Yesterday, a reader had a question. She has 10 chicks,
variety of breeds. They are now being housed inside
in a water tub. As you can imagine, it's getting a little
crowded.
She wanted to know when it was safe to move the
little ones to the chicken coop. Which is an excellent
question. The reader assured me that the coop was large
and safe and there were no other birds in the hen house.
No doubt this question is on a lot of minds. Easter time
seems to be when chickens invade the thoughts of many.
The good news is that chicks of any age can be placed
into the chicken coop at any time.
There are two main considerations for the chicks.
Warmth and no drafts! If the chicken coop is drafty,
keep them away. Chickens are highly susceptible to
pneumonia which will prove fatal.
And they must be kept warm! The temperature has to
be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Or 30-32 degrees
Celsius.You'll need to get at least one heat lamp if
you live in a cold climate, which most of us seem to.
I'm so glad this concern was raised because it should
always be stressed and what better time than now? So
as long as the chicken coop is safe from predators and
warm and draft-free, you're ready to introduce your
feathered friends to their new home!
Showing posts with label raising chickens in backyard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raising chickens in backyard. Show all posts
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Raising Chickens On The Cheap
When a lot of people think about raising chickens in the backyard,
they think they have to spend great sums of money to get started.
They check out catalogs with fancy-smancy chicken coops,
chicken tractors, feeders and all the doo-dads one can possibly
buy.
Yes, these all look very enticing. But when they are shipped to
your door, you'll have a pile of flat lumber and some nails.
Nothing like the pretty pictures you were looking over.
There's no need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to
keep your chickens happy. All they want is sound shelter and food.
When you decide to build your own chicken coop, you get to
decide the kind of lumber you want. You won't need to spend
money to get the latest water dish when any dish will do. All
the hens care about is having a supply of clean, fresh water.
You can make your own nesting boxes. No need to order
from the retail store. In fact, once your chickens have the
house to keep them safe from predators and protection from
the elements, they are quite happy.
And you'll be happy to DIY and save a ton of money!
they think they have to spend great sums of money to get started.
They check out catalogs with fancy-smancy chicken coops,
chicken tractors, feeders and all the doo-dads one can possibly
buy.
Yes, these all look very enticing. But when they are shipped to
your door, you'll have a pile of flat lumber and some nails.
Nothing like the pretty pictures you were looking over.
There's no need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to
keep your chickens happy. All they want is sound shelter and food.
When you decide to build your own chicken coop, you get to
decide the kind of lumber you want. You won't need to spend
money to get the latest water dish when any dish will do. All
the hens care about is having a supply of clean, fresh water.
You can make your own nesting boxes. No need to order
from the retail store. In fact, once your chickens have the
house to keep them safe from predators and protection from
the elements, they are quite happy.
And you'll be happy to DIY and save a ton of money!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Happy Easter To All Those Who Raise Chickens For Eggs!
It's only fitting on this day when the egg is front and center, to give
thanks to the fine creatures who supply us with healthy, organic eggs.
Where would we be without them? And to the fine folks who
raise chickens in their backyards or on their farms.
So when you are coloring and decorating your eggs, take a moment
to think about the heavenly hen. This is also the time of year when
thoughts turn to raising chickens if you've never done so before.
Maybe you're mulling the idea over and wondering what it would
take to begin this incredible adventure. Of building a chicken coop
of your very own. Of being able to have eggs which didn't come from
inhumane practices. Of being able to provide your family with the health
benefits of the egg.
This blog has many posts to help you decide. Take a look around
and see if this is something you can see yourself doing in the future...
And Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!
thanks to the fine creatures who supply us with healthy, organic eggs.
Where would we be without them? And to the fine folks who
raise chickens in their backyards or on their farms.
So when you are coloring and decorating your eggs, take a moment
to think about the heavenly hen. This is also the time of year when
thoughts turn to raising chickens if you've never done so before.
Maybe you're mulling the idea over and wondering what it would
take to begin this incredible adventure. Of building a chicken coop
of your very own. Of being able to have eggs which didn't come from
inhumane practices. Of being able to provide your family with the health
benefits of the egg.
This blog has many posts to help you decide. Take a look around
and see if this is something you can see yourself doing in the future...
And Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Raising Chickens In The Backyard: What's For Dinner?
Nobody can call chickens picky eaters! If you've decided to raise chickens in your backyard, the least of your concerns will be what to feed them. Because those birds will eat almost anything! I don't mean that in a bad way but the truth is that they'll peck at anything you put before them with great gusto.
Meat, vegetables, dog food, whatever...doesn't matter. They will clean out all manner of insects and worms they can pounce on. Watch your ankles! The food scraps from your own dinner is a very tasty treat for your birds. Same for peelings. This creatures are very cost-efficient. And cute, too! All you need to worry about are vitamins and boosters. And don't forget grains.
You can put the chicken feed in a special container or scatter it around. Don't worry about any of it going to waste. They don't miss a thing. Hens need calcium in their diet for egg laying. From your local feed store you can buy crushed clam shells. Add to their meal.
