Good Lifestyle

Raisser the backyard chickens may seem intimidating, but once you have finished your research and get your bearings, it is one of the most gratifying experiences you can have as owner. Chickens provide fresh eggs, Natural control of pests and Company; Without forgetting, keeping them in your courtyard can embellish the place with jackets and hugs (yes, many chickens like a blood-sang!). But because chickens are living creatures, it is important to go to the project knowing exactly what is necessary to keep them happy and healthy. In front, we asked experts their best chicken advice from the backyard.

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Advantages of the increase in backyard chickens

Fresh eggs

The hens generally lay one egg per day, and these eggs are one of the best advantages of the housing of the backyard chickens. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"I use the eggs for everything: breakup, French cakes and toast," said Andy Ellis , longtime chicken owner and managing director of Posh.co.uk . "I even give my neighbors excess when they need it."

Eggs at cooperative costs generally have a better nutritional profile than those purchased in stores too. They contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lower cholesterol and saturated fat levels; You can store them in the refrigerator up to a month.

Connect to your food sources

If you are new in the cultivation of your own food - or even if you have simply continued to make fruit, vegetables , And herbs In the past, chickens due to chickens can be a revolutionary experience with regard to learning food processes.

"Beyond fresh eggs, the best advantage is to promote a deeper connection with food sources and nature," said Corrie Duffy , the chef behind the culinary blog Corrie Cooks . This can even encourage children to know more about food if it is one of your goals.

Natural control of pests

Your new chickens will also help fight pests. "I have known people who have invested in a small herd exclusively in order to reduce pests in their backyard," said Brett Bennett , director of operations at Pest Pest solutions .

"Chickens eat tons of insects, flies and mosquitoes for ticks and more - they even eat mice - which can help protect your garden plants against pests and also make your courtyard a more pleasant place To spend time, "he notes.

Natural fertilizer

Chickens can even Promote soil health in your court. "Animals constantly produce an excellent fertilizer rich in nitrogen through their excrement," said Ryan Farley , CEO of Lawnmower . "Chicken poop is also rich in other large nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium."

Birds will naturally dig through lots of compost and often leave excrement there.

"Many people I see with backyard chickens end up recycling a lot of their waste in the courtyard and end up with magnificent lush gardens," adds Farley.

Therapeutic company

You might not put chickens in the same category as cats or household dogs, but they can offer many similar therapeutic advantages.

"Chickens have unique personalities and count on the routine," Patrick Biggs , PhD, a nutritionist of the herd for Purina animal nutrition , said to the brand. "This allows guards to easily develop a link with their birds. A herd of backyard chickens can make good therapy animals because they are soothing to watch, relatively easy to maintain and deliver daily rewards under Fresh farm egg form. "

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Things to consider before starting a chicken coop

Cost

Like any pet, there are certain costs that you will meet with chickens. First of all, there is the cost of the coop and the chicken attached.

"A small basic cooperative will cost at least $ 500, then you will have to add tits and small hiding places," explains Ellis. "Larger and more pleasant cooperatives can cost more than $ 2,000 - and they are surprisingly worth it." (The size of the coop will depend on the size of your herd; more about this later!)

Then there is a monthly interview. "Food is around $ 300 a year, bedding and supplies are often about $ 150 per year, then glasses and other important health products will be at least an additional $ 100 each year," said Ellis. "Then you have to take into account the unexpected health problems that could arise and require veterinary attention."

Many chicken owners estimate that they spend between $ 50 and $ 100 per month while maintaining their herd.

Space

Your chickens will require both a cooperative space and a racing space. The coop is the structure of the house where your chickens lay their eggs and sleep at night; The race is a closed space linked to the cooperative where chickens can spend their days.

The quantity of space per chicken in each space can vary slightly depending on the amount of space in the other. For example, if you have a big race, you can have a smaller cooperative, and vice versa.

However, experts from University of Georgia Let's say that most of the chicken breeds should have at least three square feet of space in the chicken cooperative and about four square feet of racing space per chicken. If there is no racing space, aim between eight and 10 square feet of cooperative space.

Health and security

We will explain how to create a safe environment for your chickens below, but first, you must know certain important health and sanitation techniques when collecting eggs. According to Ellis, you will want to recover your eggs daily to avoid rotten eggs or contamination.

