Even after owning backyard chickens for 2 years, I still learn something new about chickens every day. It is important before bringing your first birds home that you do the research needed to set both you and your birds up for success. Even though my husband and I prepared for our first birds for a year prior to bringing home our first chicks, there is no amount of research that can prepare you for all of the challenges you will encounter keeping your birds healthy and safe. The challenges you will face will vary greatly depending on your region and the kind of birds you decide to keep. Here are a few basics you should know.
1) Know first and foremost that it is legal to keep chickens in your area. The poultry laws and regulations in your specific area or neighborhood may shock you. Additionally, be sure you are aware whether or not you can keep a rooster. Establish that you are in fact allowed to have chickens prior to bringing them home.
2) Chicks grow up fast! Most chicks are fully feathered and ready to transition outside somewhere between 8-10 weeks old. That’s a little over two months and then they need to be outside! The small hutches you see in stores are good for small chicks or at most two grown birds, but will not be enough space as your birds age.
3) Build your infrastructure first. Have your coop and run ready before you bring home your chicks. You can continue to improve and expand as your flock does, but the buildings where you will house your birds and any outside exercise areas you will have for them should be finished before you bring home your first chickens. It is extremely stressful and expensive to try and build infrastructure on the fly.
4) Research breeds. Why do you want chickens? For eggs? For meat? As pets? For companions for children or other animals? The temperament and characteristics of chicken breeds varies wildly. Make sure you know what kind of chicken would be the best fit for you.
5) Visit someone with chickens prior to getting your own. A well kept chicken area does not smell. Be aware that when keeping livestock animals whether you intend to have them as pets or as food animals you will be required to clean their area, handle poop, and be able to deal with basic health issues you might encounter. Talk to and visit people who already have chickens prior to getting your own and take the ideas you see that work for you.
6) Understand chickens are a daily, and multiple year commitment. Your chickens will need care every day. Whether you are sick, whether you have a business trip, whether you have to work, whether you feel like it or not. Chicken care is a 24-7-365 situation. Chickens are also longer lived than most people realize. While this also depends on breed and purpose, chickens can live anywhere from 5-10 years, or longer!
I hope this helps. Did you know Chuck and the Chicks in on Instagram and YouTube? Connect with us on our other forms of social media and share in all the backyard chicken fun!
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