Raising Chickens At Home - The Basics

First and foremost, check with your zoning commission in your community to make sure they don't have any ordinance against raising poultry or livestock. Once you get the go-ahead, you need to put some thought into the types of birds you want to raise, as well as how and where you will house them. Go into this venture with both eyes open.

So you've made the decision to raise birds at home for eggs. Great! Now you need to select the breed and whether or not you wish to start from scratch. If you wish to have egg layers quickly you can jump start your project and purchase pullets instead of day old chicken peeps.

Started pullets are hens that generally range from 15-18 weeks old. They will start laying within a few weeks of their arrival. The cost can vary from $10-$12 each and up, but you won't have all the initial expense as if you had raised them from peeps. This is a great idea but the started pullets may not be as easily accessible as the peeps.

Chicken peeps raised for meat need the same basic care and feeding as chickens raised for eggs. The main difference would be the protein content in the feed. Broiler or Turkey Starter for meat chickens has 22% - 28% protein, whereas commercial starter for egg layers contains 18%.

1. Proper Feed: A commercial starter should be used for the first 8 weeks. A 2-foot feeder should accommodate the needs of approximately 25 peeps.

2. Water: Fresh water should be made available every day. A 1-gallon waterer should take care of 50 peeps. Be sure to dip their beaks into the water so they know where it is. For the first couple of days after receiving your peeps it is advisable to put 3 tablespoonfuls of sugar in each quart of water. This will give the peeps an extra boost and help them get started.

NEVER let chickens run out of water! This is a sure-fire way of losing peeps.

3. Heat: The peeps will require a temperature of around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. You should reduce the temperature in 5-degree increments until you reach 70 degrees. They should then be ready for a bigger pen and won't require additional heat.

4. Light: If a heat bulb was used as a heat lamp it will also provide the light peeps require. If not, then be sure to provide extra light. Use a 60-75 watt bulb on darker days and a smaller watt bulb for nighttime. This will help prevent piling.

5. Adequate Space: Peeps need about 1/2 square foot of space per bird, and adult laying hens require a minimum of 3 square feet each.

A. Bedding: For peeps, DO NOT USE Cedar Chips, sawdust or Treated Wood in the coop. Wood shavings or ground corncobs make good litter. Fresh wood shavings, straw and sawdust are acceptable bedding for mature birds.

B. Grit: On day 3 start sprinkling baby grit on the chick starter. Grit is necessary in the bird's gizzard to help them digest their food.

C. Pecking: Peeps are known to peck each other if they get too hot, are over-crowded or need fresh air. Sometimes they'll peck each other for no reason at all. Bright light has also been known to cause pecking. Should this occur, try giving them fresh cut grass several times a day. Darkening the room a bit may help as well.

D. Rear End Plugged Up: Sometimes the stress of being moved causes the peep poo to stick to their reach ends. It's imperative that this be removed daily. Remove by gently pulling poo from rear end, or better yet, wash off with warm water. It should disappear as the peeps get older.

Adult laying hens require a minimum of 3 square feet of floor space per bird. You can convert a corner or stall in your barn, erect a small shed or outbuilding or build a chicken coop of your own making. There are many inexpensive types of pens that would work great for raising a small flock of your own chickens. Chicken coop plans are easy to find and the supplies required are easily obtainable from your local hardware or building supply stores.

The chicken pen needs to be secure enough to keep predators out and your chickens in. An insulated roof will minimize drafts. Your coop should include a door and at least one window on the south side. In order to provide proper ventilation screens should be in place.

No matter what type of chicken coop or pen you decide to build, be sure to allow for electricity. You will need it.

Be conscious of how your poultry hobby will affect the neighborhood. Know ahead of time how you will dispose of the manure. Also, develop a plan of action on how to prevent odor or pollution issues in your community.

If raising chickens at home truly is for you, the rewards you will receive from your small flock will outweigh the planning and work involved. Enjoy them! Chickens are wonderful little creatures to behold.

It is advisable to assume that any mention of a product or service on this website is made because there exist, unless otherwise
stated, a material connection between the product or service owners and this website and should you make a purchase of a product or
service described here the owner of this website may be compensated. To learn more please Click Here.