How to Care for Chickens

Chickens make a good 4-H project for people with limited space and younger children. The birds can also provide your family with meat, eggs and entertainment.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Chicken Coops
• Chicken Feed
• Chicken Feeders
• Chicken Waterers
• Chicken Wire
• Grit And Oyster Shell Feeder
• Light Fixtures And 100-watt Bulb
• Small Pan
• Baby Chicks
• Chicken Dusting Powder
• Chicken Laying Mash

1. Provide a house or shelter that will protect against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Include a secure, fenced-in outside run for hens.

2. Make perches for hens, as well as laying nests - one nest for every four hens.

3. Keep dry bedding in nests - about 3 to 4 inches deep.

4. Provide 14 to 16 hours of light for hens to lay regularly. A 100-watt bulb for every 400 square feet of floor space is adequate.

5. Feed laying hens a laying mash when they start to lay eggs. Feed at a regular time each day, and provide clean water daily.

6. Provide oyster shell in a small pan at all times to help hens produce strong eggshells.

7. Gather eggs daily, and store them in a cool place with the small end of the egg pointing down. Discard any cracked eggs.

8. Watch for disease (get appropriate information from your veterinarian for clues), and treat or remove sick birds.

9. Check birds for lice or mites, and dust with a powder if necessary.