Chickens are amazing creatures that are cute, sweet, loving, and will constantly lay fresh eggs for you. These furry friends will squawk in the backyard and instantly win over your heart! By giving him enough time, love and attention, you will have a healthy, happy and beautiful flock of chickens! This article will give you the information you need to know if you want to raise chickens.
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Method 1 of 5: Preparing to Raise Chickens
Step 1. Check local laws and regulations regarding raising chickens
Some areas don't allow you to raise chickens or have strict rules for it. Before you start raising chickens, be sure to study the laws and regulations that apply in your area. This can be done via the Internet.
- Some areas don't allow you to keep a rooster because it's too noisy. Unfortunately, this rule will also affect you if you want to breed hens, but if you only intend to raise hens to use their eggs or meat, that's fine.
- In some areas, you may only be able to raise a certain number of chickens. If you are planning to raise chickens, first check the regulations in the area where you live.
Step 2. Make sure you can raise chickens in the backyard
Before deciding to raise chickens, make sure you can provide all the chickens needed to make the animals live happily. Here's what you need:
- Prepare a place. Think about where the coop is located and make sure the chickens have enough space outside the coop. Each chicken should have about 1 m² of space, and a kate (bantam) chicken should have 0.7 m² of space.
- Save up. Raising chickens costs a lot of money. You have to buy chicken feed constantly, change the bottom of the chicken coop, build a cage, and several other necessities. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to keep kate chickens instead of regular chickens as they tend to be cheaper, require less space and food.
- Reset your schedule. Usually you need a lot of time to raise chickens. You will have to feed every day, refill drinking water, clean the cage, collect eggs, and check frequently if there are many predators in your area.
Step 3. Tell the neighbors that you will raise chickens
Before buying a flock of chickens, it's best if you tell the neighbors (if you have a problem with it) to avoid inconvenience.
- If your neighbors don't like noise, consider keeping only the hen, as the rooster makes louder sounds.
- If neighbors are worried that your chickens will enter their yard, make sure you cage the chickens. You can build a fenced cage so the chickens can't escape
- If your neighbors still don't like your idea of raising chickens, try softening their hearts by offering them fresh eggs.
Step 4. Do your research
If you've never raised chickens, learn the ins and outs. Raising chickens can be time-consuming, and you need to know how to raise chickens properly and avoid common mistakes.
You can find a lot of information on websites, blogs, forums, and so on. You can also seek advice from a chicken farmer or buy a book about these animals
Step 5. Learn what are the advantages and disadvantages of raising chickens
There are many advantages and disadvantages to raising chickens and it never hurts to learn about them first.
- The advantages of raising chickens include chickens getting rid of pests, killing snails, providing fertilizer, providing fresh eggs and being good friends, it's fun to watch and, above all, raising chickens is a fun activity.
- Disadvantages of raising chickens include high costs, time consuming, occupying a large area in the yard, and these animals often pecking at plants and attracting flies.
Step 6. Determine the age and purpose of raising chickens
There are several purposes of people raising chickens; for eggs and meat, for display and as pets. Whatever your motivation, there are different types of chicken to fulfill that desire.
Determine the age of the chicken. You can buy fertilized eggs, chicks, chicks or laying hens. If it's your first time raising chickens, it's recommended to buy several young or laying hens instead of chicks or fertilized eggs. However, incubating your own eggs can be a fantastic experience and chicks will also be more docile than young or laying hens because you are raising them yourself
Step 7. Determine the breed of the chicken
Each race is used for different purposes. Some are better suited for laying eggs and tend to have a longer productive life. Other races are more suitable for meat consumption and mature faster. There are also more unique and colorful chickens that can be included in exhibitions and cute kate chickens that can be used as pets.
- If you want the right chicken to lay eggs, choose the Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red or Leghorn hen. These hens tend to lay more and longer eggs.
- If you want to raise chickens for meat, consider Faverolles or Brahmas, which mature faster than other breeds.
- If you want chickens to "show off," look online for different breeds. After selecting the desired breed, consider buying it. Usually, chickens for display can be of any breed as long as they are colorful, unique and different from ordinary breeds. However, it is possible that the more luxurious breeds don't lay as many eggs as chickens from other breeds and are less docile.
