Raising chickens in the homestead is an exciting idea and it is very satisfying. Whether you are a beginner or in need of more ideas to improve chicken keeping in your homestead, this ultimate guide will help you out.
90+ Helpful Tips And Guide In Raising Chicken
Raising chickens does not need special education, yes there are basic things that you need to know but other than that everything about raising chickens can be self-taught. And yes, I have learned a lot in my journey. That’s why I’ve thought it would best to share what I’ve got. Let’s get started with chicken keeping!
1. Chicken Breeds
When it comes to getting started, knowing the different chicken breeds is ideal. Different types of chickens have different personalities and different needs. Choose the best the suit your needs, but expect that if you have children, the fun of having chickens will be magnified as chickens are very sociable.
2. Types Of Chickens
The type of chicken you decide to bring home will be one you consider to suit your needs and environment. Some chickens are noisier than others or feistier than others, and some just look beautiful.
3. Raising Chicks
Raising chicks can help you have that healthy lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about. Knowing exactly what you give them, will allow you to have total control on things that you also consume, whether enjoying the eggs you chicks will provide in the future or the meat they will give you once they are full grown.
4. Raising Chickens For Meat
Raising chickens for meat is a rewarding task of having chickens in your homestead. Though the result may vary on how well you took care of your chicken and kept it clean.
5. Raising Chickens For Eggs
If you’re raising chickens for eggs and want to them to produce the best eggs it is a must that you keep them healthy and happy. Having the right information about your hens, controlling their environment, and knowing how to look for bad eggs are just a few things that you need to consider of knowing in order to make your hen reach its full potential.
6. Raising Chickens To Breed
There are two forms of basic care for raising chickens: breeding and brooding. If you do both and able to breed your chickens in the right condition, then you’ll no longer need to purchase chicken anywhere else and you knows you’ll be able to earn extra money out of it.
7. What Do Chickens Eat?
Knowing what your chickens eat is best since you’ll be able to provide them the exact nutrition they need. However, you really need not worry especially if you allow your chicken to roam in your backyard as they are true foragers. They can eat almost anything and enjoy scratching the dirt making them perfect pets to keep in your garden.
8. Setting Up A Chicken Brooder
A chicken brooder is essential especially if your chicken are still very young to venture outside. Setting up the proper chicken brooder could mean your young birds’ survival.
9. DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes
Your chicken nesting boxes don’t need to blow your budget, so long as it is the proper size and in a safe and dry location, your chicken will be happy nesting. Build your own chicken nesting boxes using recycled and scrap materials.
10. Train Your Chicken To Use A Harness
Chicken are sociable creatures, you can definitely bring them anywhere or include then in your next homestead gathering. The key to that is training them how to use a harness so that you can control them whenever they want to stay away from you. Then, you can take them to a chicken shows and be the envy of others.
11. Backyard Chickens From A Holistic Perspective
Chickens are definitely amicable and simple to look after, they can be amazingly delightful. Find out what are the holistic perspective in raising chickens to keep your flock happy and healthy.
12. 11 Chicken Facts For Homesteading
Chickens are omnivores: Chickens do eat grain and plants. I give mine organic pellets and oat groats and vegetable trimmings and leftover bread and dough, all of which they enjoy.
Chickens fly: Chickens don’t travel very fast or far or get very high, but they can clear a three-foot fence pretty easily, and can possibly get much higher.
13. Top 10 Best Egg Laying Chickens
Plymouth Rock:
Good To Know:
- Class: American
- Size: Heavy
- Hardy in winter: Yes
Egg Facts:
- Egg Laying: Very Good (4/week)
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Rhode Island:
Good To Know:
- Class: American
- Size: Heavy
- Hardy In Winter: Yes
Egg Facts:
- Egg Laying: Excellent (5/perweek)
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: X-Large
14. 5 Ways To Boost Your Chickens’ Protein
Give your chickens some eggs: If you can some spares, it is best to give them back to your birds to provide them more protein and nutrition boost. You can add a bit of cayenne pepper and garlic for an organic de-wormer.
Kitchen scraps are perfect for chickens and save on your garbage output. Any meats, dairy, vegetables, fish, carbs you have, throw them in a bowl and take them out for the birds. Just avoid any heavily salted or sugared foods.
15. 5 Ways To Protect Your Chickens from Fowl Play
Understanding the enemy will definitely help you eliminate them to keep your flock safe. Some common predators for your chickens are:
- Racoons
- Coyotes
- Birds of prey
- Weasels
- Foxes
- Dogs
- Snakes
- Skunks
- Opossums
To keep your flock safe you must have a coop the prevent entry of their predator. You can raise your coop from the ground, cover all opening no matter how small, and also make sure that you chicken has some space where they can hide, in case any predator can get inside.
16. How To Build A Chicken Coop In 4 Easy Steps
Know the number of chickens: If you are planning, to begin with, 5 chickens in your coop and don’t want them to cramped, then you should give your coop at least 20 square foot of space.
Plan Your Chicken Coop: Planning is an essential part in making your chicken coop. Remember, you’re creating a home for your flock, and the primary goal is to keep them safe and comfortable.
17. 37 Chicken Coop Designs and Ideas
Add a splash of color to your backyard with a shed-style chicken coop. Use a white trim and some plants to create a classic look that will make the structure pop!
This is the perfect solution for those with limited yard space who want it all! Urban farmers rejoice – you can have your small living roof chicken coop and a miniature garden all in one place.
18. 10 Easy To Build Chicken Watering Stations
If you’re just getting started and short of cash in the meantime. This homemade chicken watering station is your perfect solution. You can build this for less than $2.
Before spring showers come, build your own rain collecting automatic chicken watering station and keep your flock hydrated for days. This will bring lots of comfort to you and your flock.
Want to know what are the 5 deadly mistakes to avoid when raising chickens? Check out this video from Becky’s Homestead:
Raising chickens in your homestead really makes a lot of sense – they are very useful for your garden, especially if they can eat weeds and pests before your planted seeds set. And they work as an anchor of a comprehensive natural system in which your wasted food is redirected to feed, then it becomes as manure, perfect for composting, providing healthy soil for growing crops we eat, and our food scraps can then also become a feed to chickens. We hope you find raising chickens more fun and easier! Happy Homesteading!
Did you find this helpful and interesting? Let us know what your thoughts are in this guide in raising your own chicken in the comments section below.
Since you already have what you need in raising chickens in your homestead, all you need now are delicious recipes to enjoy your chicken products and here’s a perfect treat for the whole family. Read more at: 15 Chicken Casserole Recipes Perfect For The Family!
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