggs. Then begin with a small flock of 4 to 6 chicks.

3.Find a Reliable Chick Provider.

Purchase chicks from a reputable Pullorum-Typhoid Clean hatchery in the United States. Ensure that the hatchery inoculated the chicks against Marek's Disease and coccidiosis to avoid disease concerns.

4.Prepare Your Brooder.

Keep newborn chicks in a brooder, which is a warm, draft-free enclosure. The brooder should have a heating light and be entirely enclosed with a bottom surface that may be covered with bedding. If the birds gather together in one location, avoid square corners in the brooding space to prevent chicks from becoming stuck in the corner.

For the first six weeks, each chick needs at least 2 to 3 square feet of floor area. Set the brooder temperature to 90°F for the first week, then progressively lower heat by 5 degrees F each week until it reaches a minimum of 55°F. Once the extra heat source is no longer needed, make sure the chicks have a roomy, clean coop. Ensure that there is sufficient fresh, clean water available at all times and that it is replaced on a daily basis.

5.Focus on Sanitation.

Maintain a clean environment for young chicks before they arrive and during the growth period. Because young chicks are vulnerable to early health concerns, clean all materials before use and thereafter on a weekly basis.

The right disinfectants for the home may be quite effective. To guarantee that your disinfectant is safe to use and does not leave a residue film, read the directions carefully. If the cleaner is fully rinsed after cleaning, a combination of 10% bleach and 90% water might work effectively.

6.Create a Long-term Nutrition Plan.

Healthy hens come from strong chicks. For this regimen, you'll only need one entire starter-grower feed from day one until the first egg and one complete layer feed from week 18 onwards.

With a full starter-grower meal, you can get your chicks off to a good start. From the moment they hatch, chicks require 38 different nutrients. Choose a full starter-grower diet that includes the Chick Strong System to offer all of the essential nutrients.

Choose a meal with 18 percent protein for chicks who will lay eggs later. Choose a comprehensive meal with 20% protein for meat birds and mixed flocks.

When layer chicks reach the age of 18 to 20 weeks, they should be switched to a higher-calcium complete meal.

Benefits of Raising Backyard Chicken

It takes great effort to raise chickens. If you're afraid of it or undecided about having animals in your yard, these fantastic benefits of hens could just persuade you.

1.Slow Food

Today, backyard chickens are a growing trend. And with the rise of the Slow Food lifestyle, people are starting to consciously avoid processed foods. Instead, prepare natural ingredients and eat free-range poultry. This also promotes the development of local animal husbandry and agriculture.

2.Organic Eggs

If you're into healthy food, you've probably heard about store-bought eggs and pesticides. To prevent being harmed by such situations in the future, making your own supply of fresh, organic eggs is an excellent option.
Having your own hens gives you peace of mind since you'll know where your food - in this case, eggs – comes from. Chickens come in different shapes and sizes. Certain breeds may require special care, so you'll need to do some study to figure out which one is suitable for you. If everything goes according to plan, you will have a fantastic source of eggs and meat.

3.Free Fertilizer

If you care about the environment, you've probably planted, or are planning to plant, a garden. Chickens have one disadvantage: they poop. Quite a bit. Chicken fertilizer, on the other hand, is rich in nutrients for your garden. It's really considered one of the greatest and most wanted fertilizers for your plant.

Conclusion

With this article, you have learnt how to raise chickens in the backyard, including the factors that are involved in raising chickens in the city backyard and the benefits. Here's a beginner's guide to raising chickens. As people increasingly pursue quality of life, more and more people will join this trend.