This way if you have any problems you can refer back to them. If you are a first time buyer we highly recommend either online hatcheries or a reputable farm supply store. Remember there is no reason that you cannot have a mix and match selection of a few breeds, just make sure they are in pairs since they do like the company of their own kind sometimes. These are chickens that are fully feathered and much nearer the point of lay (however they are also a bit more expensive).
If you do not want chicks then you can buy pullets. This is the best time for several reasons: spring chicks are healthier, there are more breeds available and they will come into lay around September. There is no definite rule about when you should get your chicks however most people get their chicks around March/April time.
CHICKEN MATH LIST FREE
Secondly your coop needs to provide a dry, draft free shelter and a safe place to sleep for the birds. Regardless of the coop you buy there are a couple of principles to a coop that are crucial to the welfare and safety of your chickens.įirstly it needs to be sturdy and well built – your coop needs to keep out predators.
Now you have chosen your chickens it is time to find a suitable coop for them.Ĭoops come in many shapes and sizes – you can buy one or make one yourself.
CHICKEN MATH LIST HOW TO
13+ Best Chickens That Lay Lots Of EggsĬhapter 3 Chicken Coops And How To Build Your Own.Some breeds do not like humans very much, are flighty and will lay eggs in secret places. Temperament is quite important as you really want hens that will be easy to handle and enjoy or at least tolerate humans. If you live in the colder northern climates, having a delicate hothouse chicken is going to be problematic during the cold winter months. Some breeds do better in hot climates and others do better in colder climates. Other things you need to consider are the environment and their temperament. Whereas heritage birds will lay slightly fewer eggs per year but their production will continue into the third and sometimes fourth year. Production birds are bred for producing large amounts of eggs or meat fairly rapidly. The next choice is production birds or heritage. Your first decision is whether you want your chickens for eggs, meat, both or as a pet or show bird. Can Chickens Fly? Everything You Want To KnowĬhapter 2 How To Pick The Perfect Chicken Breedĭeciding what breeds you want can be a challenge but if you can look at it in a practical way it becomes much easier.How Much Does It Cost To Keep Chickens?.Think about backup plans before this happens. This is a very common problem for folks who buy chicks – they are so cute you just have to have more!įinally you should know that when buying chicks there is a small chance that you may end up with a rooster (even if you buy sexed chicks).
Each bird should have at least 4 square feet of floor space in the coop.Īnd if you plan to keep them in a contained area they should have 8 square feet each in the pen. Make sure to check your local laws to find out how many chickens you can keep in your particular area.Ĭhickens do not require a vast amount of space but they do have specific needs that have to be met to ensure their well-being. It is refreshing to see that many places are now relaxing their laws against keeping a few chickens. These were put into place as a way to limit what sort of animals can be kept in an urban environment. Many towns and cities have livestock ordinances of some description. Chicken Coops And How To Build Your OwnĬhapter 1 What To Know Before Starting Your Chicken Journey.What To Know Before Starting Your Chicken Journey.