Jul 12
24
Tips for raising chickens
We posted on our Facebook page:
Do you raise chickens? What are some tips for someone that wants to start?
Some comments we received:
Comment#1: Start with only a few chickens. An old dog house works well for a coop. Not all birds lay the same. Some birds are easier than others. Do your research. Be wary of buying hens from just anyone.
Comment#2: Get them used to seeing you with and without a hat, with and without a bucket. To a chicken, a man, and a man with a bucket, are two completely different people. Also, when you build your enclosure, bury the wire, yes…but be sure to use coated wire, or else it will rust through in a year or so.
Comment#3: Chickens will need a heated shelter for the winter. They will need a LARGE yard. You will also need to protect them from all of the carniverous predators in your area. If you are starting with chicks, you cannot have any corners inside the pen. They tend to stack up in the corners and the ones on the bottom will die.
Comment#4: Not a heated coop, but a well insulated coop. I live in a very cold climate, my chickens do very well because I give them lots of coop room, and roaming space, I also had my coop insulated to the hilt. It’s so cool in the summer and so warm in the winter. We added electricity for an electric door but if the power goes out, they will be warm, dry and comfy. M pen has a real roof on it, and I wrap it with plastic all the way around for added wind break and it stays dry and comfy to.
