Chickens 101: Your Complete Guide to Raising Backyard Chickens

Have you ever dreamed of having a backyard flock of chickens? Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Fresh eggs, amusing chicken antics, and free pest control are just a few of the benefits. However, there are some important things you need to know before you get your first chickens. This complete guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started raising a happy, healthy flock of backyard chickens.

What Kind of Chickens Should I Get?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what breed of chicken is right for you. There are over 200 breeds of chickens, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular backyard chicken breeds:

Rhode Island Reds – This heritage breed is a good egg layer that can produce 4-5 brown eggs per week. They have an easy-going temperament.
Australorps – Originating in Australia, this breed is an excellent egg layer (up to 250 eggs per year!) and is calm and docile. They do well in confinement.
Orpingtons – This docile, dual purpose breed is a steady egg producer and has meaty bodies. They are tolerant of children and great in cold climates.
Cochins – With their plush, abundant feathers, Cochins are quite hardy in winter. They lay 3-4 eggs per week and enjoy human interaction. Their size makes them a good choice for families with kids.
Silkies – Prized for their fluffy, fur-like plumage, Silkies are sweet, gentle chickens perfect for children. Though they only lay about 3 small cream-colored eggs per week, they make great pets.

When choosing your chickens, read up on the temperament, egg laying ability, noise level, and any special needs of the breeds you’re considering. Think about your goals for having chickens, whether it’s fresh eggs, pest control, or pets. This will help you select the right chickens for your needs.

How Many Chickens Do I Need?

A standard backyard flock consists of 4-6 hens. This gives you enough eggs for a family of 2-4 people while keeping the workload manageable. Six hens should provide about 18-24 eggs per week during peak production seasons.

If you want to raise chickens for meat, plan on getting straight run chicks (a mix of males and females). Meat birds like Cornish Cross reach slaughter weight at 8-10 weeks, so calculate how many birds your family would need for a year based on expected meat yield per bird.

Too few hens may lead to problems like egg eating, feather picking, or boredom. Too many hens in a small space increases the risk of disease and destructive behaviors. Find the Goldilocks zone for your needs and space constraints.

Do I Need a Rooster?

Many urban and suburban chicken keepers opt to skip the rooster. Hens will lay eggs regardless of whether a rooster is present. Here are some reasons you may or may not want a rooster:

Pros of having a rooster:

Natural mating leads to fertile eggs you can hatch into chicks
Roosters will mate with hens repeatedly, ensuring good fertilization
Roosters watch for predators and alert/protect the flock

Cons of having a rooster:

Rooster crowing may disturb neighbors, especially in dense areas
Roosters can be aggressive and may flog or injure hens during mating
Extra space and feed required for rooster
Check local ordinances – many cities prohibit roosters

If you want the benefits of a rooster without the noise and aggression, consider a mute rooster breed like the Silky. Always keep the breed’s disposition in mind when selecting roosters.

What Do Chickens Eat?

Chickens are omnivores and need a balanced diet of grains/carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. Their specific nutritional needs depend on factors like age, season, and whether they are layers. Here are some common feeds for backyard chickens:

Layer feed (16-18% protein) – Formulated for egg production. Provides extra calcium and nutrients.
Chick starter feed (20-22% protein) – Provides proper nutrition for baby chicks under 16 weeks.
Scratch – Whole or cracked grains like corn, wheat, oats. Should be <10% of diet.
Oyster shell – Provides calcium for eggshells. Offer free choice.
Treats – Fresh greens, berries, melons, yogurt, seeds, kitchen scraps. Up to 10% of diet.

Free choice feeding lets chickens self-regulate. Provide layer feed in hoppers and offer treats in afternoon. Supply fresh, clean water at all times. One gallon per 3-4 hens daily is needed. Monitor for bullying at feeders.

What Kind of Coop and Run Do I Need?

Chickens need a safe, secure home base to retreat to at night and during inclement weather. Here are some coop and run recommendations:

Minimum of 3-4 square feet of coop space per hen. More for larger breeds.
One nesting box for every 2-3 hens. Line boxes with wood shavings/straw.
Perches allow roosting. Provide 6-10 inches perch space per bird.
Windows provide light and ventilation. Install hardware cloth for security.

Attached chicken run should have 8-10 square feet per hen. Use 1/2 or 1 inch chicken wire sunk into ground to prevent digging. Hardware cloth on run roof prevents aerial predators.

Site the coop in a shady area and furnish with dust bathing box. Clean coop regularly and use predator-proof locks.

