Raising chickens for fresh eggs has gained popularity as a sustainable way to provide a fresh, reliable source of food right in your own backyard. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, healthier eating, or the enjoyment of raising chickens, this guide will help you start your backyard flock.
Deciding the right breed
While there are many different breeds of chickens, if you want an ample supply of eggs here are a few recommendations:
- Rhode Island Red- Friendly and calm. Can tolerate both warm and cold climates. They can start laying eggs around 16 weeks and will produce about 250 eggs per year.
- Orpington– Very gentle and friendly for beginner and young children to handle. Can tolerate both warm and cold climates. Lays about 200 eggs per year.
- Barred Rock (Plymouth Rock)– Easygoing but not as outgoing as other chickens. Does well in cool and warm climates. Lays around 250 eggs a year.
- Easter Eggers– Friendly and curious. They are well known for their green, pink, or blue eggs. Lays around 260 eggs per year.
- Cuckoo Maran– Calm and friendly. They can tolerate most temperatures but do better in cooler climates. Lays 250 eggs per year.
If you are just starting your journey with raising chickens, consider starting with 4-6 young hens or hens that are already laying. This will help you get accustomed to caring for them and assess how much time you can devote to your flock. It will also allow you to decide if you want to try raising chicks in the future.
Building Your Chicken Coop
You can find many great plans if you plan on building your coop. Many businesses like Tractor Supply sell other varieties of coops, depending on your needs. Here is what to think about when setting up your coop:
Space: They need space to be happy! Each chicken requires about 2 square feet inside the coop and 5 square feet in the outdoor run. Be sure the coop has windows or vents to help circulate the temperatures.
Nesting Boxes: Aim for one nesting box per 3-4 hens. Add straw or shavings to give your chickens a comfortable place to lay their eggs. We use these shavings in our boxes.
Security: We have lost chickens due to predators, so it is important that your coop and run are securely enclosed with sturdy wire mesh and that doors can be locked at night. We have about 20 chickens and use something like this for the outside run and have not had a problem since.
Make sure your coop and run are fully set up before introducing your chickens to their new home. Clean out the coop and refresh the bedding weekly. This helps prevent disease and keeps the environment comfortable for your chickens.
Feeding Your Chickens
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining egg production and keeping your chickens healthy. Here’s what your chickens need:
Feed: Choose a high-quality feed designed for laying hens. This ensures they get the right amount of protein, calcium, and nutrients. You can also add in an extra treat to keep the chickens happy. Our girls enjoy these mealworms, and this is the food we give them.
Even though we provide plenty of feed for them, we let our chickens free-range in the yard during the day because it gives them a chance to forage naturally. They find different insects, plants, and other treats such as berries and other fallen fruits which help keep them healthy and happy.
Calcium: Provide extra calcium through crushed oyster shells or ground eggshells. This helps keep eggshells strong and prevents issues like soft eggs. Once your flock starts laying you can reuse the used eggs and crush them up. Until then you can use something like these oyster shells.
Water: Make sure chickens always have access to fresh water. Refill their water daily and ensure the containers are kept clean. We like the Harris Farms waterer because it doesn’t need to be detached from the run, and our kids can help refill the container.
Enjoying Your Eggs
Raising hens is a great way to enjoy fresh eggs while embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. Starting with a few young hens or those that are already laying will allow you to almost immediately see the benefits of backyard chicken-keeping. From setting up a coop to feeding your flock and collecting eggs, the routine can quickly become both rewarding and enjoyable.
If you have children, involving them help collect eggs every day, can be a fun and rewarding task. Fresh eggs can last up to a month if stored properly. One of the best things about raising chickens is the access to fresh eggs right from our backyard and the noticeable flavor in each meal we make with them.
With the right setup and care, you’ll not only enjoy delicious, homegrown eggs but also contribute to an eco-friendly way of living. Starting your backyard flock is a rewarding step toward sustainability, and fresh eggs are just the beginning.
References
Cuckoo Marans. Murray McMurray Hatchery. (n.d.). https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/cuckoo_maran.html
Kauffman, M. (2023, December 15). Guide to raising chickens step by step: Benefits of raising chickens. The Hen House Collection. https://www.thehenhousecollection.com/blog/guide-to-raising-chickens/
Lehr, A. (2021, October 6). Best chicken breeds for beginners. Grubbly Farms. https://grubblyfarms.com/blogs/the-flyer/best-chicken-breeds-for-beginners?srsltid=AfmBOoroKS75Ke8viJ2cmNx9q5PGdxTTbJgcHgJGEyrxqaLmVJKOpPoA
Lehr, A. (2022, September 23). How Big of a Chicken Coop Do I Need?. Grubbly Farms. https://grubblyfarms.com/blogs/the-flyer/how-big-of-a-coop-do-i-need?srsltid=AfmBOor5NsC6e0AzWEhyp1B8nnHknYoVIdAyWXwJkZtv6jOLvK4v084u
OverEZ. (n.d.). Best chicken breeds for beginners. OverEZ Chicken Coop. https://overezchickencoop.com/blogs/from-the-chicken-coop/best-chicken-breeds-for-beginners?srsltid=AfmBOoqhwWX7IJquUnOqFF6_NR4Qxxets_zLokHx5YqFOgZVcbghIg-H
