If I were to start raising chickens today; Or should I say if I knew then what I know now where would I start if I was just beginning.
A subscriber of the Backyard Banter ezine contacted me asking several questions on how to get started and recommendations of breeds. So instead of writing her an email I have decided to answer her questions in a post so if there are others out there that are seeking advice about starting to raise chickens they can gather some ideas from this post.
Here was the original email:
I need info on starting my own chicken enterprise. I really only want a few fowl but I don’t know anyone who raises them and finding basic info on the net isn’t easy. I found your site and a couple of months ago and a few others but none told me how to start. I received your newsletter yesterday and felt a revival of my interest. I need to know the breed that does best in Florida and and how much area I need fenced and food. What do they need for food. What about preying animals. If you could lead me in a direction where I might find these and other basic answers, I would be very appreciative.
When I think about what she has wrote I think back to how I got started…my husband brought home some chickens and wahla, I have chickens! Not exactly the way I would recommend to start and this person is wise in trying to prepare themselves in advance.
If I were thinking about starting raising chickens from scratch again and I was raising chickens for eggs, I would highly recommend one of three breeds:
The breeds listed above are all consistent egg layers and do well in most environments. The eggs from Rhode Island Reds and Sexlinks are sometimes so large they have double yokes in them. The Orpingtons eggs are not as large as the other two but the friendliness of the breed makes them a joy to have in your backyard flock. Orpingtons are available in several varieties and probably the most common is Buff Orpingtons.
Once you have chosen your breed of choice, the other task is finding a source for your soon-to-be flock. During the spring of the year you can pick up baby chicks at local farm supply stores or if you search local online listings such as Craigslist, Ocala4sale.com, backyardchickens.com, and many others you can find people selling a variety of chickens. Prices vary according to age and breed. You can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $15 and sometimes higher for a laying hen.
The space requirements for chickens varies according to who you are talking with and also if you free range your chickens. I have a large amount of separate pens and rotate on who free ranges but allow each pen to get out for exercise at least twice a week. My pens are 4′x8′ and I keep anywhere from 4 to 10 chickens in that space but keep in mind I allow them to get out during the daytime. I find this small space crowded if they were kept closed up all the time.
There are also chicken tractors that are small spaces but have all the requirements to keep a flock happy. They are meant for smaller numbers but if you live in a suburban area they are great for backyards. There are tons of plans available online (I even have some for sale on this site) if you are a do-it-yourselfer. If not, you can probably find some already built on the online places I mentioned earlier.
One of the requirements of raising chickens is to supply them with food and there are a variety available. I even know some people who make their own feed for their animals. Myself, I use Purina brand for my flock. At present I am using Purina Flock Raiser because my flock is at varying ages and this blend is high in protein for babies to laying hens. I also use Purina Layena for my laying hens and roosters. The feed stores around you carry different brands of chicken feed (and I am not recommending one brand over another) but the main importance is to compare the vitamins and protein in the different feeds.
Once you acquire your new flock you have to be prepared for predators. When I lived in a subdivision the predator that got some of my first chickens was the neighbors dog. Now that I live on some acreage the predators are more than likely to be wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, snakes, and an occasional passing dog if I am not around. When building your chicken coops, try to predator-proof your coop as much as possible. This means chicken wire in the ground to keep predators from digging under the fence, making sure all doors are shut in the evening to the coops, repair any broken wire immediately to deter outsiders from getting in; anything you can think of to keep your chickens safe, then do it.
One other thing I recommend before you get started raising chickens is to buy books on chickens. The book type depends on what you want the chickens for but read all you can about your new hobby. The books are filled with great information and will be a source for future reference.
Not only are books a great resource but so is the internet. When I have problems or questions and do not know what to do I turn to the following websites and forums for answers and information:
Hopefully I’ve answered some of the question a new person would have when considering to start raising chickens. I’m sure there are a lot more questions that could be asked and answered but hopefully some of the sources listed above will give you guidance in the right direction.
Tags: Chickens, raising chickens
November 24th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
That is some great advice, Carole! I can’t remember life without chickens… I’ve had chickens of some sort since I was a little girl, so it would be hard for me to give good advice on starting out with them. I love how you stressed the predator point… I don’t think you can take too many precautions against an attack.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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November 30th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
When I was young we kept Chickens at home buying them as chicks then growing them on for egg production and the table. They had a coop to keep them safe from predators at night then in the daytime were free to roam the garden. All day long they would peck and scratch in the ground searching out grubs, insects and any worms to be found, in addition to a natural supply of grit.
These freedom chickens were happy chickens and the eggs (and meat) were so different from what are sold in the shops nowadays.
The fowl we had were always Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex cross which seemed a perfect all-round bird.
trev woodpecker´s last blog ..Blackbird likes the Holly Berries
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December 11th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I’m glad that I found your blog! Very informative and fun.
I’m “into” raising Mille Fleur Bantam Cochins (project birds) but also have a flock of ‘backyard chickens’ that include a few Silkie crosses, a couple of Easter Egger hens, one purebred Ameraucana and a pair of Buff Orpingtons. One of the Buff Orps THINKS she is a cochin and lives in with my MFC flock. Even lays her eggs right in the nest box with those little bitty bantam ccochin eggs. You’re right ~ the Orpingtons are great birds!
Then again, aren’t they all?
Nancy K.´s last blog ..Eight Day Old MFC Chicks…
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Carole Reply:
December 12th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Nancy, Glad you found it also and I appreciate the nice comments. I have 24 eggs in the hatcher right now so I am hoping to expand my Buff Orpington breed greatly if all is successful.
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