Thursday, March 13, 2014

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How to Raise Chickens

How To Raise Backyard Chickens In Your City - The Basics Of Raising Chickens

Raising Chickens 101


So, you're interested in raising chickens?  You've embarked on a fun and exciting journey! BYC (BackYardChickens) is FULLof great information. If your question isn't answered in our Learning Center Articles then we promise there is an answer on our chicken forum.

Below are the absolute basics of raising chickens. For more detailed information please explore the rest of the site and join our forum


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Why Raise Chickens?

  • Easy and inexpensive to maintain (when compared to most other pets)
  • Eggs that are fresh, great-tasting & nutritious
  • Chemical-free bug and weed control
  • Manufacture the worlds best fertilizer
  • Fun & friendly pets with personality (yes, you read that right)
  • See our poll on Why Do You Raise Chickens


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Are BackYard Chickens Legal in Your City?



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Where To Get Baby Chicks & Chickens:




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How To Care For A Chick - First 60 Days:

  • You'll need a chick brooder - See our list of homemade brooders
  • Flooring - Pine shavings & corn cob bedding are best.  Stay clear of newspaper since it doesn't absorb well and is slippery underfoot.
  • Temperature - 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, decrease 5 deg. per week. Be VERY careful of fire hazards!
  • Food & water - chick crumbles / starter & a chick waterer (see our list ofhomemade feeders & waterers)
  • Play time - Play with your chicks when young to get the use to being around people.
  • More details: Article: How To Raise Baby Chicks -  Forum Section: Raising Chicks


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Chicken Care After First 60 Days, General Chicken Care:

  • Chicken Coops - Once feathered out you'll want to move your chickens into a chicken coop!  Rule of thumb is about 3-4 square feet per chicken inside the henhouse and 10 sq/ft per chicken in an outside run. Keep local chicken predators in mind and make a safe home for your flock!
  • Flooring - Pine shavings work best.  You can even try the deep litter method for even less maintenance.
  • Food & Water - Most people go with formulated chicken layer feed / pellets. You can even make a homemade chicken feeder / waterer
  • Treats - Vegetables, bread, bugs, chicken scratch (cracked corn, milo, wheat)


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What's next?

Now that you've skimmed the basics you might be ready to do a deeper dive into learning more about raising backyard chickens.   We suggest the following:

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