Not all of us are fit for life on the farm. Waking up before dawn, operating huge pieces of heavy-duty farming equipment, leading a 2,000-pound cow to slaughter—let’s face it, it’s not for everyone.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little piece of the farm, whether you live in the country or the suburbs. And the best way to bring some farm-fresh goodness home is to raise your own flock of chickens. If you’re ready for fresh eggs and cute little chickadees, here’s what to know before raising backyard chickens.
Know Your Area
Before you race out to your local Tractor Supply store, keep in mind that owning chickens isn’t the same as owning a dog. Most communities have laws about whether you can keep them on your property. Other areas allow it, but only if you have the proper zoning for it. Be sure to read up on your local ordinances before planning your flock.
Don’t Fly the Coop
Here’s the thing about chickens: everything wants to eat them. And we don’t just mean the hungry people at your dinner table. Foxes, hawks, raccoons, weasels, and even stray dogs may want to sink their teeth into your flock, so you’ll need a quality coop and chicken yard.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when building your flock’s coop:
- Coops should have at least two square feet per chicken.
- Outdoor chicken runs should have between three and six square feet per chicken.
- They should be sturdy enough to withstand wind and rain.
- Coops should be temperature-controlled and stay between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius.
- Add windows, exhaust fans, or vents to ventilate the area.
Also, when you’re decorating the coop, remember that chickens aren’t color blind like the canine members of your household. This fact will be important when painting your chicken coop or putting shiny lawn ornaments near your chicken run.
Study Up on Eggs
You might think the easiest thing to know about raising backyard chickens is how to deal with the eggs. We’ve all seen enough prairie shows to know that you just put the eggs in a basket; then you’re ready for the best omelet of your life, right?
Well, farm-fresh eggs are a little different from the eggs you get out of the carton. For example:
- When a hen lays an egg, it’s covered with a protective film called a “bloom.”
- You don’t have to refrigerate eggs with a bloom for up to two weeks.
- You can remove the bloom by rinsing the eggs with water.
- Once the bloom is gone, you’ll have to refrigerate the eggs.
- You should always rinse eggs off before cooking with them.
Keep in mind that, although they typically lay one egg a day, hens may stop laying in the cooler months. Also, you don’t need a rooster to produce eggs.
Image Credit: #152897382 “close up on chicken in side coop in back yard”
Comments