Chickens have been a staple of agriculture for thousands of years. Even today, when most people can buy all the food they need at a grocery store, families still enjoy keeping a backyard flock of chickens. From their farm-fresh eggs to their bold and charming personalities, it’s easy to understand why people like having chickens around. However, if you’re going to try your hand at keeping a feathery flock in your own yard, you should first read up on the best tips and tidbits of advice. Here are three essential things every new chicken owner needs to know before they start their flock.
Research Your Chicken Breeds
Chickens come in many different sizes, colors, capabilities, and personalities. Research different chicken breeds so you come home with a flock that fits your needs and abilities. For example, if fresh and nutritious eggs are your biggest reason for raising chickens, make sure you choose a productive egg-laying breed. If you’re new to the world of agriculture and want calmer, easier birds to take care of, you want a breed with a gentle temperament. Researching chicken breeds will also give you a good idea of the kind of space and set-up your new flock needs.
Chickens Love Routine
While chickens are curious creatures, they enjoy a good routine they can fall back on. This routine should include refilling feeders and waterers, collecting eggs, changing bedding, and opening or closing the coop every day. In fact, sudden changes in environmental factors—such as mixing up the amount of light your birds get during the day—can stress your chickens out and lead to an unhappy, unhealthy flock. If it’s time to introduce a change to your birds, do it slowly, so you don’t throw off the flock’s balance.
A Clean Coop Is a Happy Coop
As with any other part of your home and yard, you must strive to keep your chicken coop clean. This is one of the most important things every new chicken owner needs to know. A clean flock leads to healthier birds, cleaner eggs, and a much more pleasant smell for your yard. The biggest cleaning responsibility when you have chickens is replacing bedding. Fresh, dry bedding does more than just keep your birds comfortable. It also helps prevent the spread of disease or the growth of mold in your coop. When you establish a cleaning routine, you keep everyone healthy and happy.
