Raising Backyard Chickens Growing backyard chickens can be easier than you think.
As a matter of fact, this can turn out to be both an enjoyable and profitable hobby.
There are many, many states and cities that do allow you to raise your own chickens even if you do not live in a farm.
You can easily get permission as long as you have a backyard and ample space.
Of course, the primary reason most folks are interested in backyard chickens is for the eggs.
This might shock you, but the 'farm fresh' eggs you buy in the supermarket can be as much as 45 days old or more! And, this is true for "free-range" eggs, as well.
The nutritional value of eggs begins to drop on day one.
Eggs from your own chickens, however, have brighter, richer yolks with much higher levels of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and vitamin E.
In fact, home-grown eggs have 25% more vitamin E, 33% more vitamin A and 75% more beta-carotene than those you usually buy.
Another reason many people would rather raise their own backyard chickens is the security of knowing they will be eating healthy, clean poultry.
While it can be a bit awkward and pretty unpleasant to slaughter your own chickens, you can always choose alternatives to Do It Yourself.
You can, for example, bring your chickens to the butcher or nearby rancher when it is the right time.
Let's take a look at a general overview about how you, too, can raise backyard chickens.
Get the permits and permissions Before you decide to build a coop for your backyard chickens, you first need to check with your local Health Department.
They are the best source about whether or not you can have chickens in your backyard.
While there are many, many cities and towns that already allow their residents to raise chickens, there still may be some restrictions and limitations you need to be aware of.
Also, you might want to let your neighbors know you are planning to build a coop.
You see, sometimes chickens can be a little noisy.
In the world of chickens, it is the roosters who are the noisy ones and you don't need roosters for the hens to lay eggs.
They get along just fine without one.
In fact, some towns allow hens but won't permit roosters.
Plan the Coop You need to place it strategically in your backyard because chickens need to be checked on daily.
It is your responsibility to make sure they have enough food, water, and light, especially if they are laying eggs.
There are many inexpensive ways to start.
Just make sure to appropriate accessories like perches and nesting boxes needed to make a coop conducive for laying eggs.
Also, you have to make sure the place will not be too crowded for your chickens.
This is why it is important to know the space requirements of the various breeds and decide how many chickens do you plan to have.
A general rule, for egg production, is six to eight birds for a family of four.
Get your Chickens You can always start with buying the chicks and letting them grow but that can be a real challenge.
Baby chicks need heat.
For their first few days, they require 90+ degrees, 24 hours a day.
It is a tremendous joy to watch the little chicks mature into egg-laying members of the family.
Still, for most folks buying pullets (young females) is much more convenient.
A chicken lays about a egg a day, but there is a great variety among the 60+ breeds of chickens.
White Leghorns, for example, can lay up to 300 eggs a year.
Once you get the eggs, of course, you can decide whether you will sell them in a market or not.
You can always try selling the eggs to your family members, friends, and relatives.
Once they taste the difference in your eggs and the one's they are used to, you may not be able to fill the demand.
They will be pleased to know they are receiving fresh and clean eggs.
If you decide on raising chicks, you generally get them at a local feed store.
A word of warning, it is very difficult to determine the sex of baby chicks.
Most stores will only guarantee 50% females, leaving you with the challenge of what to do with the males.
Getting along with your chickens Sometimes, your backyard chickens will become part of the family.
Some friendly breeds relish human company and will come when called.
My eight-year-old granddaughter loves to carry "Edith," wrapped in a towel all over the place.
Some chickens are friendly, while others are plain elusive or in chicken parlance "flighty.
" The White Leghorns I talked about earlier, for example, are very skittish and a little cranky.
But when you provide a decent coop, good clean water, healthy nutritious food and some room for your chickens to stretch their legs, the hens will provide you with a steady supply of excellent eggs for years.