Are you already into homesteading or about to start your homestead garden?
Then, you must be curious to know how to raise chickens in the backyard.
If yes, then all you need is a thorough reading of this post: backyard chickens 101!
It’s been almost three years I’m raising my flock with passion and care.
So, this post is all about my own experiences in growing a healthy flock in the backyard.
Why Raise Chickens?
Raising chickens in your homestead backyard has multiple benefits.
You’ll get a supply of fresh and nutritious eggs every day. And raising chickens will also benefit you with great fertilizer that you can use for growing plants.
Switching to organic food and fertilizer will bring a total change in your overall lifestyle. Also, chickens are lovely pets that will ensure sustenance in your lifestyle.
And since chickens need low maintenance, they are one of the easiest pets to have.
Backyard Chickens Coops (3 Major Categories)
Backyard-style chicken coops can be of various styles depending on your garden’s size and aesthetics.
Here are three major categories that you can explore and choose from.
Traditional Hen Houses
The best part of traditional hen houses is that you can build them in various sizes. It’ll mostly depend on the size of your garden and the number of flocks you have. Though hen houses are usually made of wood, you can choose the material at your convenience.
Norwegian Style Coops
These coops are built with insulation and are ideal for extremely cold locations. The size of Norwegian-style coops may vary depending on the number of birds to accommodate. But, you have to make sure that you can provide ventilation in the summer months.
Wichita Cabin Coops
If you want to create a cabin coop that looks rustic and vintage, the Wichita cabin coop can be a perfect option. Some elements that you can include in the coop are windows, nesting boxes, and a predator roof. You can also build doors and windows with glass panels.
Why Do People Want Chicken Coops?
People want chicken coops to provide shelter and safety for the flocks to roost peacefully at night.
As a result, the chickens can grow healthily and maintain their social family. Otherwise, the chickens may gain territorial behavior which will lead to a violent environment.
10 Best Backyard Chickens
I’ve made a list of the 10 best backyard chickens that you can raise in your homestead.
1. Sussex Chickens
Originating from southwest England, Sussex chickens are easy-going, curious, and cold-tolerant birds. As a dual-purpose breed, they can produce a maximum of four eggs in a week. However, they can be noisy at times.
2. Welsummer Chickens
Originating from the Netherlands, Welsummer chickens are good-looking birds that can tolerate both heat and cold. They can produce more than 150 eggs every year. The Welsummer breed is known to be calm and active.
3. Australorp Chickens
Originating in Australia, Australorp chickens are a friendly breed that copes well in homesteads. They are one of the most productive birds producing more than 300 eggs yearly. These chickens can tolerate all weather.
4. Brahma Chickens
An American breed that’s famous for its large size, Brahma chickens produce eggs in all seasons. Calm and friendly, they are perfect for families. However, they need larger shelter space owing to their huge build.
5. Plymouth Rock Chickens
Another American breed that produces lots of eggs, Plymouth Rock chickens are a dual-purpose breed. Interestingly, this breed is quite intelligent and loves to cuddle with the homesteaders. These birds are heat and cold tolerant.
6. Silkie Chickens
This amazing breed with fluffy plumage feels like silk, which is what they have been named after. Per week, these chickens can produce two-three eggs. However, homesteaders mostly raise these adorable birds mainly for their appearance.
7. Orpington Chickens
A British breed with friendly behavior, Orpington can produce about 200 eggs yearly. They are cold-resistant and so, perfect for raising in winter.
8. Rhode Island Red Chickens
Rhode Island’s state bird Rhode Island Red chickens can lay up to 300 eggs every year. They are quite friendly but can be loud sometimes.
9. Wyandotte Chickens
Originating from North America, Wyandotte chickens can lay about 200 eggs yearly. They are quite easygoing and can gel well with children.
10. Leghorn Chickens
Originating from Tuscany, Leghorn chickens are highly productive, producing about 300 eggs yearly. These birds are great options if you want hybrid eggs.
Backyard chickens 101 is going to be more interesting as I’m now going to tell you some vital things!
What Is The Easiest Chicken To Raise?
Australop, Plymouth Rock, and Orpington are the easiest ones to raise.
They are humble, friendly, and easygoing in nature.
How Many Chickens Should A Beginner Get?
A beginner should get about at least three to five chickens initially.
You can raise more than five chickens but it’s good to start with a smaller number.
How Many Chickens Can You Have On A Homestead?
As a general rule, you can have up to 5 chickens on one acre of land.
So, depending on the size of your homestead garden, you can calculate the number. But, make sure you research well about the breed as the accommodation will depend on their size.
How Long Can Backyard Chickens Be Left Alone?
The answer is three-four days only.
Yes, being a caring homesteader, I’m quite particular when it comes to leaving my flock alone. So, that’s the maximum number of times you can leave your birds alone.
Can Chickens Roam Free In The Yard?
If your chickens are free-ranging, they’ll roam happily in the yard.
But, it’s all about how you train them. I’ve free-ranged my hens and can see how much health they are getting from the fresh and sunlight.
Can Chickens Stay In The Run At Night?
No, chickens shouldn’t at all stay in the run at night.
That’s not only because they need shelter when it’s dark but also because the night is their roosting time.
Do I Have To Let My Chickens Out Every Day?
If you let your chickens out every day, they’ll get a lot of benefits from nature.
