Deciding between chicken wire and hardware cloth is only one of the initial decisions to be made by a new chicken keeper, when building a chicken coop and enclosure. There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all too familiar with. But, what about those who are new to raising poultry? I often will cover a topic that may seem mundane and too basic but I believe there are a substantial number of people who are looking for the very basic information to help them get started … [Read more...]
Raising a Large Breed Chicken – Brahma and Cochin
Are you ready to add a large breed chicken to your flock? If you want a sweet, docile, cuddly hen, choose a large breed chicken. Brahmas and Cochins come to mind when I think of large breed chickens. Many people ask me what is the best backyard breed of chicken to raise. However, I feel like that is such a personal question and depends on so many factors. Usually, my answer will be something along the line of, if you are looking for a good egg layer, choose a hybrid such as the Red or Black … [Read more...]
Should You Raise Chickens?
Should you raise chickens once you have a place of your own? If the homesteading journey has begun for your family, you may be ready to add livestock. One of the easiest and most common ways to begin raising animals is to begin with chickens. The initial expenses are moderate, and within a few months of deciding on should you raise chickens, you will receive that first farm fresh egg. Or maybe you are choosing chickens as a source for meat for the family. Is chicken keeping the right … [Read more...]
What Kind of Chicken Coop Design is Best?
Choosing a chicken coop design is an important decision. This structure will house your beloved egg producers and needs to look good in your yard. What factors do you need to check off the list when deciding on a chicken coop design? After a few weeks of keeping the chicks in a brooder you will want to begin moving them to the chicken coop. Having a chicken coop design that accommodates your flocks needs and your personal style will make this an enjoyable part of your homesteading life. There … [Read more...]
How Chicks Grow the First Year
It is fascinating to watch how chicks grow, during the first year of their life. The downy chick goes through stages to become an egg laying hen or rooster. Starting at day one, from hatch, the little barely developed, downy chick grows quickly into an eating and growing machine. It takes a lot of growing and eating to become an egg laying hen! During the first week, tiny feathers start to emerge on the chick's wings. Within just a few weeks the small chicks have tiny feathers covering most … [Read more...]
