Chickens: The Gateway Farm Animal
If you’ve been contemplating raising chickens of your own, allow me to let you in on a little secret – it’s a slippery slope. You may find yourself spending countless hours each week watching “farm TV” in your very own backyard, happily clucking along with your feathered friends. And before you know it, your friends will be tagging you in every chicken-related social media post they come across, convinced that you’ve become the local “Crazy Chicken Lady.”
But once you fall in love with those quirky, egg-laying creatures, there’s no going back. In fact, you may find yourself needing to expand your flock next year, eager to welcome more chicks into your growing family. And let’s be honest, chickens have a way of becoming a gateway drug to other farm animals. Who knows, you might even end up with a pig, some goats, or even a few sheep before this is all said and done. 😉
Choosing the Right Chickens for Your Backyard
If you’re already ready to pick out your first chicks, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Firstly, there are two main categories of chickens – standard and bantam. Not only are their eggs different sizes, but the chickens themselves are completely different in stature as well. Depending on the size of your backyard, the dimensions of your coop, and your personal egg-laying needs, you’ll want to do a little research to determine what’s the best fit for you.
Next up, it’s crucial that you choose hens that are well-suited for your regional climate and weather conditions. Just like I can’t stand the cold, there are certain chicken breeds that simply do better in certain areas. This is an important factor to keep in mind as you’re making your selection.
Another consideration is whether these feathered friends will be strictly pets and egg-layers, or if you’ll eventually be using them for meat as well. This will help you narrow down the breeds that align with your intended purpose.
And let’s not forget about aesthetics – because who doesn’t love a little flair when it comes to their backyard chickens? There’s a wide range of colors, patterns, and “designs” to choose from, with some hens laying rosy-brown, dark brown, white, green, or even blue eggs. If you’re a fan of a particular look, be sure to factor that in as well.
Finally, if personality is important to you, you’ll want to research which breeds are known for being great with families and good with kids. This guide from Country Living is a fantastic resource for that.
Setting Up Your Backyard Chicken Coop
So, you’ve done your research and you’re ready to get your first flock. Where do you even begin? Well, the first step is to set up a cozy, draft-free brooder – a safe container with a layer of pine shavings where your chicks can call home in their early days.
Next, you’ll need a reliable heat lamp (or two!) to keep those little bodies warm and toasty. And of course, don’t forget to provide a constant supply of clean water and a high-quality starter/grower feed. Oh, and a little love and attention doesn’t hurt either. You can find all of these essentials at your local Tractor Supply store.
Keeping Your Hens Happy and Healthy
When your hens reach egg-laying age, there are a few key things you’ll want to focus on to ensure they’re happy, healthy, and productive. First and foremost, always provide them with a nutritious, high-quality feed. A good protein and fiber content is crucial, and if organic is a must-have for you, this is the most important time to make that investment.
Secondly, be sure to supplement their diet with plenty of fresh greens and veggie/fruit scraps. Grass, pulled weeds, herbs, and quite a few of your kitchen scraps can make a great addition to their meals, providing an extra boost of vital nutrients.
And last but not least, let your hens free-range whenever possible. Not only is it endlessly entertaining to watch them chase after bugs, but that natural pest control they’re providing will also benefit the quality of the eggs they lay.
This guide from Hobby Farms is a fantastic resource for understanding which scraps are healthy for your chickens and which ones you’ll want to avoid.
The Joys (and Challenges) of Chicken Keeping
Raising backyard chickens isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, of course. There will undoubtedly be some challenges and learning curves along the way. But the rewards far outweigh the occasional headaches, I can assure you.
Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible resources out there to help guide you through this journey. I’ve personally found Fresh Eggs Daily’s Instagram page and blog to be an invaluable source of information, and her book “Fresh Eggs Daily” is a must-have for any aspiring chicken keeper.
Another fantastic resource is Tilly’s Nest, where you can not only find wonderful information, but also pick up a copy of their book “A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens.” And of course, The Chicken Chick is a top-notch blogger and author, with her book “The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens” being another essential addition to any chicken owner’s library.
If you really want to dive deep, I’d also recommend picking up copies of “The Chicken Health Handbook” and “The Joy of Keeping Chickens.” Both of these books are packed with a wealth of knowledge that will serve you well as you navigate the joys and challenges of backyard chicken keeping.
And let’s not forget about the value of local resources. If you have the opportunity to get your kids involved in a 4-H poultry club, I can’t recommend it enough. Not only will they learn all about the equipment needed, what to expect, and how to care for sick or injured birds, but they’ll also get hands-on experience with different breeds and even have the chance to participate in chicken shows.
The Gateway to Backyard Bliss
So, are you hooked yet? I know I certainly am. There’s just something so captivating about those quirky little feathered friends and the joy they bring to our lives. From endless entertainment to a steady supply of fresh, nutritious eggs, backyard chickens have a way of worming their way into your heart (and, quite possibly, your entire farm).
If you’re ready to take the plunge and welcome some hens into your Aberdeen abode, I can’t wait to see the magic that unfolds. Just remember – it starts with one chicken, and before you know it, you’ll be the local “Crazy Chicken Lady” in the best possible way.