- If you want a simple chicken as a pet, find out what breeds you can get in your area. Chicken kate can be an option because it is smaller and usually more beautiful than ordinary chicken. You have several types of kate chickens to choose from and many are quite tame, like Lavender or Orpington.
- You can also choose a breed that has a dual purpose, for example the type of chicken that is suitable for taking eggs and consuming meat.
- If you don't care about breed, try to find a chicken that fits your environment. Some chickens, such as the Hampshire Red, can tolerate hot climates, while others, such as Australops, can tolerate colder climates than other breeds. Keep in mind, if you don't have enough space or your finances are limited, chicken kate can be an option because it takes up less space and consumes less food than regular chicken.
- You may not get the race you want. If you are looking to purchase chickens that are sold in the area where you live, there may not be many choices and ages may vary.
Step 8. Find out where you can buy chicken in your area
As noted above, you may not get the race you want, but you can get another similar if you're lucky. In Indonesia, free-range chicken is a popular choice, both for eggs and meat. You can buy young chicks or incubate eggs.
- You can buy chickens in a variety of places, from markets, word of mouth and websites or pet store bulletin boards.
- If you haven't been able to get your hands on the chickens from the information above, you can go to a local breeder and see if they are willing to sell some chicks or chicks. Young chicks can also be purchased at a local store that sells chicken feed or you can buy fertilized eggs online and have them shipped via delivery service.
Step 9. Decide whether the chickens will be caged or not
You can let your chickens roam in an enclosed area of the garden, inside a fence, or lock them in a coop all the time.
- Chickens that are allowed to roam free are often happier than chickens that are caged all the time. Chickens that are left free receive more sunlight, get better nutrition by scavenging for food in the soil, eat snails or naked snails that live in the garden, have more space, and can take a daily dry soil bath.
- Chickens kept in fenced cages have advantages. Chickens are safe from predators, you don't need to check them often, and chickens can still enjoy life on grass and soil, and get some fresh air and sunshine.
- Chickens kept in cages are often in the same condition as chickens kept in fenced cages, but have more weaknesses. For example, the coop needs to be cleaned more often, the chickens don't get enough sunlight or fresh air, need more space to live happily, and can't scavenge for food in the grass.
Method 2 of 5: Preparing the Chicken Coop
Step 1. Buy or build a chicken coop
All chickens need a coop. The cage must be well ventilated, safe from predators, should not be exposed to the wind, and have a large space to accommodate the chickens you want to keep. You can buy a cage from a pet store, hardware store, farm supply store or online. The price ranges from IDR 1 million - IDR 2 million, depending on the size.
- If you have some carpentry skills, you can try making your own cage. You can find many cage designs on the internet or design your own.
- Each chicken takes about 0.4 m² of space, the kate chicken takes up half or 0.2 m². If the chickens are going to be in the coop all the time, the coop should be large enough so that the chickens are happy with the amount of space available and can roam freely.
- Place the cage in an area with lots of grass and some mounds of dirt. Chickens like to eat grass they find and like to bathe in the ground every day. Choose soil that is overgrown with tall grass interspersed with dry land so that the chickens can enjoy the grass and also bathe in the soil.
- Consider a fenced coop so the chickens can roam outside, but stay protected from predators and not go anywhere.
- Buy some bars that can be attached to the cage. Usually chickens don't sleep on the floor. At night, the chickens usually stand on a perch or on a box to lay their eggs. That's why you should buy some bars for roosting chickens. How many bars are needed depends on the number of chickens. Make sure the bar is not too thin so the chicken can perch comfortably. It would be better if you buy a bar that can be removed so that it can be cleaned easily.
- Buy or make some boxes for laying eggs and place them in the cage. The chicken will lay eggs in the box. Prepare one box for laying eggs for every four hens. You'll need to add a hay-like base in the box so it looks like a nest. Also, make sure the box is big enough for the chicken to fit in comfortably. Chickens should also be able to access the box easily and have edges so the eggs don't fall out of the nest and break on the floor. You can build or buy a cage with a box for laying eggs that is placed in a way that allows you to collect eggs from outside the cage. That way, you don't have to go into the coop every morning and disturb the peace of the chickens.
- Add moisture-wicking mats to the cage. The cage mat allows you to clean chicken manure easily and quickly. You must add it to the floor of the cage.
