Raising your own chickens is a great way to make money while learning the ins and outs of farming. They don’t take much effort, and you can sell the eggs and meat for a healthy profit.
Keeping your chickens happy takes just a few simple steps. Here are the best practices for raising chickens on a farm.
Build a Chicken Coop
The first thing you’ll need for your chickens is a coop for them to live in. Chickens need somewhere to go at night, and a coop offers a familiar space they can be comfortable in. Give them plenty of space so they don’t get territorial, and ensure the door is sturdy so predators can’t get in.
Make sure your chicken coop has plenty of airflow from the outside. You can find chicken coops prebuilt for home delivery, but you can make your own to save money. Use these tips for building a chicken coop to give them a home to thrive in.
Clean and Feed Regularly
Chickens require plenty of food and water. They prefer to eat grains, vegetables, and fruits but remember not to feed them too often. A common practice is splitting their meals so they can eat twice daily. You can feed by hand or purchase a dispenser to automate the process.
You’ll need to keep their living space clean with all the food they eat. Regularly cleaning every week, with a more thorough cleaning once a year, will ensure your chickens don’t get sick and spread disease among themselves or to you and your family.
Find a Local Vet
To ensure the health of your chickens, find a local vet capable of offering assistance. It may be tempting to ignore your flock and leave them to themselves, but the cost of injuries and illness can add up quickly if not dealt with as soon as possible.
Take lethargic chickens with droopy wings to the vet as soon as possible. Birds that are hiding, inactive, or leaving odd-looking droppings could present a threat to others. Nasal discharge and swelling are potential signs of bird flu, so be extremely careful when handling sick chickens.
Consider the Needs of Your Flock
Chickens are living, breathing creatures. They need food, water, and shelter just like we do. Learning the basics of raising chickens is essential to be a successful farmer.
These best practices for raising chickens on a farm will ensure you have all the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed.
