There are several reasons people may opt for raising chickens in their backyard. To begin with, they provide access to fresh and tasty eggs. For others, it provides an activity and a hobby that allows them to feel closer to their food. Of course, before you raise chickens in your backyard, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper knowledge on how to do so. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of how to raise backyard chickens.
Before you buy backyard chickens, there are many factors to consider. It is important to give these considerations some thought before making a big decision! Some important considerations include:
Different breeds of chickens may need different amounts of space. In general, you can expect a medium-sized chicken to need at least three sq. feet of floor space in the coop and 8 to 10 sq. feet outdoors. Allowing enough space for your chickens to move around helps ensure they are happier and healthier. If your backyard is too tight, raising chickens may not be the best idea.
Raising between three and six birds offers a steady supply of eggs. This is a manageable amount for beginners to take care of. You can expect adult hens to lay eggs (two eggs) about every three days. In the first couple of years of life, chickens lay more eggs. As they age, their production may slow down. You’ll want to take this into account when considering how many chickens to raise at one time. Some people replace their birds with younger birds over time.
All in all, raising chickens is not an easy job. However, it is a fun and rewarding job for many. It can give you a steady supply of healthy, fresh eggs right from your backyard. Before you get backyard chickens, consider the space they need, the associated costs, and other important factors.