When you go to the cooperative, wear designated shoes to avoid the spread of the disease and you always wash your hands carefully after handling chickens or cleaning their cooperative.

You should clean the coop regularly and refresh the bedding of your chickens every week.

Finally, never share equipment with other chicken or bird owners - it could introduce new and potentially harmful bacteria or viruses.

What a chicken breed you want

If you keep hens for eggs, there are a few breeds to consider, and the one you choose will depend on where you live and your climate.

If you live somewhere cool, consider the breeds like Brahma, Chantecler, Australorps, Barred rocks, pigs, Wyandottes or Buff orpingts, according to the Farmer's almanac . If you live in a warm and humid place, look for phoenix, minors, Andalusian, leghorns or pedence.

You should also consider the level of production and personality of eggs in each breed (some birds are more user -friendly than others!).

How many chickens you should keep

Chickens like to socialize, so you will want to start your herd with at least two birds, although three are preferable. You can decide to add additional birds depending on your space or the number of eggs you want to give in.

What chickens eat

If chickens are allowed to wander, they can find a lot of food for themselves, including plants, insects and seeds. In the coldest months or if your short lack of space, you must give them a palette or crumble the chicken. Counts can include berries, corn, leafy green vegetables and fruits.

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How to keep the chickens in your backyard

Check your local laws.

You don't want to break the law by accident! Some towns and villages set limitations to start your own chicken flock, including the number of chickens you are allowed to keep or whether or not you can have chickens and roosters or simply hens. It is best to know the facts before investing in materials.

Build (or buy) your coop.

The main goal of your chicken coop is to protect your herd from dangers such as predators, rain, wind, heat, cold and illness.

He will need a nesting (these should be easily accessible outside your cooperative so that you can recover your eggs), perch bars and traffic vents. You can build your coop yourself, or there are many options available for purchase.

Create a race.

This is where your chickens will exercise. He will have to be adequately locked with metallic fences to protect the chickens from predators. Make sure the fence enters the ground at least one foot to dissuade animals that can dig.

Most chicken owners also keep their feeders and routing in the cooperative (chickens generally do not eat after their job a few minutes before twilight, they can therefore access them during the day they need it most).

Provide daily food and water.

You should make sure your chickens have drinking water every day. You can also feed them every day or use a large -scale eater that can be used for food for several days without filling.

Keep your cooperative clean.

A dirty cooperative increases the risk of infection of your chickens. Each week, you will want to collect excrement and put fresh bedding. At least twice a year, you should do a deep cleaning.

For these, remove the litter and all cooperative accessories such as feeders and perches. Spray the coop with a pipe and disinfect it with a natural cleaner like vinegar and water. Let everything dry in the air, then bring the accessories back, as well as a cool bedding.

Collect your eggs.

Most hens lay their eggs in the middle of the morning and you should collect them as soon as possible. "The more the egg is authorized to stay in the nest, the more the egg is likely that the egg will become dirty, broken or will lose the interior quality", writes Penn State .

Put them directly in wire baskets in plastic cutlery or plastic egg plates and wash the eggs at a hot temperature as soon as you arrive at the sink. Dry and cool them right after.

Protect your plants

Now that your chickens are off to a good start, you will want to secure the rest of your court.

"Chickens can absolutely destroy your plants if they are able to access it, so unless you find a way to prevent your chickens from reaching your plants, you may consider a failed harvest or flowers torn, "said Jeremy Yamaguchi , CEO of Love of lawn . "The chicken thread or a kind of fence will be the best way to keep them away."

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Do the backyard chickens are worth it?

It depends on your priorities! From a monetary point of view, consider that chickens will generally cost between $ 50 and $ 100. If you generally buy farm -standing eggs for $ 10 a dozen, you can reach this level quickly, especially if you are large on the eggs.

However, everything cannot be monetized. You will also want to note the effort you are ready to devote to your chickens and how gratifying it. The answer will be different for everyone!

Conclusion

Having backyard chickens requires a lot of research, whether you have the budget and the space they need to keep their cooperative clean and safe. If you are ready to take up the challenge, it can be very rewarding and you will benefit from the advantages of fresh eggs, the antiparasitic and the company. For more backyard advice, visit Better life again soon.