For many people raising chickens is a fun and exciting hobby! Get the tools and equipment you need, and then you can have chickens, happy and healthy, in the back of your own house. Having chickens can give you fresh eggs while also getting you the companionship of a pet. Say you wanted to raise chickens successfully, what are the essential things that you need?
Chicken Coop: You will need a good chicken coop. It is a safe place where your chickens can be sheltered from other animals, like dogs or raccoons, as well as bad weather, like rain or wind. Ensure that the coop is strong, so that it won’t collapse easily. Good ventilation is also key to ensure the chickens are comfortable in the building.
Nesting Boxes: Inside the coop, chickens require a quiet and secure location to lay their eggs. Nesting boxes are special boxes where chickens go to lay their eggs. Placing soft bedding for the eggs to sit on, such as straw or wood shavings, will help keep the eggs clean and protect them from breaking. You want to make sure you have enough nesting boxes for all your chickens so they don’t have to fight one another!
Feeder and Waterer: Making sure your newly hatched chickens have access to clean water and quality food on a daily basis is crucial. A feeder contains their food, and a waterer keeps their water from getting dirty. Due to the high energy level of chickens, they require a lot of water, which needs to be balanced with a proper diet for a healthy growth of the bird. Check both every day, and your chickens will be happy.
Select the appropriate breed: There are those chickens which can be used for meat while those which can be used for egg production. Read About What Breeds Work — Take the time to research which kind of dog is best for you. This probably means you'll need to find some other chicken owners and ask or do some online browsing to help in the selection of the perfect breed for you.
Maintain a Constant Supply of Feed: Chickens require a well-balanced diet in order to grow healthy. This implies that their diet should be a combination of grains, vegetables, and protein. You can feed them with commercial chicken feed (which is the best option) but you may also give them your meal leftovers or fresh fruits and greens as a treat.
Get Your Chickens Moving: Chickens love scratching at the ground, pecking at things, and taking dust baths. Remember, they can be on the bigger end, and you need to make them room for movement and to be happy. You can also provide them with entertaining items, such as a chicken swing or a scratching post, so that they don’t get bored.