- If you can't afford to buy or build a coop, you can place your chickens in a warm, well-ventilated and safe shed from predators. Chickens can easily adapt in this kind of environment.
Step 2. Make sure the chicken coop is safe from predators
Many predators that attack chickens, such as ferrets, cats and dogs, can pass through gaps in the coop or fence, or dig holes under the coop fence. If you don't want all the chickens to be gone the next day, you have to strengthen the security of the shelter.
- Make sure you build a fence around the chicken coop. The fence must be made of strong material. If predators are constantly sneaking into the cage, consider building an electric fence.
- Place some wire under the ground so that predators can't dig under the cage to get in.
- Fill in any gaps that predators could use to sneak into fences or cages. You can patch the gap with a piece of wood, tile, or something similar.
Step 3. Purchase some of the equipment needed to raise chickens
If you decide to raise chickens, make sure you provide equipment for feeding the chickens, equipment for cleaning the coop, additional items that can be placed in the coop, and the right type of feed. Take a look at the list of supplies you'll need below:
- Food and water containers. You can use several buckets or bowls as food and water containers or you can buy a feeding and drinking kit. You can place this kit inside or outside the coop and how many are needed depends on the number of chickens. If you intend to breed chickens, it's best to use a watering device as it reduces the chances of the chicks drowning.
- Buy the right feed for chickens. There are several types of chicken feed, which are usually designed for various purposes. You can buy layer pellets suitable for laying hens, finisher feed for fattening chickens and regular feed for other chickens.
- Buy an extra pad. If you've already purchased bedding for the coop, it's a good idea to buy more as you'll be throwing away the old bedding every time you clean the chicken coop.
- If necessary, buy a heating lamp. If you're planning on breeding chickens or if you live in a cold climate, it's a good idea to purchase a heating lamp. A heating lamp will keep the chicks and chicks warm.
Method 3 of 5: Feeding the Chickens
Step 1. Choose the right type of chicken feed
There are three types of feed for chickens for different purposes including a layer of pellets that are high in calcium and given to hens to lay eggs, a finisher feed that is high in protein and given to fatten chickens older than six weeks, and a regular, high-quality feed that is fed to chickens. all kinds of chicken.
Feed can be obtained in two forms; pellets that are usually given to ordinary chickens, and feed in the form of fine pieces for small chickens such as kate chickens
Step 2. Complete nutrition for chicken
Provide fine gravel to help the chickens grind food and is a source of calcium for laying hens. Oyster shells or crushed eggshells can be a great source of calcium and chickens left to roam free don't need fine gravel as they can find substitutes in the soil.
Step 3. Provide limited feed for chickens
Chickens can almost eat anything, such as vegetables, fruit, food scraps, insects, seeds, and so on.
Don't allow chickens to eat avocados, rhubard, onions, garlic, raw potatoes or eggs, citrus fruits, alcohol, chocolate, and salty foods. If you want to give eggs to chickens, cook them first. The best food for chickens is fresh food
Step 4. Don't let the chicken run out of water
You should provide about 4 liters of water for 3 to 4 chickens. More water is needed if you have more chickens. Make sure you provide clean and fresh water and don't forget to refill and clean the water container every day to avoid bacteria buildup.
Step 5. Ensure freshness and cleanliness of chicken food
At night, cover the food and water containers so they don't attract pests and remove food debris to prevent mold growth.
Method 4 of 5: Daily Chicken Care
Step 1. Let the chickens in and out of the coop
Make sure the chickens are out of the coop in the morning, then put them back in when it gets dark and the sun goes down. When locking the coop door, make sure you count so that no chickens are left outside. If a chicken is missing, you'll need a flashlight and someone's help to find the chicken and bring it home.
- The chicken will learn that the coop is its home and will eventually be able to enter the coop on its own every night, when the time comes. This makes it easier for you to collect chickens and count them. However, if you're still having trouble getting the chickens into the coop, you can put food in the coop.
- Chickens should be able to access the coop at all times during the day, but you should lock it at night. Chickens will go in and out of the coop to lay eggs, eat and drink water (if feeding and drinking utensils are in the coop) and shelter from the sun or cold air.
Step 2. Collect chicken eggs every day
Chickens will lay one egg every day if you keep them happy. To get fresh eggs, you have to collect eggs every morning. If the weather is hot, you should collect eggs twice a day.
