Once you have a farm fresh egg you will be amazed. Today, let me tell you how to raise backyard chickens for eggs that is full proof.
How to Raise Backyard Chickens for Eggs Video
Growing up I never dreamed of owning chickens or any animal for that matter.
Since as far back as I can remember health and wellness has been something that I wanted in my lifestyle. Yes, I have grown and learn a lot even after moving out into the country to start a family and what is not a trend called “homesteading”.
Caring for a home, learning to cook nutritious meals and becoming a genius in saving money is a passion. I am always finding ways to grow and provide my family with a simpler and healthier life.
After years of dreaming and researching I took the “leap of faith” and bought my first six baby chickens. What does chickens have to do with simplicity and a healthier life? Well, everything from knowing where my food comes from, to fertilizer and mental health. Did I mention a farm fresh egg taste amazing!
Let me teach your and give you my best advice from someone who never really cared to raise or love animals. There is a lot I learned raising chickens along with advantages and disadvantages but, in the end, it is very rewarding.
Getting Started with Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
With a nice life of fresh air, water, food and space a chicken can live a healthy life and in return will lay eggs that are nutritious and delicious.
After owning my ten hens they are easier than I thought. Yes, they can be messing and have torn up areas on my property that I do not agree with but, they have been joy because they have eliminated many pests and they are fun to watch. The shells are thicker of an egg and the yolks are orange but, there is not comparison to a store-bought egg.
There are many factors that you need to know before getting started with chickens. First, consider where they will live when they are chicks to when they are hens. Next, consider the location of the hen house and guarantee that it will be predator proof. Thirdly, think about the chicken yard especially if your homestead is close to main roads or neighborhoods. A fence is a must to keep chickens away from dogs or out of your neighbors’ yards because they will tear up.
If you own a rooster check with your subdivision associations and local ordinances because they can be loud.
Lastly, food, water and space to forge is essential.
When weather is extreme you will have to check and fill food and water because your flock will need fresh water and food daily if forging is not available. Foraging can supplement food but, not all the time.
Disadvantage in Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
Now let me say, I love my girls but there is disadvantage or raising backyard chickens for eggs.
- Chicken love to scratch and forge, which means they tear up things such as flowerbeds and landscaping.
- Chickens drop the Number Two everywhere, in the heat of the summer that means flies and can be stinky.
- You will have to take care of your flock in the heat, snow, rain, cold, etc. Every day it is important for you to visit your chickens to make sure they have food, water and shelter, this means all weather conditions and no day off! This will take a few minutes each day seven-day s a week, but it will need to be done several times a day in bad weather. Also, every day you need to collect eggs!
How Much does it Cost to Raise Backyard Chickens for Eggs
If you lasted thus far, I might have scared you away but, really how much does it cost to raise backyard chickens for eggs?
Note, chickens can provide much for you family from eggs to meat, if you take that into factor the cost can balance itself out.
Chickens really only need shelter, food, water and warmth. Each month I buy feed, straw/pine shavings, and snacks. I have nine hens and on average it cost me fifty dollars for food, health care, and warmth such as straw/pine shavings. My hens lay about three to seven eggs a day. My feed is 100% organic and I get my supplies at a local feed store.
If I was to charge for my eggs I would break just about even.
Steps on Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
There are many breeds of chickens throughout the world and the right one is important for your homesteading needs. Even though, all hens lay eggs it is best to have chickens that are good for your environment and lifestyle. Some Chickens lay few eggs a year and many are not hearty to live in colder climates. Leghorns and Rhode Island will lay many eggs per year. A dual-purpose bird is nice because after a couple years your hens will start laying less and can be used for meat.
Breakdown for Beginners on Raising Backyard Chickens
- Select your breed of chicken(s). From Black Copper Marans to Americanas the variety of chickens is awesome. I actually own Rhode Island Reds and Barnnevedler. Choosing the chicken is completely up to you because every breed will provide incredible proteins and vitamin B especially if you are a vegetarian as myself.
- Housing your Chickens is important in the beginning to have a broader and after six to eight weeks the ladies can be moved to the outdoors if the weather permits. When you chickens are chicks, they will need a warming light with at least 250 watts and red bulb because the chicks are attracted to the red light. Good bedding such as natural pine shavings. The housing for your chickens needs to provide protection from heat, cold and predators. Your flock needs to feel safe to lay eggs! Make sure your hen house is well ventilated and warm. Finally, your coop should have roosting bars and nesting boxes.
- Feeding your Chickens, you need a good organic chicken starter until they become layers. When your chickens are chicks, they will need grit. Fresh water is important and need to be changed at least once a day but, when they are little twice a day. If you hang your feeders or water feeder it needs to be six inches off the ground. Large areas or grass is essential for your laying hens to forge on insects.
- Buying your Chickens from a local feed store, hatchery is best. Do your research and look for humane approaches and practices.
- Protecting your Chickens with chicken wire or hard cloth. Provide space and a yard for your flock to stretch and move without fear.
- Become Friends and Train your Chickens! Visit your flock three times a day to check on behavior, infections, food, water and to give a hug!
More Backyard Chicken Inspiration from the Farmhouse
HOW TO BUILD A CHICKEN ROOSTING BAR
“The Greatness of a nation is its morals progress can be judge by the way its animals are treated.” Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
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