What Health and Safety Precautions Should I Take?

Chickens can live 10+ years with proper care and disease prevention. Here are some tips:

Buy vaccinated chicks from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified hatcheries.
Quarantine and observe new birds before introducing to flock.
Discourage wild birds by covering feed, minimizing standing water.
Regularly clean coop, feeders, waterers with disinfectant.
Isolate and treat sick birds promptly. Consult avian vet if needed.
Check chickens daily for illness, injuries, parasites like mites. Apply basic first aid.
Trim overgrown beaks/nails carefully when needed.
Handle chickens gently and support feet/breastbone when lifting.

Follow biosecurity principles and maintain herd health. This gives your chickens the best chance to live long, productive lives.

Ready to Begin Your Chicken Keeping Adventure?

As you can see, raising backyard chickens involves some work and planning. But the rewards are well worth it! With the proper setup and care, chickens can be an incredibly enjoyable addition to your homestead.

Here are some key things to remember:

Research chicken breeds and select the right ones for your needs
Provide at least 4-6 hens with adequate, secure coop and run space
Feed a balanced diet with layer feed and treats
Take biosecurity measures to keep chickens healthy
Handle chickens gently and check them over frequently
Prep your family and neighbors for life with chickens!

We hope this guide gives you a great starting point for keeping chickens. With a little preparation, your backyard flock will thrive under your care. The homegrown eggs, chemical-free bug control, and chicken hijinks will enrich your family’s life! So get clucking and make your chicken dreams a reality.

Common Questions

Q: What is backyard chicken raising?

A: Backyard chicken raising is the practice of keeping chickens in your backyard or small space to provide a source of eggs, pest control, and companionship. It is becoming increasingly popular for both urban and rural dwellers.

Q: Is it legal to keep chickens in my backyard?

A: The regulations regarding backyard chickens vary depending on your location. Some cities or neighborhoods have specific rules or restrictions on the number of chickens allowed, coop requirements, and noise. It is important to check with your local municipality to ensure you are in compliance with the regulations.

Q: How many chickens should I raise?

A: The number of chickens you should raise depends on the size of your backyard and your intended purpose. As a general guideline, a minimum of 2-4 square feet of coop space per chicken is recommended. It is also important to consider the amount of time and effort you can dedicate to caring for your flock.

Q: What do chickens need in their coop?

A: Chickens need a secure coop that provides protection from predators, shelter from weather elements, adequate ventilation, and nesting boxes for laying eggs. The coop should also be easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, chickens need access to fresh water and a proper feeding system within the coop.

Q: What should I feed my chickens?

A: A balanced diet is essential for the overall health of your chickens. You can choose to feed them a commercially available chicken feed that contains the necessary nutrients, or you can supplement their diet with kitchen scraps, grains, and fresh greens. It is important to provide them with a consistent source of fresh water at all times.

Q: How can I keep my chickens healthy?

A: To keep your chickens healthy, it is important to provide them with a clean and well-maintained living environment, regular check-ups by a veterinarian specializing in poultry, appropriate vaccinations, and proper nutrition. Regular cleaning of the coop and ensuring their access to fresh water and good-quality feed will also contribute to their overall well-being.

Q: Can I raise baby chicks in my backyard?

A: Yes, you can raise baby chicks in your backyard. However, it requires special care and attention to provide them with a safe and warm environment. Baby chicks need a brooder, which is a heated enclosure, to maintain their body temperature. They also need access to feed and fresh water, and their brooder should be cleaned regularly to prevent any health risks.

Q: What are some common chicken breeds for backyard chicken raising?

A: There are various chicken breeds suitable for backyard chicken raising, including but not limited to Rhode Island Reds, Sussex, Ameraucana, Orpington, and Leghorn. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, such as egg-laying ability, temperament, and appearance. It is important to research different breeds and choose the ones that align with your preferences and goals.

Q: Do I need a rooster to get eggs from my hens?

A: No, you do not need a rooster to get eggs from hens. Hens will lay eggs regardless of whether there is a rooster present. However, if you want to hatch eggs and have baby chicks, then having a rooster is necessary as he is responsible for fertilizing the eggs.

Q: How often do chickens lay eggs?

A: The frequency of egg-laying varies depending on the breed of chicken, age, and environmental factors. Generally, most backyard chicken breeds will start laying eggs between 5 to 7 months of age, and they will lay an egg every 1 to 2 days during peak production. However, egg production can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, daylight hours, and weather conditions.