Use a basket, box or some kind of container to collect the eggs. If any eggs fall, make sure you clean them up
Step 3. Clean the cage every day
It is very important to clean the chicken coop to prevent pests such as mites and disease. You should change the bedding frequently and occasionally clean the entire enclosure. You may need to clean the chicken coop more often, depending on the number of chickens you have. Do the same if the chickens are locked in the coop all the time or the chickens are not left out in the open.
Put on gloves and remove all bedding, sweep the floor of the coop, spray with a water hose, clean the nesting box, wash the feeding and drinking utensils and clean the chicken perches
Method 5 of 5: Taking Care of Other Needs
Step 1. Check the condition of the chickens every day
Do your daily routine like feeding chickens, refilling water containers, collecting eggs and so on. Then, watch the chicken and see if there are any changes in appearance or behavior to make sure the chicken is in good health.
- Signs of diseased chickens include panting, dull eyes, lethargy, reduced alertness, curling up, experiencing feather loss in certain parts, reduced egg production, and not wanting to eat or drink. If you see any of the above symptoms, you should immediately take him to the vet.
- If one of the chickens has a bleeding wound, you must separate it immediately to prevent other chickens from pecking at the wound. Separate the chicken until the wound heals, then return it to the coop.
Step 2. Provide dry soil or sand so the chickens can bathe in the soil
Soil baths are a way for chickens to clean themselves and prevent the transmission of parasites such as mites or fleas. If chickens are left to live in the open, those needs may already be available.
Step 3. Bathe the chicken if necessary
You can bathe the chickens if you want to take them to the show or if they are very dirty. While you're at it, make time to clean the cage too!
Get a large enough tub, mild soap and a dipper or sponge and start bathing the chickens. While bathing the chicken, take this opportunity to trim its beak and hooves and trim its wing feathers
Tips
- You can buy a chicken tractor (chicken coop without a bottom) instead of a conventional cage because chicken tractors are easier to move around. This kind of cage is very practical if you often move your chickens to different locations.
- You can use straw, wood shavings and spruce leaves as bedding. However, straw is used less often than other materials because it does not absorb as much moisture.
- Try to place 4-6 chickens in the coop to reduce fighting (of course this rule must be adjusted to the size of the cage). While this arrangement can make chickens happy, it does enforce a hierarchy, especially for chickens that have just been added to the group.
- Know that raising chickens is fairly easy. While there are plenty of warnings about disease and predators, it's unlikely to happen to your pet chicken. However, you must remain vigilant.
- If you decide to raise chickens, consider buying chicks instead of fertilized eggs. Chicks are sex-distinguishable so you know whether the chicks you buy are male or female. If you buy eggs, there is a good chance that you will get more roosters than females, and there is no guarantee that all the eggs will hatch.
- If you have to leave your house to travel, you can leave your chickens with a breeder in your area or find someone to take care of them.
- Not all chickens have the same egg-laying schedule. Some hens lay one egg every 24 hours, but some only lay eggs a few times a week. Know how many eggs to lay and study your pet's egg-laying schedule.
- If you have a pet cat, don't let the chickens near it.
- If you are interested in buying a chicken, do not just one because these creatures can not stand to live alone.
Warning
- Do not allow food to rot or mold. Moldy food can pose a risk of death in chickens.
- Never feed chicken avocados, rhubarb, onions, garlic, potatoes or raw eggs, citrus fruits, alcohol, chocolate, or salty foods.
- If you don't keep the coop clean, the chicken and/or coop will be infected with mites, fleas, flies, or mice and the chicken will become susceptible to disease.
- You must have at least two chickens. Chickens are gregarious birds and will feel bored, depressed and lonely if they don't have a partner to socialize with.
- Make sure the chicken coop is well ventilated. Chicken manure is high in ammonia and carbon dioxide. Therefore, the coop should be well ventilated, but try not to be exposed to the wind so that the chickens don't get cold.
- Try not to put more than one rooster in the same coop as the chickens will fight each other and cause serious injury.
- Keep dangerous pets (like dogs or cats away), and make sure they can't get into the chicken coop.
- Most roosters have "spurs" on the back of their legs, which they use as weapons if they feel threatened. Don't worry, you can cut them off if the spurs put you at risk.
