How to Raise Backyard Chickens and Lower your Grocery Bill

Several unrelated factors have collided creating the perfect storm which has resulted in a renewed interest in back to basics living. How to raise backyard chickens would probably be information that our grandparents or great grandparents could easily provide, but this way of living is completely foreign to many of our current generation. Due to the down turn in the economy and the concern about chemicals and hormones in our food supply, there has been a movement toward back to basics living such as raising backyard chickens.

When raising backyard chickens, you have several options to consider. Prior to purchasing birds or planning the design of your chicken coop, you will need to check to find outif there are regulations regarding raising chickens in your town. While many towns have banned roosters, you may well be surprised that even some key cities like New York still allow hens. With the growing worry and interest in the source of our meat and food products, organic farming and backyard chicken raising have enjoyed a revival in recent years. Even municipalities such as Madison Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Michigan have overturned regulations which at one period banned chickens largely due to the grassroots efforts of its citizenry.
When making plans to raise backyard chickens, you will also need to learn about the best backyard chicken breeds for your particular climate and geography.. Most breeds come in 2 sizes, standard (the larger size) and bantam (the smaller size). Both are fine for backyard chicken raising but the larger standard size lays much larger eggs and due to its size has less tendency to fly around. One of the most common breeds is the Black Australorp which are recognized for reliable egg production. Buff Orpingtons and Silver Laced Wyandottes are dual purposed breeds which may be used for both eggs and meat.
When creating your flock of chickens you will also like to consider both the behavioral and the climate suitability of each breed to determine the top backyard chicken breeds for your area. Clearly birds with thicker plumage will do better in the colder climates. Silkies are a popular breed for warmer climates since they bear a finer layer of plumage.
When considering raising backyard chickens for meat and eggs, start with the basics. The chicken coop you build should protect your flock from predators. The plans for a chicken coop must keep your chickens cool in the summer and warm and dry in the winter. The fundamental chicken coop should have square wooden boxes which will be packed with straw. This is where the hens will lay there eggs. You also need to prevent crowding your chickens. By and large you should allow 2 to 4 square feet of floor area per bird.. This breathing space insures that the chickens will have space to exercise as well as lay their eggs. One of your foremost concerns will also be shielding your flock from predators. You may perhaps want to consider using one quarter inch hardware cloth for enclosures as opposed to chicken wire. Chicken wire is vulnerable to both raccoons and small rodents which can prove deadly to your flock.
When making plans for raising backyard chickens, you will also need to decide if you are going to start your flock with fertilized eggs, chicks or pullets. Pullets are hens which are under a year old. Pullets are a popular choice since they can commence laying eggs in a a small number of weeks, but Pullets can be difficult to find and may cost between $5 and $10 a bird. Fertilized eggs are also a good option. You can get fertilized eggs from a hatchery. The cost as a rule averages around $40 per 10 fertilized eggs. You may also consider chicks to start your flock. While chicks are readily obtainable, they must be kept in a brooder for 5 weeks before they can move into your chicken coop.
Raising backyard chickens does not have to be expensive. Your chickens will actually provide some of their own food by digging up insects, snails, and seeds. You will, however need to provide some chicken feed which is relatively inexpensive.
Providing enough water for your chickens is also very important to their egg laying abilities. If a laying chicken goes without water for more than 12 hours, it can go out of production for weeks.
A number of of the best plans for a chicken coop can be found on line. Once you have built your chicken coop and chosen your flock, you will be well on your way to both cutting your grocery bill and providing healthy food for your family.. Everything you need to know about raising backyard chickens Easy Plans for a chicken coop at www.plansforchickencoop.info