Also, it’ll keep your chickens active most of the time, which is great for their overall health.
Will Chickens Return To Coop At Night?
Yes, chickens usually return to the coop at night when they are accustomed to the shelter.
But, it’s all about habit and you need to train your flock to adapt to it.
Is It Ok To Let Chickens Out In The Rain?
The feathers of chickens are waterproof, which means that they can be out in the rain.
But, too much rain can lead to cold and flu, which you need to be careful about.
Poultry Care For Beginners | Homesteading Tips
Though chickens are omnivorous, some foods are poisonous to them. So, it’s important to know which foods aren’t safe and keep your chickens away from those plants.
- In case your chickens show a symptom of illness or discomfort, don’t wait a bit. You need to consult a veterinarian immediately and get your chickens diagnosed.
- It’s important to keep your chickens safe from predators and even dogs and cats. I’ve already mentioned the names of the predators below that you can check.
- Chickens usually love to roam around and they hate confinement. So, I’d recommend you free-range your chickens so that they grow healthily and happily.
- For detailed info, you can check out this video from Oak Abode. It’s on ‘10 Things To Know BEFORE You Buy Backyard Chickens’.
- Chickens are lovely creatures as they are very friendly with the homesteaders. So, if you have small kids at home, your chickens will bring a lot of happiness to the homestead.
- The egg-laying capacity of chickens may vary depending on the breed, age, and season. So, it’s better not to expect the same amount of eggs throughout the year.
- As most homesteaders like me agree, raising chickens is going to be addictive. But, obviously, it has more positive sides than negative ones. So, just go ahead and give it a try.
Now that you’re halfway to backyard chickens 101, I’ll quickly answer a few important questions.
What To Feed Your Chickens
Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, apples, grapes, avocados, kale, and watermelons are great options for chickens.
ou need to also feed them healthy grains like soybean, wheat, and corn in small amounts.
Is It Worth Having Backyard Chickens?
Yes, of course! You’ll get so many benefits from having chickens in your backyard.
If you want to live organic, raising chickens will be the best choice ever.
What Are The Negatives Of Having Chickens?
Some people complain that chickens are smelly and dirty.
But, if you train your flock well and keep their coops tidy, you can avoid these issues. Also, make sure you and your children are not allergic to chicken feathers.
Do Chickens Attract Rats?
No, chickens don’t attract rats at all.
If you’ve heard it from someone, I’ll assure you that it’s a myth. However, rats are little attracted to freshly laid eggs and chicken feed.
Backyard Chicken Predators
Backyard chicken predators are foxes, weasels, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, snakes, opossums, skunks, and rodents.
These animals and birds can put you into trouble and so, you need to get rid of them first.
What Supplies Do I Need To Raise Backyard Chickens?
Backyard Chickens 101 is not only about question answers but also some useful tips and suggestions.
So, here are some chicken supplies that you can consider buying for raising your flock:
Precision Pet Nesting Pads
Nesting pads provide the utmost comfort to chickens and this one from Precision Pet is all about it. Made of wood shavings, it’ll keep chickens warm in winter and ventilated in summer. The pad will also support egg-laying posture and keep the coop clean.
Kebonnixs Cup Waterer and Feeder
This all-in-one kit will be the ultimate source of water and food for your chickens. The automatic water and food replenishing system will help your flock to peck at any time they want. Plus, the coop will be less messy as the chances of spillage are minimal.
Manna Pro Omega Egg Maker
To help your hens lay healthy eggs, this pack of omega egg makers from Manna Pro is appropriate. The health of your hens will also improve as they lay eggs. Rich in Omega 3, the supplement includes direct-fed microbial and is easy to digest.
Dried Mealworms by Downtown Pet Supply
Dried mealworms are excellent treats for chickens. These are full of healthy minerals, which make them highly nutritious. Plus, the mealworms contain Omega 3, protein, and fiber, which ensure a balanced diet as well.
Manna Pro Chicken Scratch Feed
To kill boredom, chickens love to peck at snacks all day long. This pack of chicken starch feed containing peanuts, whole grains, carrots, etc. is perfect for this reason. Packed with nutrition, it’ll help you to ensure the healthy growth of your flock.
Where To Buy Backyard Chickens
Nurseries and hatcheries are the best places to buy backyard chickens from.
But before you buy, you need to make sure which breed you want to raise. Based on that, you need to search for the same breed in these places.
Keeping Your Backyard Chickens Healthy
Keeping your backyard chickens healthy is essential and you can do it easily by following the tips below:
Balanced Diet
The best way to provide nutrition to your chickens is by treating them with a balanced diet. But, you need to make sure that you feed them in a small amount.
Check Their Health
As a caring parent, I keep track of the overall health of my flock daily. Whether they are feeling uneasy is the first thing that you need to check.
Keep Them Hydrated
In the summer months, chickens tend to get dehydrated easily. So, you need to provide them with enough water and watery fruits like cucumber.
Establish a Home
You need to keep your chickens safe and secured in their coops. And while building one, you also need to make sure that the entire zone is predator free.
Conclusion
So, that’s all about backyard chickens 101!
I’m sure it’ll help you to raise healthy chickens in your backyard.
The beginning may seem overwhelming but you’ll become a pro very soon.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Homestead Lifestyle Board!!
