How to Keep Backyard Chickens

Chickens can be useful for several different reasons.

Chickens can be a desirable addition to your property due to the many benefits they can yield. Chickens are relatively inexpensive to care for, and they provide a source of fresh eggs and meat. Chickens will eat bugs and weeds, and their droppings are commonly used as a fertilizer for gardens and plants.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken coop
• Chicken feed

Instructions

1. Determine whether it is legal for you to keep chickens on your property by contacting your local government or homeowners association. Some areas have ordinances and laws preventing homeowners from breeding or keeping poultry or livestock on their land.

2. Create a habitat for your chickens. Your chickens will not be safe roaming around outside where they can fall victim to natural predators or hazardous situations such as traffic on roadways. A chicken coop does not need to be fancy, but it needs to provide a safe, warm and dry environment. There are hundreds of different coop styles and designs you can use for your chickens.

3. Purchase or construct chicken feeders and waterers. Feeders and waterers are used to provide food and water to your chickens in your chicken coop. Good feeders will keep feed off the ground and more or less in a single location to prevent waste. Purchase chicken feed that is formulated for your type of chickens (layers, broilers, etc).

4. Purchase chicks or full grown chickens and put them in your coop. Provide them with food, water and veterinary care if necessary. Chickens can be cared for by a large animal veterinarian or one who specializes in livestock.

References

• Backyard Chickens: Raising Chickens 101
• Robert Plamondon's Poultry Pages: Chicken Feed
• Backyard Chickens: First Sixty Days

Resources

• Backyard Chickens: Coop Designs
• Foul Visions: Raising Chickens--Homemade Plans--another Chicken Feeder