Are you interested in learning about how to get started with chickens? Do you want to join the fun and growing trend? It’s not as hard as you think!
Raising chickens is an incredibly rewarding experience, from enjoying fresh eggs every morning to getting quality fertilizer for your plants. Not to mention, it’s a great way to save money on grocery bills.
Whether you’re new to raising animals or are an experienced hand looking for a fun side project, learning how to raise chickens is easy with a little preparation and some dedication.
In this guide, I’m walking you through all the steps you need to know to understand what it really takes to successfully raise your own flock of happy hens. So, get ready — it’s time to kick off your journey into the world of poultry farming!
What Essentials do I Need?
@ourfriendlyfarmhouse The Essentials ?. All organized available under Baby Chicks in my Amazon Shop profile @scratchandpeckfeeds ? #farmlife #backyardchickens #chickensoftiktok #chickens #scratchandpeckfeeds #paidcollab #farmtok #farming #chicksoftiktok? #learnontiktok #learnwithtiktok #organicchickenfood #scratchandpeck #chickenfood ♬ Sunrise – Norah Jones
Getting started with chickens may seem daunting, but it’s actually easier than you might think. The first step is to grab all the essentials:
- A white brooder
- A small feeder
- Water
- Organic chicken starter feed
- Pine bedding
- Something to house them in such as a plastic storage tub, kennel, or big galvanized chick storage tub.
- Clamp on heat lamp (you typically won’t need extra heat if you are raising chicks in the spring or summer, but if you need extra heat I recommend a separate heat lamp.
- Incubator (if you choose to hatch eggs)
This might sound like a lot, but they will last you a long time and can be reused for future poultry ventures. For more details on exactly what you need, check out my Baby Chick Essentials post.
With your supplies in hand, and your chicken station set up you’re on your way to raising happy, healthy chickens in no time.
I Have My Essentials, Now What?
@ourfriendlyfarmhouse ?We were already incubating silkie chick eggs so we were able to candle it to see! #chickens #backyardchickens #farmlife #farmhouse #stem #learnontiktok #farm #farmtok #backyardfarming #mom #mama #booktok #author #books #writer ♬ I Fall In Love Too Easily – Chet Baker
“Your chicks are here! Please come pick them up!” That’s the call I got today from my local post office and it’s one you’re sure to get too, in the near future!
It may sound funny, but the process to get the chicks from the breeder into your care can be a bit crazy! You need to be ready for the call that it’s time to pick up your chicks, so finding a good hatchery is essential to make the transition go smoothly.
Personally, I love Purely Poultery and Myer Hatchery. I was very impressed with Purely Poultery because they communicated and explained in detail what to expect throughout the entire process. This is helpful, especially for a beginner. They also have the perfect variety of silkies, which is the chicken breed I love.
When it comes to ordering chicks, I recommend getting a minimum batch of 4-5 chickens. Remember, chickens are social animals and they thrive best in a flock. So, it’s best to have more than one.
Keep in mind that companies usually have a required minimum batch because chickens use each other for heat when they are shipped. This is why you need to be on standby to pick up your chickens as soon as they arrive at your local post office.
My Chickens Are Here, What Do I Do Next?
Congratulations on getting your new chickens! Now that they have arrived, your first priority is to make sure they are warm and cozy in their brooder. Lack of proper heat could stress them out and lead to the development of pasty butt syndrome, which can be fatal.
Also, be sure to provide them with plenty of food and water after their long journey. They can go about 24 hours without food and water, but you will want to feed them as soon as you get home. This will go a long way towards keeping them safe and happy.
@ourfriendlyfarmhouse It worked???? #chickens #chickensoftiktok #chicken #farm #farmlife #learnontiktok #booktok #author thanks for the inspo from your journey @Rachel Anne ♬ Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Other Options for Getting Started With Chickens
While baby chicks may be adorable and fascinating to some, they’re not for everyone. If raising them doesn’t pique your interest, here’s a few other options to consider.
First, look into purchasing an incubator and ordering fertilized eggs. I’ve had great success buying mine from eBay!
Another route is buying pullets. This is more expensive, but much less work on your part. These chickens are also closer to laying eggs than baby chicks.
Whatever route you choose, with a little research and effort, you’ll have your own backyard flock in no time!
Raising chickens is the perfect gateway to farming for those who want to dip their toes into the world of agriculture. This enjoyable and fulfilling hobby doesn’t require a lot of experience. It can also be a great way to teach children about different aspects of life.
@ourfriendlyfarmhouse GRWM Mama in a farmhouse style? We eat organic & naturally our chickens do too. Discount: friendlyfarmhouse15 in bio? @Scratch and Peck Feeds partner #scratchandpeckfeeds #scratchandpeck #chickenfood #grwm #mama #organicchickenfood #chickens #farmtok #slowliving #backyardchickens #farmlife ♬ The popular sound – Sam
Not only is it entertaining to watch the chicks grow, but it’s also valuable for your kiddos to understand the source of their food. Watching chickens peck and explore their surroundings can be an engaging experience for the whole family. It might even inspire you to explore other avenues of farming in the future.
So, there you have it! With a good grasp of how to get started on your journey with chickens, you’re now fully prepared to dive into the exciting world of poultry raising.
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