The foods I advise are feed, pellets, grains and corn. You can never go wrong with this diet or have to worry about their health. There are foods you should never give to chickens.
Chicken. They don't want to eat their own kind. Do you? And health problems could develop.
Apples will cause digestive problems if given all the time. Every couple of weeks is fine. But I stay away from them.
Potato peelings. They don't like the taste of root crops.
Orange peelings are too tough for their systems.
Tomatoes only in small quantities. May affect their droppings. That's why I don't serve 'em at all.
Bananas. They just don't like them.
So you see, there's not too much you have to worry about when it comes to feeding chickens. Only one of the reasons you'll come to love your new feathered friends!
Meat, vegetables, dog food, whatever...doesn't matter. They will clean out all manner of insects and worms they can pounce on. Watch your ankles! The food scraps from your own dinner is a very tasty treat for your birds. Same for peelings. This creatures are very cost-efficient. And cute, too! All you need to worry about are vitamins and boosters. And don't forget grains.
You can put the chicken feed in a special container or scatter it around. Don't worry about any of it going to waste. They don't miss a thing. Hens need calcium in their diet for egg laying. From your local feed store you can buy crushed clam shells. Add to their meal.
The foods I advise are feed, pellets, grains and corn. You can never go wrong with this diet or have to worry about their health. There are foods you should never give to chickens.
Chicken. They don't want to eat their own kind. Do you? And health problems could develop.
Apples will cause digestive problems if given all the time. Every couple of weeks is fine. But I stay away from them.
Potato peelings. They don't like the taste of root crops.
Orange peelings are too tough for their systems.
Tomatoes only in small quantities. May affect their droppings. That's why I don't serve 'em at all.
Bananas. They just don't like them.
So you see, there's not too much you have to worry about when it comes to feeding chickens. Only one of the reasons you'll come to love your new feathered friends!
Friday, February 25, 2011
10 Things To Look For When Buying Chickens For Your Backyard Coop
You've decided you want to keep and raise chickens in your backyard. Maybe you have your chicken coop plans all picked out and now you're going to select the chickens. So what should you look for?
The Healthy Chicken Checklist
** You'll want bright chickens who are active. They should have good posture. Not looking like they're on their last legs.
** The eyes are also the window to the soul when it comes to chickens. Look into them. The eyes should be bright with the color of the iris matching in both eyes. The eyes should not look all bubbly and wet. Yech!
** There shouldn't be any mucus in the nostrils. You can place your head to the bird's back and listen. You don't want to hear any wheezing sounds. You know, sounds like you make yourself if you have an upper respiratory infection.
** The sinuses, just above the nostrils should not be puffy. Just like you if you have a sinus infection.
** Ears should be clear of infection. If there is cheese-like matter in the ears, be warned.
** Look at the comb. Although some breeds have naturally darker-colored combs, the comb should be bright and not shriveled up.
** Check the legs. You don't want to see raised, scaly patches. Legs should be smooth.
** Look at the vent area. That's where you'd expect it to be. Where we all vent. The backside. Dirt in this area could indicate mites or lice.
** Now you should handle the bird. Each side of the breastbone should have a reasonable covering of flesh. Lighter breeds will have less coverage but the breastbone shouldn't be prominent with no flesh on the sides.
** Crests, at the top of the head, shouldn't have signs of northern fowl mite.
I know this sounds complicated but it is worth your time. Take along someone who knows chickens if you don't feel confident in the signs to look for. You don't want to get attached to your feathered friends only to find out they are ill.
In many ways it is common sense. If a bird looks vibrant and healthy, it is! Good luck.
The Healthy Chicken Checklist
** You'll want bright chickens who are active. They should have good posture. Not looking like they're on their last legs.
** The eyes are also the window to the soul when it comes to chickens. Look into them. The eyes should be bright with the color of the iris matching in both eyes. The eyes should not look all bubbly and wet. Yech!
** There shouldn't be any mucus in the nostrils. You can place your head to the bird's back and listen. You don't want to hear any wheezing sounds. You know, sounds like you make yourself if you have an upper respiratory infection.
** The sinuses, just above the nostrils should not be puffy. Just like you if you have a sinus infection.
** Ears should be clear of infection. If there is cheese-like matter in the ears, be warned.
** Look at the comb. Although some breeds have naturally darker-colored combs, the comb should be bright and not shriveled up.
** Check the legs. You don't want to see raised, scaly patches. Legs should be smooth.
** Look at the vent area. That's where you'd expect it to be. Where we all vent. The backside. Dirt in this area could indicate mites or lice.
** Now you should handle the bird. Each side of the breastbone should have a reasonable covering of flesh. Lighter breeds will have less coverage but the breastbone shouldn't be prominent with no flesh on the sides.
** Crests, at the top of the head, shouldn't have signs of northern fowl mite.
I know this sounds complicated but it is worth your time. Take along someone who knows chickens if you don't feel confident in the signs to look for. You don't want to get attached to your feathered friends only to find out they are ill.
In many ways it is common sense. If a bird looks vibrant and healthy, it is! Good luck.
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