Raising Chickens: A Beginner’s Guide to Providing 3 Basic Needs for Your Flock, Part 1
Why do you want to raise chickens? Perhaps it’s for pest control (chickens root around the yard and love to feast on fresh bugs of all sorts … When they eat ticks and other annoying bugs, that’s less that will bother you and your garden).
Or, you might want to get your own chickens simply for entertainment. Called “Chicken TV” to some, just watching chickens go about their normal day is an amusing way to pass the time. And listening to their soft coos and clucks is quite relaxing.
But I’m sure you want fresh eggs. At least, that’s the #1 reason our family chose to raise chickens at our home, Wild Sage Homestead.
Oh, it could be for meat. We do have a little chicken in the freezer, but our main reason for raising chickens is for fresh eggs. I’m not an expert on raising chickens for meat so I won’t go into that here, but know that some breeds are better for meat and others are better for eggs. You’ll need to do further research if you want to know more about meat chickens.
Maybe it is all of the above? Either way, you want to know the basics of raising chickens. Honestly, I don’t believe it is as hard as you might think. Now you could spoil them, spends lots of money designing and building a custom coop and giving them the world. But as with most living creatures, it really comes down to providing their basic needs: Water. Food. Shelter.
Before you rush out and buy some adorable little chicks at your local feed store, getting everything setup beforehand is key.
Watering Chickens
Don’t let your chickens go thirsty! Keep fresh drinking water within reach at all times. We started with a small plastic chicken waterer (below). When we got tired of cleaning it and re-filling it, we upgraded to a larger, galvanized metal variety like this, pictured at right.
The size of your flock, seasonal climate and other factors will control how much water you’ll need and how often you will be refilling. Remember evaporation could be a bigger factor in the summer. And if you live in cooler climates (freezing winters) you will need to invest in a heater. Chickens can’t drink a big block of ice!
Note that we keep the waterer in the same place as chickens will get into a routine. Older chickens should find the water okay, even if you move it a bit, but young chicks need direction. Each time you change the water or move young chicks (to clean out shavings, etc.), it is a good idea to dip their beaks into the water before setting them back down inside.
Read Part 2: Feeding Chickens | Skip to Part 3 – Providing Shelter
19 Comments on "Raising Chickens Part 1: A Beginner’s Guide to Providing 3 Basic Needs for Your Flock"
I have always wanted to raise chickens (for the eggs) and just found out recently that it is actually LEGAL in NYC. Apparently we can’t have roosters, but chickens are ok. Thinking about how I can incorporate a couple of chickens into my back yard. Thanks for the info!
Claudia recently posted..The Business of our Party!
You should give it a shot. It’s not too bad to raise about 3 hens in the city … That’s how we started before me moved out in the country and expanded our flock size. You don’t need a rooster to have “farm-fresh” eggs AND they will make less noise than then neighbor’s dog.
Rob Russo recently posted..Raising Chickens Part 1: A Beginner’s Guide to Providing 3 Basic Needs for Your Flock
Oddly enough about a month ago a chicken wondered into our backyard and the kids kept it as a pet and we fed it and gave it water but some animal ate it. Gruesome I know, thanks for the article will bookmark it in case another chicken comes wondering in : )
Karla Campos recently posted..7 Things About Me You May or May Not Know and Can Use Against Me in a Court of Law
Gruesome, maybe, but that’s life. Last summer we had over 40 chickens and until recently when we acquired some new ones, we were down to about a dozen. We lost a lot due to predators.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving us a comment!
Rob Russo recently posted..Real People, Real Food, Real Results: Got Milk?
Great information, Rob! Thank you for sharing…
Great information and advice… not that I am about to raise chickens… but I’d love to share this with some of my friends, who would consider.
Solvita recently posted..3 Keys to Supreme Body Image and Inner Peace
I never really thought about raising chickens. I think I would always imagine eating them. I am sure it may be a little bit more work than I am willing to put in.
Tony Taylor recently posted..7 Qualities of a Great Social Media Manager
Honestly, Tony, I would say they are no more work (or even easier) than caring for a dog.
Rob Russo recently posted..Sausage Balls Recipe
Great information. I look forward to reading the rest as we just bought some chicks this weekend
Kelly recently posted..Nemo
That’s awesome! You will have a blast with them, I’m sure. Good luck!
Rob Russo recently posted..These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
Excellent post! I love my chickens! And I was really surprised just how easy they are to raise. Would you consider adding this to my blogs new homesteading link-up? It’d be a perfect fit! http://littlefarminthebigcity.blogspot.com/2012/04/homestead-helps-wednesday-homestead-hop_11.html
Betty recently posted..Homestead Helps Wednesday Homestead Hop #2
Thanks for stopping by with a comment and suggestion. We would love to join your homesteading hop!
Rob,
One of my contributors to the DC Ladies raises chickens and it always amazes me, she lives right in the middle of this small “town” and here she is with chickens… loved the post, great informative piece!! but you get some great fresh eggs though and talk about “organic!” woo hoo!
Shelley
shelley recently posted..The Dirty Dozen
Is anyone aware of solar powered heaters to keep the chickens’ water from freezing in the winter? I am located north of NYC so it may not even be necessary but thought I would look into it since I don’t have any electricity near the coop.
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