By ashley nash baltazar
Raising chickens for eggs goes beyond buying a few hens to satisfy your cravings. There are steps to take that ensure proper care of the animals who will be nourishing you.
From knowing local livestock laws to actual care tips for your chickens, here are some tips to help get you started!
The investment is upfront with raising chickens, although the maintenance is much more affordable. The coop will cost around $250, monthly food supply around $25 and the hens themselves around $7.
Nesting box Box bedding Roosting bar Dropping board Hanging feeder and waterer An enclosed run
Four feet per chicken within the henhouse is required. Additionally, they'll need about ten feet of running space. For example, six chickens would thrive in a space that's 6x4 for nesting and 6x10 for running.
Purchasing from certified sellers who belong to the National Poultry Improvement Plan ensures a healthier chicken. Local henhouses or farms also have chicks seasonally, although fewer breeds.
Despite the common misconception that roosters are needed for eggs, they're only needed for fertilization, resulting in chicks. When among hens, roosters can be aggressive towards them and people.
If you need a dozen eggs per day, you'll need two coops with six chickens each. Keep in mind that hens need around 16 hours of daylight to lay an egg, and won't do so until they're around 5 months old.
Based on appearance, temperament, egg production and color, the best nine chicken breeds are Araucana, Australorp, Buff Orpington, White Leghorn, Marans, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Silkie and Sussex.
According to Good Housekeeping, you won't need a coop much bigger than a doghouse for about 5 or 6 chickens. A group this size will lay around two dozen eggs per week.
Unlike roosters, who crow all day, chickens will only cackle after laying their eggs as a protection mechanism. Noise can be muffled a bit by bushery or a solid fence.
As with any pet, chickens will require your attention and a commitment to building and maintaining their coop. There's also a "hen zen" that comes with keeping chickens that can serve as a form of self-care.
Retailers sell a variety of layer mashes, which have been recommended as the daily meal for chickens, along with water. Popular treats include mealworms and watermelon.
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