How to Raise Grass-Fed Chickens

Raising grass-fed chickens is a wonderful hobby for those who choose to raise their own animals for food. The chickens can be for laying eggs only, or as a source of meat for the family. Letting them wander around your property gives them a chance to eat living grasses as well as insects, which also helps to keep insect populations under control. Read on to learn how to raise grass-fed chickens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Coop
• Chickens
• Living grasses
• Feed supplements

1. Make or purchase a chicken coop to house and protect the chickens from predators and weather, especially when they roost at night. Some grass-fed chickens are pastured--that is, they roam freely and forage on living grasses. You can also feed chickens a grass diet if they stay inside the coop to feed.
2. Decide on a breed. Figure out whether you want to raise chickens for egg-laying purposes only, or if you will also use them for meat. There are many different varieties of chickens to choose from, depending on the purpose for raising them.
3. Purchase some chickens. Now that the coop is ready, get the chickens. You may find young chicks at livestock auctions, farm supply stores and even online. Do a little bit of research to find the best chicks for your money.
4. Care for the chicks. Young chicks need heat, food and water at all times. Check on the chicks several times a day to make sure the temperature inside the coop stays at 95 degrees. Make available fresh water and feed.
5. Mix the feed. In addition to living grasses, grass-fed chickens also benefit from various diet supplements. Add insects, flora, seafood, legumes, salt and calcium to available feed for optimal health for both the chickens and the consumers who eat their eggs and meat.