If they are to remain penned try to move the pen to different locations to allow for foraging. They are excellent foragers so are a good choice for free-range or penned birds. They also have a hardy temperament and will lay eggs even in poor conditions. If you are unsure what type of breed to select for your climate, pick the Rhode Island Red. They are cold hardy, meaning they tolerate cold weather. Rhode Island Reds are a dual-purpose chicken breed dating back to the 1800s and are one of the best egg-producing dual-purpose breeds. Below are some of the best breeds for beginners. Both types can work well in a backyard coop. Standard breeds lay larger eggs and bantams tend to be less flighty. Bantam hens smaller than standard, usually about one quarter the size. Standard size birds are also known as large breed. Most breeds come in two sizes, standard and bantam. You can find breeds that lay colored eggs, breeds that are excellent egg-layers and breeds that are better suited for hot or cold climates. Some breeds are anxious and flighty while other can be cuddly and friendly. Just like breeds of dogs have different traits and personalities, so do chickens. Chicken Breedsīefore purchasing chicks it’s a good idea to do some research to determine what breeds will work best for you. A small flock is good to start so you can be sure to give each bird the care it deserves while you are getting started.
Keep in mind they will get bigger and will have all the food, space, and poop requirements of an adult bird. It can be tempting to want to purchase a lot of chicks because they are so tiny. Hens can lay as many as 2-3 eggs per day once they start laying and with 3 hens you can collect as many as a dozen eggs per day. Don’t select less than three birds when starting your flock. The downside to online hatcheries is that shipping can be stressful on the chicks and you may lose some in the process, particularly if the weather is cold.Ĭhickens are social birds. If you don’t have a local hatchery there are many online ones that will suit your needs. They also are better at sexing chicks and the chicks will typically be in better health as well. Hatcheries often offer a greater selection of breeds and you’ll be able to order exactly what you want. If want you to be sure you’re only purchasing hen chicks rather than roosters, a hatchery may be your best choice. Chicks that labeled “sexed” or “pullet” means the gendered has been determined and they are hens. You have a 50% chance of purchasing hens. They generally only sell chicks that are straight-run meaning the gender of the birds is undetermined. Farm Storesįarm stores usually sell chicks in the spring and the selection will probably be limited. Those places are a farm or hardware store, hatchery, or online hatchery. There are three places where baby chicks are typically purchased. Chicks can get messy so don’t place the brooder in a hard-to-clean area. This might be inside in the garage or the basement. Place the brooder in a safe place away from predators, including other pets.
Chicks need to be fed chick feed until 8 weeks old, then starter or grower feed until 18 weeks. Once the brooder is set up add the chicks and make sure they always have clean water and food. It is a good idea to purchase your chicks in the spring-time, 8 weeks before the night-time temperatures consistently stay above 55 degrees. Place a chick-sized waterer and feeder in the box with the chicks.Ĭhicks need to stay in the brooder for the first 8 weeks of their lives. This is generally a cardboard box with wood shavings, or corn cobs next to a heat lamp. Brooders need to be warm, secure, clean, and have access to food and water. Newly hatched chicks will not be raised by their mothers so you’ll need to set up an environment, called a brooder, that is hen-like and will allow the chicks to grow and thrive. The chickens you purchase will most likely be newly hatched chicks. Check with your local municipality and, if hens are banned, work to change the law before adding chickens to your backyard. You may also be required to obtain a building permit before you add a coop. Some may put a limit on your flock size and regulate where you can put your coop. Some communities may ban roosters, but allow hens. Provide a Safe and Healthy Nesting Areaīefore looking at anything else the first thing you should do is read up on your local laws and regulations.
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