Are you considering raising backyard chickens? It can be a great idea for you and your family. While you might think of raising chickens as something that is done outside of the city, raising backyard chickens is an activity that is growing more and more popular with people in all types of neighborhoods.
Having a small flock of chickens is a surprisingly rewarding experience. By raising chickens you can benefit from natural insect control, have a source of healthy fertilizer, eat fresh and delicious eggs, and take advantage of a learning opportunity for you and your family.
However, having backyard chickens is not as easy as you might think. Caring for chickens takes time, effort, and money, so you should be sure before making an investment. If you are interested in having backyard chickens, here are a few things you need to know.
1. Understand Your Local Laws
The first thing to do if you want to raise chickens is to check your local laws. While you likely can have them in your backyard, there might be specific laws you have to follow. Know what you can and can’t do before investing your time and money.
2. The Breed You Choose Is Important
A great tip for how to raise backyard chickens is to choose the breed carefully. Some breeds don’t lay eggs at all, while others lay an abundance of eggs. Consider your goals before you purchase your first chicken.
3. You Don’t Need a Rooster
If you want to raise egg-laying chickens, you might think you need a rooster. However, hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster. The only difference is, the eggs will not hatch if they are not fertilized by a rooster.
4. Chickens Only Lay Eggs for a Short Time
Did you know chickens don’t lay eggs for all of their life? It’s true, the average chicken will only lay eggs for about 2-3 years. If you are raising chickens for their eggs, this is something you need to know.
5. You Will Need a Coop
Part of raising chickens in your backyard is making sure you house them in a backyard chicken coop. This will give your chickens a safe place to sleep and to lay their eggs.
DIY’ing a chicken coop is a quick project, one that can be a fun family activity. If you don’t want to DIY your chicken coop, visit organicchickenfeed.com for more options.
This Is What You Should Know Before Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
There are a few things you need to know before committing to raising chickens.
You should first check out the laws in your area to make sure you can legally own backyard chickens. You should also choose the breed carefully, know that you don’t need a rooster, and understand the egg-laying cycle for chickens. Make sure you build or purchase a coop to house your backyard chickens.
Once you know what’s involved, you can make an informed decision about raising chickens in your backyard.
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