Raising Backyard Chickens
Raising Chickens 101
Raising chickens isn’t complicated, but it can seem that way for novices who want to keep a small flock but lack mentors to learn from. Fortunately, the growing backyard chicken phenomenon is increasing acceptance of these docile animals in both cities and suburbia.
So, how does a person with no chicken experience learn how to start and care for a backyard flock? It really isn't difficult, and in many ways caring for chickens is similar to tending a family pet. Chickens, like dogs and cats, need safe housing and nutritious food.
To help you understand the ins and outs of chicken-specific care, we’ve assembled a list of key resources and information points. Watch the videos and follow the article links to begin your backyard chicken journey!
Before You Bring Chicks Home
Before you bring chicks home for the first time, there are a few key things to check on, decide, and buy: Can you legally have chickens? What breeds do you want? Where will you put their brooder, and eventually their coop? Do you know what supplies you will need throughout their development?
Videos to Watch:
Articles to Read:
Chick Tip: The very first thing you want to do when your new chicks come home is to take them one by one and dip their beaks into their water – this helps them understand where to go when they need a drink from then on!
Caring for Baby Chicks
Once you’ve brought home your fluffy little chicks, the care you provide now is critical in helping them grow up to be healthy laying hens. These helpful tools will get you on the right track for growing those babies:
Videos to Watch:
Articles to Read:
Chick Tip: As your chicks are on the way to being fully feathered, it is a good idea to take them out on little field trips to the yard on warm days. Make sure they have access to chick grit to aid digestion as they explore snacking on new things like grass and bugs outside.
Transitioning to the Flock
After a few weeks of close care in the brooder, baby chicks will start to outgrow their space. When they are fully feathered and the weather is warm, you can plan the move to their permanent home in their coop. Here’s what you need to know to make that transition a successful one:
Videos to Watch:
Articles to Read:
Chicken Tip: Chickens have a beauty secret to keeping their skin healthy – they take dust baths! You can provide one in their run by filling a large, shallow container with dirt, or they'll find their own spot they like to use out in the yard.
Caring for Adult Birds
Once your birds are grown and in the coop, there is a whole new set of challenges and milestones – from predators & disease, to keeping the coop a healthy and enriching environment. Be sure you are prepared with the help them thrive with these resources:
Videos to Watch:
Articles to Read:
With the information provided here, you should be off to a great start in caring for your new backyard flock!
For more information, feel free to browse more of the Nutrena® blog, Scoop from the Coop, and the Hoover's Hatchery™ Chicken Care Archives. Be sure to sign up for our poultry email newsletter to stay up to date on all things chicks going on at CountryMax this spring.
If you have further questions, you can contact us here. And don’t forget to check out our great selection of poultry feeds and supplies!
